International Perspectives in Casablanca
The starting point was the BKJ (Bundesvereinigung Kulturelle Kinder- und Jugendbildung) international conference in Casablanca. Professionals and representatives of youth organizations from Germany and Morocco came together to discuss the opportunities and challenges of global youth encounters.
At the center were questions about the role of cultural education in international partnerships, the participation of young people in social and development processes, and the framework conditions for successful project implementation in the Global South. Particularly valuable was the opportunity to combine theoretical input with practical insights. Thanks to the partner-matching system of BKJ, the organizer of the conference, strong connections were made right away. The conference highlighted how important it is to recognize global differences while at the same time emphasizing shared elements in order to build sustainable partnerships.
International Cooperation as a Lived Relationship
In August, the networking conference in Oldenburg followed. The focus here was on concrete project applications and planning. Representatives of various associations and organizations came together to share their experiences in international youth and cultural exchange and to learn from one another.
Workshops presented best-practice examples, explained funding programs, and discussed questions of sustainable project design. It became clear how diverse the approaches to international encounters in Germany are—and how much the field benefits from this diversity. At the same time, the conference provided an ideal setting to build new contacts and strengthen existing networks. In this way, numerous impulses were gained for the future project work of the Ludwig Wolker Association.
Partner Visits as Door Openers
Following the networking conference in Oldenburg, partner visits took place at the Ludwig Wolker Association in Berlin. Rania Gouglou from the Moroccan organization Association Essaouira Mogador was welcomed there by Lena Pierskalla and gained valuable insights into the cultural and social life of the capital. Together they attended a dance performance that impressively demonstrated how artistic expression can connect people from different backgrounds. In addition, the program included a visit to the Bundestag building to learn more about Germany’s political structures. The stay was rounded off by a trip to Berlin’s Mauerpark, where Rania experienced the unique atmosphere shaped by history, culture, and encounter. These days in Berlin not only provided valuable impressions but also strengthened the personal bond between the partner organizations.
Impulses for the Work of the Ludwig Wolker Association
Overall, participation in these events made clear how crucial international networking and personal encounters are for the successful implementation of youth projects. The conference in Casablanca opened up new perspectives and sharpened awareness of global challenges, the networking conference in Oldenburg deepened concrete project planning, and the partner visits enabled lived cooperation.
In this way, 2025 made a significant contribution to further developing the international work of the Ludwig Wolker Association. The experiences from these encounters show that international cooperation comes alive not only through projects, but above all through relationships between people.
