Gathering of Youth at Wiesbaden's International Event
Wiesbaden-Biebrich and Shkodra Youth Exchange Promotes Solidarity in Europe
The Children, Youth, and Neighborhood Center Biebrich (JUZ Biebrich) in Wiesbaden, Germany, recently hosted a group of young guests from the Arka Youth Center in Shkodra, Albania, as part of a youth exchange program. This exchange was a strong sign of solidarity from young people across Europe.
The theme of the visit was "Social (In)Justice - Let's Get the Good Life!", in line with the Youth Work department in the Office for Social Work's annual theme. The exchange, funded by the EU Erasmus+ Youth program, was organized by JUZ Biebrich, Wiesbaden International specialist office, and the Arka Youth Center Shkodra.
During their stay, the young people delved into Jewish history in Wiesbaden, in collaboration with Spiegelbild - Political Education Wiesbaden e.V. They also visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where they discussed the role of Europe in questions of social justice and Albania's accession perspective to the European Union.
The program went beyond a typical vacation, enabling personal encounters, joint learning, and mutual recognition. Shared leisure activities included visiting the Neroberg climbing forest, the Dialog Museum in Frankfurt, a breakdance contest at the Schlachthof, joint cooking, and a trip to Rüdesheim.
The ceremony took place at the town hall on August 5th, guided by Dr. Patricia Becher, Deputy Mayor for Social Affairs, Education, and Housing. During the ceremony, the young people received their EU Youthpass as a visible sign of their engagement, learning processes, and growing intercultural competence.
Dr. Patricia Becher stated that such experiences foster understanding for each other and show that Europe is more than a political project. She emphasized that these exchanges are essential for building a cohesive and inclusive Europe.
For more information about the JUZ Biebrich Youth Exchange, including schedules, participant testimonials, or application information, please visit the coordinating youth centers' official web/social media outlets. The contact information for the responsible department or office is provided: Schlossplatz 6, 65183 Wiesbaden, [email protected].
This press release was published by the Press Office of the State Capital Wiesbaden. The visit was a return trip following a previous trip by young people from Wiesbaden-Biebrich to Albania in the summer of 2024. The exchange aims to continue fostering understanding and action on social justice topics among young people from Germany and Albania, encouraging participants to explore themes such as human rights, equality, inclusion, and community activism.
- The exchange, focusing on 'education-and-self-development' topics, such as social justice, human rights, and community activism, has significantly contributed to the 'lifestyle' of the participating youth, broadening their worldview and fostering intercultural understanding.
- Upon returning from the youth exchange in Wiesbaden, the young participants expressed their intentions to engage in 'travel' to Albania in the future, inspired by their experiences and newfound solidarity with their counterparts, aiming to continue cultivating the European Union's values of cohesion and inclusivity.
