International youth exchanges and cross-border activities are a cornerstone of European and global integration. Because of the corona pandemic, however, youth exchanges have come to a standstill for the time being - a deep turning point for many young people, but also for international youth work as a whole. We at Ludwig Wolker e.V. also had to cancel or postpone our planned projects for 2020 - and the year 2021 is still uncertain.
Nevertheless, we would like to continue promoting encounters for peace and tolerance and bring young people together across borders. We're trying digital, and it works pretty well!
For example, we were able to establish a new partnership with "International Young Catholic Students" (IYCS) in Kenya - we connect via Zoom, Wonder, WhatsApp and other modern options. In a few months, 10 young people from Nairobi and 10 young people from Berlin came together, who did not know each other before, but who are now developing a project idea together. Participatory planning at its best! The result: an idea for a project on the subject of SDG5 gender equality, which aims to focus on the position of girls and women as well as the prevention of violence and discrimination. Read more about this project here: Exchange for Equality.
With our partner group in Kyiv, Ukraine, we are planning a meeting for summer 2021. We are still very hopeful that we as a German group will be able to travel to Kyiv and pursue the topic of "sustainability" there. It should be about climate justice, environmental protection, as well as interesting initiatives for upcycling. Maybe you would like to be there? There are still a few places available. Read more about it here: Green City, Green World.
We also stay digitally connected with our partners in Sweden, Hong Kong and Israel. The time will come when we will all travel and meet again in "real" life.
Until then, we cordially invite all interested young people to join us and make new worldwide contacts. Send us a short message and join!
