The European Youth Centre Magdeburg (EJBM) is about to reach a significant milestone: from 10 to 13 September 2024, a five-member expert group from the Council of Europe visited the centre to assess the conditions for the coveted Quality Label for youth centres. This label is exclusive in Europe and has only been awarded 14 times so far. If the EJBM receives the quality label, it would be only the second institution in Germany to demonstrably meet these high standards.
To receive the label, a number of quality criteria must be met. During the delegation's visit, a total of 65 criteria and indicators were examined – ranging from the educational programmes and the qualifications of the staff to the structural conditions at the facility. The visit marked the culmination of a multi-year application process by the EJBM.
In addition to the Council of Europe delegation, numerous representatives of partner organisations and supporters of the EJBM were present to express their support for the educational institution. Participants included, among others:
- Pascal BEGRICH, Miteinander e.V. / State Youth Welfare Committee
- Tobias BÜTOW, Franco-German Youth Office
- Dr. Henrike FRANZ, State Chancellery Saxony-Anhalt
- Jens GELHAAR, State Administration Office Saxony-Anhalt / State Youth Welfare Office Saxony-Anhalt
- Robert HELM-PLEUGER, IJAB (International Youth Service of the Federal Republic of Germany)
- Albert KLEIN-REINHARDT, German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth
- Georg PIRKER, Association of German Educational Organizations (AdB)
- Robin RADOM, Children and Youth Council Saxony-Anhalt
- Dr. Carlhans UHLE, German Red Cross Saxony-Anhalt
- Steffi WOLF, Communal Youth Welfare Office, State Capital Magdeburg
The visit also provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas on European youth work, bringing together stakeholders from the regional to the European level.
"We very much hope that we were able to convince the Council of Europe delegation of the quality of our work. The quality label would not only be a great honour for us, it would also permanently mark Magdeburg on the map as a welcoming and innovative city in the middle of Europe," explained Christian Scharf, head of the EJBM. "Admission to the group of Council of Europe educational institutions would also open up new opportunities for us, particularly with regard to Magdeburg's international network and the quality of our services for young people and local professionals," added Dr Christina Langhans, the educational director.
The Council of Europe's expert group has already expressed a positive opinion regarding the acceptance of the EJBM. The decision of the responsible committee on the awarding of the quality seal is expected in the next few weeks.
The Council of Europe is a pan-European organisation committed to promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Unlike the European Union, the Council of Europe comprises 46 member states and is not a supranational legislator, but rather a platform for cooperation in these areas.
