europeers. young people share their thoughts on europe
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Young people share their thoughts on Europe
Published by: JUGEND für Europa German Agency for the EU programme Youth in Action Godesberger Allee 142 – 14853175 Bonn, GermanyT: +49 (0) 228 9506-220 www.webforum-jugend.de
Editor-in-chief:
Hans-Georg Wicke
Editors:
Andreas Klünter, Fabienne Pradella
Copyeditor:
Marco Heuer
Editorial assistants:
Barbara Schmidt, Diana Bach, Heike
Zimmermann, Manfred von Hebel,
Svenja Fischer
Translated by:
Karin Walker, Bonn
Photos:
JUGEND für Europa
Title image: © franckreporter /
istock
Design:
elfgenpick
June 2012
The statistics quoted in this publication were drawn from Diana Bach’s evaluation report‚ ‘Evaluations-
bericht EuroPeers. Nutzen und Wirken eines Peer-to-Peer Projekts in der Informationsarbeit über
Mobilitäts- und Beteiligungsmöglichkeiten in Europa’, Bonn, February 2012.
With assistance from:
ContentsPreface .............................................................................................................................................4
What are EuroPeers? ..........................................................................................5
EuroPeers – Experiencing Europe at first hand ............................................................5
The role of JUGEND für Europa ..............................................................................................7
Opinions Why are you a EuroPeer? .......................................................................................8
Becoming a EuroPeer .........................................................................................9
Training for EuroPeers ...............................................................................................................9
‘In the mood to change the world’ after a EuroPeer training session ............... 10
Statistics How happy were you with your EuroPeer training? ............................. 13
The EuroPeer network ........................................................................................................... 14
Statistics How long have you been a EuroPeer? ......................................................... 16
Being a EuroPeer .................................................................................................... 17
Where else can you meet and work with this many people? ................................ 17
EuroPeer team leaders: Once a EuroPeer, always a EuroPeer? ............................ 18
A EuroPeer on stage with Barroso .................................................................................... 20
Feedback How have you benefited from being a EuroPeer? ................................. 22
EuroPeer events .................................................................................................... 23
Past events .................................................................................................................................. 24
Statistics What types of event are organised most frequently? ......................... 25
A commitment to Europe ...................................................................................................... 26
The living library stops off in Hamburg ......................................................................... 28
Statistics Who uses EuroPeers? .......................................................................................... 30
Outlook ................................................................................................................................ 31
Looking ahead ............................................................................................................................ 31
‘Of course we want to spread the project across Europe. What else?’ .............. 32
Feedback What’s changed for you? .................................................................................. 35
Feedback What’s your advice to your peers? .............................................................. 35
Get in touch
Do you want to invite a EuroPeer?
Turn to page 23.
4 What are euroPeers? BECOMING A EUROPEER BEING A EUROPEER EUROPEER EVENTS OUTLOOK
EuroPeers are young people who have crossed both
personal and national borders together with the EU’s Youth
in Action programme to spend some time living abroad.
They have made a difference by setting up and running
their own projects. They want to share their experiences
and stories with their peers — other young Europeans.
They organise events where they talk about their thoughts
on Europe, and they inspire others to follow them in seizing
all the opportunities that Europe has to offer.
Some facts and figures
Over a period of six years, JUGEND für Europa has
provided training to some five hundred EuroPeers.
Around one hundred events involving EuroPeers take
place every year — and that’s just in Germany. Most
events are organised by the EuroPeers themselves on a
voluntary basis. Some EuroPeers have been involved with
the programme for more than five years.
euroPeers bring europe to life. They are genuine
Europeans who work or study abroad and have a
differentiated view of the developments taking place
across the European Union. The information they share
on Europe isn’t dry or abstract. Rather, they paint a lively,
active picture of Europe and demonstrate how Europe
can become a reality for everyone. EuroPeer events can
range from school lessons lasting just a couple of hours
to internships that extend to several months. EuroPeers
don’t just encourage others to get up and do something —
they also inspire themselves to go out and gather new
experiences time and again. and 99% of them feel that
their involvement with the euroPeers project is
rewarding, both personally and professionally.
Since its establishment the EuroPeers project has undergone
constant development. Today, it plays a vital role in translating
the European Youth Programme into practice in Germany.
this publication is an introduction to the euro-
Peers project and to the young EuroPeers themselves,
some of whom have shared their stories with us. In fu-
ture, the EuroPeers want to become even more inter-
national and spread the word in other countries, too.
Preparations for this are already under way.
EuroPeers are always on the move.
‘EuroPeers’ is an exciting and powerful peer-to-peer project run by JUGEND für Europa, the
German Agency for the EU’s Youth in Action programme that involves young people sharing
their thoughts on Europe. The premise is simple. Who could share the European experience
better than those who have already been there? That’s right: no one.
