It was the largest youth welfare summit in Europe: The German Child and Youth Welfare Congress (DJHT) took place at the Leipzig Trade Fair, and ended with a record number of 30,000 visitors. Around 300 events were held under the motto ‘Realising Democracy through Participation’. A delegation from the network of Generation Europe – The Academy was also on site to present our approach of combining local participatory youth empowerment with European networking.
Therefore, the trip to Leipzig was not just about visiting exhibitions, workshops and panels organised by others. Under the workshop title ‘Take action – Youth participation with the Ambassadors of Generation Europe’, activists from our network presented the ‘Guide to Activism’. This is a comprehensive digital resource and the result of collaboration between experienced youth workers, social researchers and young activists from across Europe. It brings together over 40 personal stories and practical lessons learned about successful activism. Unlike traditional guides, it encourages young people to engage in a dynamic, non-linear exploration. The guide aims to empower individuals to initiate meaningful change in their communities and beyond. The workshop focused on the use of the guide in youth work by professionals and self-organised youth groups. Some video impressions.
As part of the international track Europe@DJHT, our programme and team coordinator Lucia Andreatta was also invited as a speaker to discuss the European Youth Work Agenda and its opportunities for the future of youth work. In this practitioners’ panel, she presented insights from the project and networking activities of Generation Europe – the Academy and discussed with the other panellists where the implementation process stands since the introduction of European Yoth Work Agenda five years ago.
Beyond that, we also made new contacts and strengthened existing ones at the 20,000 square metre exhibition space, which featured nearly 300 stands from youth work organisations, associations, networks, projects, local authorities and other players in the field. Many thanks to everyone who made this valuable and important exchange possible!
