Following the successful kick-off last year, we once again welcomed around 50 children and young people from Kharkiv to the European Youth Education Centre (EJBM) in summer 2025. As part of our project “A Week of Peace”, they had the chance to escape the daily reality of sirens, fear and uncertainty – and instead spend a few days in a safe space filled with play, connection and community.

The young guests are part of a dance group from Kharkiv. For many of them, dancing has become a vital way to cope with the trauma of war, loss and danger – a form of release, a glimpse of normality, and a celebration of life. As a heartfelt thank-you for the hospitality shown in Magdeburg, they performed several dances. A special highlight was their meeting with the local dance group “Dance Factory” from Egeln (Salzlandkreis), where the focus was on exchange and dancing together. For the young people from our region, it was not only an enriching experience, but also a powerful learning moment: the distant war became tangible – and European solidarity truly came to life.

War doesn't just destroy physical things – it destroys perspectives. What children and young people in Ukraine are losing in terms of opportunities cannot be measured. As an educational institution, it’s our responsibility to act – with solidarity, with encounters, with offers that empower rather than paralyse. We cannot take the war away from the children, but we can show them they are not alone. That there are people who listen to them, play with them, laugh and learn with them – that is dignity and a glimpse of a future.

Christian Scharf, Director of EJBM

This year, the project was once again made possible thanks to the support of strong partners and committed individuals:

A massive thank-you to everyone who made this week full of hope, joy and humanity possible!

Report on “A Week of Peace” on 3sat: Watch the video