Project manager and experienced social education worker Tamara Hagen had already planned the program with the group in advance. The young men and women contributed their ideas and coordinated with each other. In the first week of the fall break, they traveled by train via Cologne, the Netherlands and Belgium to France. In Brussels, the group was impressed by the old town and the exhibition on the EU and the EU Parliament. In Paris, the 276-metre-high Eiffel Tower was a challenge for anyone with a fear of heights. But together the group strengthened and helped each other and grew closer.
The "highlight" was also the furthest destination: the visit to the French twin town of Créteil. The group was warmly welcomed by the "Créteil Jumelages" twinning committee with a typical French breakfast: croissants, cocoa and juice.
After getting to know each other, the group gained a lot of insight into the work of the committee. During a joint walk through the center of the twin town and past the town hall, everyone got to know each other better. Over lunch, the group discussed ideas for new joint projects and a possible internship for one of the participants in Créteil.
On the way back from Paris to Salzgitter, the participants visited the "Center for Culture and Media" in Karlsruhe to find out about the diversity of this unique cultural institution. The exhibition "zkm_gameplay. the next level" aroused particular interest. It (is divided into five thematic areas and) shows the beginnings of computer game culture through to current developments and playful experiments.
With many experiences under their belts, it was then time to say goodbye. The participants were impressed by what they had experienced, even if their feet could be felt in the evening after the many activities and visits... This did not dampen the good mood. The follow-up meeting is planned for December, when the focus will be on summarizing and reminiscing over homemade French crêpes...
Information:
The trip took place during the fall vacations as part of the international youth work of the City of Salzgitter's Municipal Children and Youth Development Department.
If you are interested in international projects or experiences abroad for young people from Salzgitter, a specialist from the Youth and Democracy Promotion Team of the City of Salzgitter's Municipal Children and Youth Promotion Department will be happy to advise you.
For many years, the Municipal Children and Youth Development Department has been visiting the twin towns with groups of young people from Salzgitter. In youth encounters, the participants experience a varied program (including excursions, games, fun and exercise) about the twin towns, their region and culture. A relaxed exchange and meeting each other is particularly important.
Interested parties can find contact details online via the city of Salzgitter's new family app(https://www.familie-sz.de). The app also lists the wide range of services offered by the municipal children and youth support service and other services for families, children, young people and young adults in Salzgitter.