Internationale Angebote

The project “Where Do I Belong? – Exploring Identity and Connection” is an international youth exchange designed to help young people from diverse cultural backgrounds explore, express, and connect with their personal and collective identities. Through creative workshops, discussions, and collaborative activities, the project aims to foster understanding, build connections, and celebrate the shared human experience of belonging.

Project Content:

This youth exchange seeks to answer the question "Where do I belong?" by encouraging young people to reflect on their individual and group identities, cultural backgrounds, and the ways in which they relate to others. By creating an environment that emphasizes openness and creativity, the project aims to empower participants to understand themselves and others better while promoting intercultural dialogue and inclusion.

Creative Sessions:

Depending on the interests and skills of the participants, they could, for example, develop a theater play, a mural, or a musical composition.

In a creative process, the young participants will represent the theme of belonging in different societal and cultural contexts. The project will address both old and new forms of belonging: from traditional communities and family structures to modern, diverse concepts of belonging, such as in digital spaces or global communities.

Other Program Activities:

• Workshop: "Religion and Belonging"
  An interactive workshop that explores the role of religion in the formation of communities and belonging. The participants will learn how religion serves as a strong marker of belonging but can also create tensions and conflicts. This workshop will offer a space for dialogue and exchange where religious identities can be discussed respectfully and openly.
• Team Building and Getting to Know Each Other:
  At the start of the project, team-building activities will be organized to help the young participants get to know each other better, build trust, and establish initial connections. These activities will include tasks and games that promote cooperation and communication.
• Actionbound through Magdeburg:
  The participants will take part in an interactive Actionbound through the city of Magdeburg, where they will explore its landmarks and history while learning about its cultural diversity and the exchange within the city. Quizzes and tasks will be integrated, reflecting the theme of belonging and identity.
• Reflection and Discussion:
  Throughout workshops and discussion rounds, the participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and impressions, discussing challenges related to belonging and identity.

Expected Outcomes:

• A Creative Product: A creative product like a theater or music performance that explores the various dimensions of belonging, reflecting the importance of diversity and community in the 21st century.
• Intercultural Awareness: Through the workshops and cultural activities, the participants will gain a deeper understanding of the various forms of belonging, both within their own cultural contexts and through exchange with others.
• Promotion of Empathy and Tolerance: The project aims to foster empathy and tolerance by encouraging the participants to reflect on their own identities and sense of belonging while understanding others' perspectives.
• Strengthening the Sense of Community: By working together on a theater piece and engaging in shared cultural activities, the sense of belonging to a transcultural community will be strengthened.

Projektziel:

Ziel der Jugendbegegnung ist es, den Teilnehmenden eine interaktive und erlebnisorientierte Auseinandersetzung mit der Geschichte Magdeburgs und den interkulturellen Einflüssen in der Stadt zu ermöglichen.

Ein weiteres zentrales Ziel ist die Förderung eines reflektierten Umgangs mit Migration und den Herausforderungen interkultureller Begegnungen. Die Jugendlichen sollen lernen, wie Migration Städte über die Jahrhunderte geprägt hat und welche positiven Beiträge Vielfalt leistet. Gleichzeitig setzen sie sich mit Vorurteilen und Stereotypen auseinander, insbesondere im Kontext des Anschlags auf den Magdeburger Weihnachtsmarkt 2024.

Projektaktivitäten:

• Interaktive Stadtführung: Die Teilnehmenden recherchieren historische und aktuelle Orte interkultureller Einflüsse in Magdeburg. Mit der App Actionbound entwickeln sie einen Rundgang, der die Geschichte der Migration thematisiert. Der Rundgang kombiniert Information, Quizze und interaktive Aufgaben.
• Social-Media-Kampagne: Parallel zur Stadtführung entwickeln die Jugendlichen eine Social-Media-Kampagne, um ihre Entdeckungen öffentlich zu teilen. Ziel ist es, das Bewusstsein für Migration und interkulturelle Vielfalt zu schärfen.
• Workshop „Rechtsruck in Europa“: Die Teilnehmenden setzen sich mit den Ursachen und Folgen rechtspopulistischer Bewegungen auseinander. Der Workshop fördert kritisches Denken und stärkt die Reflexion über demokratische Werte, Toleranz und Vielfalt.

The focus of this training course is on »mental health and resilience in youth work«, a topic that has become increasingly important in light of recent global challenges such as the pandemic, social instability, and economic uncertainties. This course aims to provide youth workers with a comprehensive understanding of mental health, resilience-building strategies, and the support structures available at both national and European levels.

Throughout the course, participants will explore a variety of practical methods and tools designed to promote mental well-being among young people. By sharing experiences and discussing best practices, we will focus on strengthening resilience, fostering mental awareness, and creating supportive environments for youth.