At the largest Youth and Child Welfare Congress in Europe DJHT workshop, focused on democracy and organizational development in international youth work, the IB and their partner Europa Direkt e. V. from Dresden showcased their work and their experience. Europa Direkt e. V. coordinates the German-French network "Diversity-Participation" between Saxony and Occitanie. Around 35 people attended the session.
Former participants of a vocational preparation program were also present and shared their experiences from a youth exchange in France that took place three years ago. A short film documenting this German-French exchange with an IB group vividly captures these experiences.
The workshop continued with a World Café session that allowed for deeper exploration of the topics discussed. All in all, it was a successful event marked by active participation and engaging discussions!
International youth work and exchanges are essential for promoting democratic values in a meaningful and lasting way. They create opportunities for young people to connect across cultures, engage in open dialogue, and actively participate in shaping their societies. Through these shared experiences, young people not only broaden their perspectives but also learn to navigate differences with empathy and respect. They gain critical thinking skills, intercultural understanding, and a stronger sense of what it means to be part of a democratic community. In an increasingly interconnected world, these exchanges help foster a generation that values participation, inclusion, and cooperation—and is ready to stand up for democracy values.