60+ Youth from 12 Nations Gather in Czech Republic for 'Living Democracy' Summer Camp
Over 60 young people, aged 14 to 17, from twelve nations, including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, gathered in the Czech Republic for an International Summer Camp. The event, held in late July in Žacléř (Schatzlar), focused on 'living democracy' and was organized by the Institute for Foreign Relations (ifa), the Goethe-Institut, and the Landsmannschaft of German Associations in the Czech Republic.
The camp took place in a mountain hut on the edge of the Giant Mountains. Participants explored democracy through workshops, initially feeling nervous about communicating solely in German. However, this proved beneficial for their language development. Robert Rosenberg from Kazakhstan shared that his language skills and confidence improved significantly during the camp.
The event concluded with a visit by a German and Polish delegation, including Bernd Fabritius and Martin Herbert Dzingel. Fabritius, representing the Federal Government Committee for Expellees and National Minorities, found the direct exchange with young people from different countries particularly valuable. He praised their presentations, including videos, exhibitions, performances, and 'land art', which showcased their understanding of democracy and diverse perspectives.
The International Summer Camp in Žacléř, Schatzlar, successfully brought together young people from various countries, fostering cultural exchange and understanding of democracy. The use of German as the primary language not only challenged the participants but also enhanced their linguistic skills. The event ended on a positive note, with participants and organizers alike expressing satisfaction with the outcomes.
