Group Assembly of Youth in Wiesbaden on a Global Scale
International Youth Exchange Promotes Intercultural Understanding and Empowerment
The recent youth exchange, funded by the EU Erasmus+ Youth program, brought together young people from JUZ Biebrich (Jugendzentrum Biebrich) in Wiesbaden, Germany, the Arka Youth Center in Shkodra, Albania, and local youths. This collaborative international initiative aimed to foster intercultural understanding, personal development, and active citizenship among young people from these regions.
Focus on Intercultural Exchange, Youth Empowerment, and Educational Themes
The program was designed to promote cultural awareness and mutual understanding between youths from Germany and Albania. It encouraged young people to develop social skills, leadership, and engagement in community activities. The educational and social themes often centred around topics such as social inclusion, combating discrimination, environmental awareness, and active participation in society. The exchange also supported the broader goals of European youth cooperation and solidarity, building networks and friendships across borders.
Key Activities and Outcomes
The key activities included workshops, cultural presentations, community projects, outdoor and team-building activities, and discussions and reflection sessions. These activities aimed to foster teamwork, trust, and personal growth. The outcomes of the exchange were enhanced intercultural competence, personal growth, stronger networks, community impact, and increased European engagement.
Highlights of the Exchange
A special highlight was a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on August 4th, where they discussed the role of Europe in questions of social justice and Albania's accession perspective to the European Union. The visit created space for new friendships and strengthened intercultural togetherness. The measure was a strong sign of young people for a solidarity Europe, going beyond a vacation program and enabling personal encounters, joint learning, and mutual recognition.
The youth exchange visit took place in the town hall on August 5th, guided by Dr. Patricia Becher, Deputy Mayor for Social Affairs, Education, and Housing. The press release was published by the Press Office of the State Capital Wiesbaden. Dr. Patricia Becher stated that young people who meet across borders, listen to each other, and think about social justice are a strong democratic promise.
The youth visited the city council chamber and briefly stopped by the office of the Mayor during the town hall tour. The Children, Youth, and Neighborhood Center Biebrich (JUZ Biebrich) hosted a group of young guests from the Arka Youth Center in Shkodra, Albania. The visit was a return trip for young people from Wiesbaden-Biebrich who had previously visited Albania in the summer of 2024.
The young people explored the topic through various methods, including playful introductions, city explorations, and joint reflections on life realities, chances, and inequalities. The exchange was organized by JUZ Biebrich, the Wiesbaden International specialist office of the Youth Work department, and the Arka Youth Center Shkodra.
Joint leisure activities included visiting the Neroberg climbing forest, the Dialog Museum in Frankfurt, a breakdance contest at the Schlachthof, cooking Albanian dishes, and an excursion to Rüdesheim. The annual theme of the Youth Work department in the Office of Social Work was "Social (In)Justice - Let's get the good life!". They also discussed Jewish history in Wiesbaden and its current significance in cooperation with Spiegelbild - Political Education Wiesbaden e.V.
For more specific information about a particular edition of this exchange (dates, participant numbers, detailed programs), such information is usually available via the organizers—JUZ Biebrich, Arka Youth Center, or local municipal youth offices—since each exchange can vary year-by-year.
Education and self-development were key areas of focus during the international youth exchange, with the program encouraging young participants to develop social skills, leadership, and engagement in community activities. The exchange also centered around topics such as social inclusion, combating discrimination, environmental awareness, and active participation in society, thereby promoting personal growth and strengthening intercultural competence.