How about some Europe?
5What are euroPeers? BECOMING A EUROPEER BEING A EUROPEER EUROPEER EVENTS OUTLOOK
EuroPeers – Experiencing Europe at first handEuroPeers are young people who have taken part in the EU’s
Youth in Action programme. They share the experiences they
have gained as volunteers, as participants in a youth initiative
or during a youth exchange with other young people.
They visit schools and youth clubs or set up stalls in pedestrian zones to tell their
peers about the way they have experienced Europe. They talk about Youth in
Action as well as other mobility programmes and organise workshops, school
lessons and exhibitions all about Europe. EuroPeers know that it’s possible to
experience Europe at first hand and bring it to life.
The EuroPeers project was launched in 2005 by JUGEND für Europa, the
German Agency for the EU programme Youth in Action. 134 EuroPeer events
took place in Germany in 2011 alone. EuroPeers demonstrate that learning about
Europe doesn’t have to be a dry, dull affair.
In just five years EuroPeers have organised more than 600 events on youth and Europe.
6 What are euroPeers? BECOMING A EUROPEER BEING A EUROPEER EUROPEER EVENTS OUTLOOK
EuroPeers know how bring Europe to life.
EuroPeers want to …
_ raise awareness among young people of European issues and activities,
_ demonstrate courage, tolerance and entrepreneurial spirit,
_ make their peers aware of the importance of social commitment,
_ share their experiences of Europe and being European citizens,
_ show how cultural diversity can be brought to life, and
_ encourage their peers to reflect critically on EU policy
77What are euroPeers? BECOMING A EUROPEER BEING A EUROPEER EUROPEER EVENTS OUTLOOK
EuroPeers organise events at formal and non-formal education institutions such as schools, youth clubs and career centres.
The role of JUGEND für Europa
EuroPeers is an initiative by
JUGEND für Europa, the German
Agency for the EU programme
Youth in Action. As one of 35
Agencies across Europe, JUGEND
für Europa is responsible for im-
plementing the Youth in Action
programme in Germany.
JUGEND für Europa has ma-
naged the EuroPeers project
since 2005. The Agency provides
training for EuroPeers, assists
them in organising their events,
and offers them a range of other
support services.
JUGEND für Europa works on
behalf of the German Federal
Ministry for Family Affairs, Se-
nior Citizens, Women and Youth
and the European Commission.
For more information, go to
www.jugendfuereuropa.de
EuroPeers either organise their own events or are invited as speakers. On average,
each EuroPeer is involved in 4.6 events. Over one third of EuroPeers participate
in the project for up to three years; 12.8% even remain active for up to five years.
By organising and attending these events, EuroPeers continue to shape and
develop their skills. 94% of active EuroPeers claim that their involvement in the
p roject has benefited their personal development. 72% say that it’s been valuable
to their professional development.
A study by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education and
Culture refers to the EuroPeer project as a Best Practice. The underlying con-
cept — sharing personal experiences with other young people, raising awareness
of non-formal education and motivating one’s peers to reflect on the European
Union in general — is considered to be a particularly successful approach.
Many young people don’t know what Youth in Action can offer them, so I want to tell them. And I want to share my experiences with Europe to demonstrate that the EU is not a remote entity.
I want to meet other motivated people who want to manage projects together. EuroPeers are ideal partners in that respect.
I want to give something back to the society I live in!
Why are you
a EuroPeer
… because being a EuroPeer has genuine benefits:
Of course it’s hard to leave your
familiar surroundings and go
abroad. But the adventures you
will have there are something
you’ll never forget.
That’s what I want to tell people.
I just want to share myenthusiasm!
9WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BeCoMING a euroPeer BEING A EUROPEER EUROPEER EVENTS OUTLOOK
EuroPeers trainingThe concept
Twice a year JUGEND für Europa organises a EuroPeer training session that is
aimed at all young people who took part in the EU‘s Youth in Action programme
in the previous years. These five-day sessions prepare participants for organising
their own events and projects. Here, they acquire the skills they need to share
their European experiences effectively with their peers.
During the training session participants attend workshops on:
_ Basic information on Europe
_ Project management
_ Chairing and presentation techniques
_ PR activities
_ Mobility programmes in Europe
_ Teaching others about Europe
The workshops cover the various aspects that are relevant to EuroPeers when they
organise and hold their own events. The five-day training session is also a great
opportunity for EuroPeers to create their own networks and plan their events and
projects.
In line with the peer-to-peer principle, experienced EuroPeers are invited to the
training sessions as team leaders.
Around 75 new EuroPeers are trained in Germany every year. Participants are
asked to make a small contribution to the cost of training; the remainder is paid
for by JUGEND für Europa.
The first training session outside of Germany was held in Luxembourg in
March 2012.
