ERASMUS+, Key Action 1: youth exchage
Dates: 8—13 December 2024
Venue: Berlin, Germany
Czech team: 4 participants + 1 group leader
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: Youth Power Germany
Project report:
In early December 2024, our small group embarked on an inspiring journey to Berlin to participate in an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project titled „Stories in Motion: Art for Change!“ that was organized by a German NGO called Youth Power Germany. From December 8th to 13th, we stayed in a nice hostel in the heart of Berlin. Although the exchange was brief, lasting just five days, it was incredibly impactful and extremely diverse with 22 participants from 12 different countries who were sent by partner organizations in the Czech Republic, Austria, Spain, Italy and Poland. Under the great leadership of facilitators Daniel and Veronica from Youth Power Germany, we explored topics of diversity, equality and inclusion through the lens of creative expression and filmmaking.
Beyond our engaging workshops, we also explored Berlin’s rich history. On the second day of the Exchange Daniel and Veronica showed us Berlin’s important historical sights that were related to the topic of the exchange. Personally, I have been to Berlin many times, but I have never before visited the Memorial of Sintu and Roma victims of National socialism. We also participated in a smart conference about digital networking of youth workers all around the world.
After the first sessions when we all got to meet each other, we brainstormed topics that we wanted to creatively explore in our artistic projects. Once our ideas were finalized, we formed 4 small groups to bring them to life. At the final presentation, each group presented their short documentaries or photo series which documented our experiences with diversity, equality and inclusion in Berlin. When making our projects we got a lot of experience with photoshooting, video making and editing. Each group’s final presentation showcased a short documentary or photo series, offering unique perspectives on diversity, equality, and inclusion as seen through the lens of Berlin’s culture and history. One group’s documentary beautifully illustrated how vastly different people share common ground when facing life’s essential questions. Another group delivered a striking metaphor on art’s power to disrupt societal norms, comparing it to the holes in a block of cheese.
This exchange left us not only with practical skills in photography and filmmaking but also with a deeper understanding of how art can drive societal change. It reminded us of the power of collaboration, creativity, and shared values in building a more inclusive world. I think all participants really enjoyed the project and learned a lot about artistic expression and about themselves.
Martin
