Encountering, Remembering and Shaping Europe at the Educational Learning Site of Weimar
The Violation and Defence of Human Dignity in the 20th Century: A German-Czech Perspective
15. – 20. November 2026
exclusive project
english
The German-Czech youth exchange enables young people to explore Europe as a shared space of historical and contemporary experiences. At the educational learning site of Weimar, participants examine the violation and defence of human dignity in the 20th century – from the Weimar Republic through National Socialism and the GDR to the experiences of Czechoslovakia.
The focus is on the history of Buchenwald concentration camp and its European dimension, as well as questions of responsibility, exclusion and cultures of remembrance. Personal family memories of life under socialism in the GDR and Czechoslovakia provide an opportunity to exchange perspectives on individual life stories. A visit to the Andreasstraße Memorial and Educational Centre, together with a discussion with a contemporary witness who was formerly imprisoned for political reasons, deepens the participants’ understanding of state repression, civil courage and the possibilities for individual action.
Drawing on these historical experiences, the young people reflect on their own role in today’s Europe. In creative workshops, they develop visions for a democratic, diverse and inclusive future based on solidarity. Intercultural communication games, language animation, joint explorations of the city and leisure activities encourage participants to get to know one another, communicate in German and Czech, and develop an awareness of their differences and common ground.
Target group
Young people from Germany and the Czech Republic
Cooperation partners
Freie Schule Angermünde (Germany)
Gymnázium Karviná (Czech Republic)
Project leaders
Steve Eichler (EJBW)
Funding
Tandem – Czech-German Coordination Centre
