Magdeburg. The European Youth Education Center Magdeburg (EJBM) has reached a significant milestone: At the latest meeting of the Council of Europe's European Steering Committee on Youth in Strasbourg on October 21, 2024, it was decided that the EJBM will be awarded the coveted Council of Europe Quality Label for Youth Centers. This exclusive accolade has been granted only 14 times across Europe and is contingent upon demonstrable fulfillment of the Council of Europe's high standards. A formal award ceremony is planned for spring 2025.
The Quality Label is being awarded in recognition of the EJBM's high-quality work and offerings, as well as the positive impressions gathered by a Council of Europe expert group during their on-site visit in September. Alongside the Council of Europe delegation, numerous representatives from partner organizations and supporters of the EJBM were present to express their backing for the educational center. Advocates included representatives from the state capital Magdeburg, the State Chancellery of Saxony-Anhalt, the State Youth Office, the Ministry of Education of Saxony-Anhalt, the Federal Ministry of Youth, and representatives from other relevant committees, councils, and specialist agencies from regional to federal levels. Tobias Bütow, Secretary-General of the Franco-German Youth Office, and Dr. Carlhans Uhle, Managing Director of the German Red Cross of Saxony-Anhalt, also voiced their support for the EJBM on-site.
"We are very pleased that we were able to convince the Council of Europe delegation of the quality of our work. The Quality Label is not only a great honor for us; it also marks Magdeburg as a cosmopolitan and innovative city in the heart of Europe," said Christian Scharf, Director of the EJBM. "Joining the circle of Council of Europe youth centers opens up new opportunities for us, especially regarding our international networking and the quality of our offerings for young people and professionals on-site," added Educational Director Dr. Christina Langhans.
Dr. Carlhans Uhle, Managing Director of the German Red Cross of Saxony-Anhalt, also expressed his enthusiasm: "As a shareholder of the EJBM, we are extremely delighted about the award and congratulate the entire team. The EJBM provides valuable work in important areas of our association, such as human rights, international understanding, and international cooperation. The diversity and quality of the offerings are unique in Saxony-Anhalt and are of particular importance for democratic education and international youth work in our federal state."Background
The European Youth Education Center Magdeburg (EJBM) is an institution for international youth work and non-formal education in Saxony-Anhalt. It offers a variety of educational and exchange programs for young people and professionals that focus on topics such as democracy, international competencies, and European identity.
The Council of Europe is a pan-European organization 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.
