In March, I had the opportunity to participate in a youth exchange in Germany, lasting almost two weeks, in collaboration with the NGO USB (United Societies of Balkans). This experience was truly unique and valuable for me, both on a personal and social level.
During the program, we visited three different cities, Hamburg, Husum and Cologne, and we came into contact with different aspects of German culture and everyday life. The main theme of the exchange was democracy and human rights, and through creative activities, workshops and open discussions, we were able to explore these issues in depth.
What stood out to me most was the intense interaction between the participants, as we exchanged opinions, experiences and concerns, and created an environment of mutual respect and cooperation. At the same time, we had the opportunity to present and promote Greek culture, which made the experience even more meaningful and personal.
Through this participation, I not only gained new knowledge about human rights and the importance of active citizenship, but I also developed communication, collaboration and critical thinking skills. It was a very valuable experience for me and will definitely be an impetus for me to continue participating in similar actions in the future.
Chrysa Damaskinou
I participated in a program in Germany called The Table We Share, a Greek-German program of USB. I really liked the fact that we visited many different places, from big cities like Cologne and Hamburg, to Husum, a small seaside town, which created a very nice combination of experiences. I also really appreciated the quality debates we had on contemporary issues, such as ecology and democracy. Finally, I got closer to some kids from the German group, which I really liked and was one of my main goals from the beginning.
Terzis Dimitrios
My experience in this youth exchange was truly unique. It was my first time traveling on this type of program and it was amazing both the places we visited and the people I met on the trip. I made new friends that I hope to keep and I really hope that you continue to do this program and give other young people the opportunity to experience such a journey as I did.
Sotiris Ikonomou
The program in Germany "the table we share" was a special experience as it combined the youth exchange while at the same time we settled in 3 different cities for its implementation. Something that I personally encounter for the first time. I socialized and made friends not only with Greeks but also Germans. We managed to collaborate and delve into the concept of democracy and what it represents. Finally, we explored the culture of Germany through the way of life, the historical museums and the food we tried. A unique experience that I will remember for a lifetime.
Panos Maestros
My experience in this program will for sure be unforgettable. Our debates and discussions, our reconnection with nature and the funny energisers. Each day was a new chapter full of laughter, team building and knowledge. It filled me with joy, curiosity about many new things and that’s why I am grateful about “the table we shared”!
Constantina Kalaitzidou
My participation in the program gave me the opportunity to see and experience things that I would not have been able to experience otherwise. I learned a lot, not only about the different culture, but also about how other people perceive democracy and coexistence.
At the same time, I got to know Germany and its people in a more meaningful and authentic way. But the most important thing was the friendships that were created during these days, friendships that I will definitely miss.
Overall, it was an incredible experience that made me see the world in a different light and that I will never forget.
Yiorgos Ikonomakis
The “The Table We Share” of the Greek-German program was a very beautiful and meaningful experience, through which I had the opportunity to travel to Hamburg, Husum and Cologne, to participate in interesting activities and to meet people with different experiences and cultures. Special moments for me were the visit to the migration museum in Hamburg, the 7 days in Husum with the group activities and the one-day trip to Sylt, as well as the last stop in Cologne, where we got to know the city and closed the program all together with a beautiful farewell around the theme of Greek food culture. Through this whole experience I created beautiful acquaintances, bonded with several people through the common activities and kept very positive memories from a program that promoted dialogue, cooperation and cultural exchange.
Athanasios Stratselas
The world is meant to be experienced. Tables are meant to be shared. Those are exactly the things we had the chance of doing in this initiative. Apart from educating ourselves through emigration museums, world war memorials and nature walks, we also strolled around the big cities of Hamburg and Cologne. Though, the surprise came in between these two; Husum. Tucked away in the northwestern parts of Germany, this hidden-gem of a town gifted us with the most valuable of things; endless calmness, fresh air, a unique housing experience and a community with which we could enjoy those gifts. It was there that the whole project made sense… it was there that we got to know each other better, participate in compelling debates and conversations and disturb the chasm of foreignity. Altogether an unforgettable experience.
Aggelos Krachtopoulos
It is apparent that young people, after spending years indoors on their smartphones, have become eager to spend time in nature. And the youth exchange in Husum, provided just that balancing experience that we needed! More than that, it allowed us to explore how Hamburg and Cologne act as the trading harbor and the cultural center of Germany respectively, converging to the idea that history, migrations and nations are the "Table we share" as societies!
Interestingly enough the North Sea that we encountered in Husum, differs a lot from the sunny beach environment we are used to in Greek summers. Not only you have to be cautious of the fact that the water levels change due to the tides twice daily, but also that the ground isn't exactly sand, but coiled, wiggly piles of casts created by sea worms!
Throughout the working days we focused on three domains: food culture, democracy, and sustainability. When it comes to such sensitive issues, Gen Z takes a serious and technical stance, without living space for fun and controversy, when it comes to debate discussions. But is that discipline a strength of genuine engagement, or a subtle trap for the appearance of rigor?
Yiorgos Krachtopoulos
I participated in the USB the table we share program in Germany and it was a unique experience that inspired me to seek out other similar activities. I met wonderful people and visited beautiful cities, with Husum standing out as my favorite.
Aggelos Athanasios Lamprinos