International seminar and training course with more than 20 participants in Zebrzydowice (Poland) in March/April 2023.
The Gesamteuropäisches Studienwerk e.V. / Pan-European Studies Institute in Vlotho/Germany and its partner organizations continue a longer-term project funded under Erasmus+. From 2022 to 2023 GESW would like to establish a „Small-scale partnership / kleine Partnerschaft“ together with its partner organizations from three other countries (Poland, Latvia, Romania) and deepen the cooperation.
Participating organizations of the encounter, funded by Erasmus+, are:
Make Room – Dobele, Latvia
Fundacja Europejski Instytut Outsourcingu – Orzesze, Poland
Puzzle OptimEast – Targu Neamt, Romania
Gesamteuropäisches Studienwerk e.V. – Vlotho, Germany
International educational seminar for young people for one week in Zebrzydowice (Poland).
Small-scale partnership – new verve for youth participation
Date: March 26 – April 2, 2023 in Zebrzydowice (Poland)
The aim and theme of the joint youth participation project are:
„Should I stay or should I go?“ New verve for youth participation and opportunities for young people in rural areas.
Discrimination in our lives – from the perspective of youngsters
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Racial discrimination has no place in society, and we must step up efforts to ensure its complete eradication. Discrimination is one of the most common forms of human rights violations and abuse. It affects milions of people everyday and it is one of the most difficult to recognise.
Discrimination has been a part of human history for centuries. People have been subjected to discrimination based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and other factors. One of the most horrific examples of discrimination in the past is the Holocaust, where millions of people were systematically murdered by the Nazis.
Here is some facts about discrimination in past:
– around half of black people says someone has treated them with suspicion or like they weren’t smart
– Anti-Semitic discrimination: The Nazis considered Jews as an inferior race and subjected them to extreme persecution. Jews were rounded up from all over Europe and transported to Auschwitz, where they were subjected to inhumane conditions, including forced labor, medical experiments, and ultimately, extermination in gas chambers.
– Criminalization: In many countries, homosexuality was criminalized, and people who engaged in same-sex activities were punished. In some cases, they were even executed.
– The Crusades: In the 11th and 12th centuries, the Catholic Church launched a series of holy wars against Muslims in the Middle East. The Crusades resulted in the deaths of countless people on both sides and fueled centuries of religious tension and conflict.
Unfortunately, we still experience many cases of discrimination in the present day. Some ways to deal with this unjust treatment are:
– Focusing on yourself and your values
– Seeking help from your parents, friends, or specialists
– Getting involved in like-minded groups or organizations that can help you overcome negative thoughts
– Thinking clearly when someone tries to discriminate
As a result of the mass discrimination, people have started riots and protests to fight for their rights and privileges. One of the most popular recent protests was related to George Floyd’s death, in which more than 15 million people participated. Discrimination is also frequently present in schools and workplaces.
Let’s reflect on the future:
– Knowing history and the past, are you able to treat each person equally?
– Does religion, orientation, skin color, or gender affect the value of a person?
– Should differences divide us?
– What can you do to respect everyone, regardless of their differences?
– We know the past, so how can we deal with discrimination?
We do not know the future, but we can create it. All our decisions lead to what happens next. We have an impact on whether discrimination will continue to exist. The past and present create what will be in the future. We can allow or stop further discrimination and hatred. The choice is ours!
Love and peace <3