The project “Where Do I Belong? – Exploring Identity and Connection” is an international youth exchange designed to help young people from diverse cultural backgrounds explore, express, and connect with their personal and collective identities. Through creative workshops, discussions, and collaborative activities, the project aims to foster understanding, build connections, and celebrate the shared human experience of belonging.

Project Content:

This youth exchange seeks to answer the question "Where do I belong?" by encouraging young people to reflect on their individual and group identities, cultural backgrounds, and the ways in which they relate to others. By creating an environment that emphasizes openness and creativity, the project aims to empower participants to understand themselves and others better while promoting intercultural dialogue and inclusion.

Creative Sessions:

Depending on the interests and skills of the participants, they could, for example, develop a theater play, a mural, or a musical composition.

In a creative process, the young participants will represent the theme of belonging in different societal and cultural contexts. The project will address both old and new forms of belonging: from traditional communities and family structures to modern, diverse concepts of belonging, such as in digital spaces or global communities.

Other Program Activities:

• Workshop: "Religion and Belonging"
  An interactive workshop that explores the role of religion in the formation of communities and belonging. The participants will learn how religion serves as a strong marker of belonging but can also create tensions and conflicts. This workshop will offer a space for dialogue and exchange where religious identities can be discussed respectfully and openly.
• Team Building and Getting to Know Each Other:
  At the start of the project, team-building activities will be organized to help the young participants get to know each other better, build trust, and establish initial connections. These activities will include tasks and games that promote cooperation and communication.
• Actionbound through Magdeburg:
  The participants will take part in an interactive Actionbound through the city of Magdeburg, where they will explore its landmarks and history while learning about its cultural diversity and the exchange within the city. Quizzes and tasks will be integrated, reflecting the theme of belonging and identity.
• Reflection and Discussion:
  Throughout workshops and discussion rounds, the participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and impressions, discussing challenges related to belonging and identity.

Expected Outcomes:

• A Creative Product: A creative product like a theater or music performance that explores the various dimensions of belonging, reflecting the importance of diversity and community in the 21st century.
• Intercultural Awareness: Through the workshops and cultural activities, the participants will gain a deeper understanding of the various forms of belonging, both within their own cultural contexts and through exchange with others.
• Promotion of Empathy and Tolerance: The project aims to foster empathy and tolerance by encouraging the participants to reflect on their own identities and sense of belonging while understanding others' perspectives.
• Strengthening the Sense of Community: By working together on a theater piece and engaging in shared cultural activities, the sense of belonging to a transcultural community will be strengthened.