KREISAU - INITIATIVE EV

The Kreisau-Initiative gives space for education and encounter in which particularly young people can gain the skills they need to shape European society that is characterised by democracy, solidarity, and sustainability. Our educational activities (around 100 per year) revolve around the areas of contemporary history and human rights, inclusion, and social-ecological transformation. The first core of our work is international inclusive youth exchange programmes during which we encourage young people from 14 years to self-determination and show them opportunities on how to participate in civil society. To do so, we take up current political and social questions. The second core is training courses, seminars and conferences for educators and people who work with youngsters. Their aim is to learn and develop skills, exchange ideas, and connect. Apart from that, the Kreisau-Initiative initiates activities in a network uniting organisations in over 20 European countries and is the European Commission’s partner in implementing the EU Youth Strategy. The Kreisau-Initiative was founded in 1989 by citizens of then still divided Berlin with the purpose of supporting the set-up and maintenance of an international youth meeting centre in Krzyżowa, Poland. Today, the centre is managed by the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe, and both organisations cooperate closely – nearly 80% of our events take place in Krzyżowa. Thus our educational activities have got a European character with a focus on Polish-German cooperation.