Foster young life in rural areas - From community to diversity

This training workshop is the second part of a project that began last summer. Participation does not require knowledge from the first part of the workshop. An update for the newcomers will be provided at the beginning of the workshop.

In this workshop we will reflect about and acquire skills and ideas to bring progress and living perspectives for young people into rural areas. We will discover the rural area of Hoher Meißner in Northern Hesse (Germany) seeking for projects and institutions that focus on community, sustainability, inclusion and the preservation of the historical heritage and learning from it. Using creative learning methods and field research we want to talk about the challenges for young people, which result from the rural exodus, brain drain and overaging of rural villages.

In addition to the beautiful natural surroundings, the Hoher Meißner region is rich in the history of the youth movement and alternative living, working and participation projects that need to be explored. How can we discover, elaborate and expand practices of social and ecological and sustainable transformation? What is supporting quality of life in the rural areas and how can we contribute to breaking down social and economic barriers and make rural areas more attractive and liveable for young people again? How is youth in rural areas specifically affected by the menace of climate change and environmental protection?

Working on these questions we want to enable ourselves to support the creation of inclusive spaces and to promote diversity. We want to learn from each other and together as well as self-reflect and critically analyse our work in our environments.

Our programme will take us to the following places among others: The youth castle “Burg Ludwigstein”, the communes of Niederkaufungen & gASTwerke, the Foxmill-network, the Synagogue of Abterode.

The workshop is mainly addressed to activists, youth workers and trainers in non-formal education. Freelancers and people that are interested in this field are welcome as well as people that face discrimination or have fewer opportunities.

If you want to be part of this process with us, we would ask you to fill out our application form. https://www.practicelarp.net/limesurvey/index.php/799694?lang=en

Available (only) for residents from Italy, Germany and Austria!