Caroline Reiter
10 WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BeCoMING a euroPeer BEING A EUROPEER EUROPEER EVENTS OUTLOOK
What happens during these training sessions? Wiebke Knäpper, Caroline Reiter
and Anke Weiß share their diaries.
‘ In the mood to change the world’ after EuroPeers training
Day 1
Here we go! — Thoughts before the session
(Caroline)
‘Oh wow, another training session!’ Before my
volunteer placement I would not have dreamt of
looking forward to training. But now I’m excited
to meet some new and interesting people. I’m exci-
ted about feeling like a real volunteer and the pos-
sibility of actually making a difference — because
I haven’t felt much of that in recent months. I need
to get back into the mood to change the world.
I want to take a break from thinking about the
real world, all that talk about choosing a degree
course and finding a flat. I want to spend more
time remembering what I learnt during my year
abroad and sharing those experiences with others.
The group gets together (Anke)
Here we go. They’re introducing the team, who
seem nice. Two people from the Agency, Heike
and Andreas, and three EuroPeers — Lisa, Olivia
and Sarah.
Then everyone introduces themselves. We’re 60
people so it’s a challenge, especially for me with
my bad memory for names. Apart from the usual
getting-to-know-you games, the three EuroPeers
have come up with a kind of treasure hunt for us.
We’re now off into the woods in groups of three.
I’m with two girls who also spent time in Norway
and Denmark. We’re already fast friends.
Day 2
Workshop: ‘Time out in Europe’ (Anke)
We’re asked to think about what it would be like
to spend three months doing whatever we want in
a European country of our choice — basically, our
dream project in our dream country. Spain sounds
really good to me, but what would I do there?
After the introductory session comes group
work. How can we advise young people who
are interested in spending time in a European
country? What programmes and initiatives
can we recommend? Each group’s results are
presented in role play. Later we’re told what
people can really do abroad. The range of choices
is really quite amazing! The workshop’s been
very helpful, not just for EuroPeers, but for me
personally, too.
Workshop: ‘Teaching others about Europe’
(Wiebke)
What methods are there for teaching people
Anke Weiß
11WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BeCoMING a euroPeer BEING A EUROPEER EUROPEER EVENTS OUTLOOK
effectively about Europe? The workshop kicks off
with a Runaround-style game on Europe, just to
get things going, relax the atmosphere and learn
some new facts — because that’s what the work-
shop is all about. Then comes a discussion about
Europe in the form of a silent written debate. It’s
interesting to read what the others are writing,
because every one of us has been to different parts
of Europe.
I’m surprised to find that my answers don’t flow
easily. I need some time to compare the German
to the Moldovan perspective. This workshop is
unlike school in that we’re very focused on results.
The contributions are shorter, and we manage to
progress faster.
The ‘EuroPeers live’ session (Caroline)
Tonight the EuroPeers go ‘live’, with Lisa, Olivia
and Sarah reporting on their stays abroad. The
lighting is down, and blankets and pillows are
scattered around the room. This is clearly not a
formal presentation; the atmosphere is very re-
laxed. We enjoy some snacks and drinks while
they tell us about their personal experiences as
EuroPeers and all the highs and lows that their
stays involved. Like when almost no one came to
Sarah’s first information event, or when a stand
they set up at a local library failed completely
because nobody stopped to listen. But then they
report on a major successful event they organised
in Munich. There were also a number of school-
based events, some more successful than others.
We’re slowly starting to realise what being a
EuroPeer actually entails. Their stories, films and
photographs are a good illustration of the oppor-
tunities on offer. They’ve also provided a number
of event reports for us to read. This session really
worked, and many of us have already started to de-
velop our own ideas. I have to say, I’m impressed.
Day 3
Workshop: ‘Presentation techniques’
(Anke)
Finally I get to hear from a professional how to
present myself and my project effectively.
The workshop instructor’s very laid back, very
spontaneous — and she’s Swedish! There’s real
energy in the room. We’re given lots of facts and
figure and useful tips on various types of presen-
tation styles. Body language is the most important
aspect, which I would never have expected. And
of course we’re asked to get up and practise. We’re
asked to prepare an introduction to a EuroPeer
presentation.
I don’t actually get to present myself, but it’s de-
finitely been useful. I think I’ve conquered my fear
of flip charts! I can’t wait to try out my new pres-
entation skills. Can someone throw me a topic,
please?
Workshop: ‘PR skills’ (Caroline)
The EuroPeers-in-training start trickling in to the
workshop on PR, which is led by a journalist. Looks
like most people have preferred to stay in bed rather
than attend a 9 am session! Soon we all realise that
what we’re learning here is going to be very valuable
for our future projects. We learn to use journalistic
style and find the right headlines for our documents,
Wiebke Knäpper
12 WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BeCoMING a euroPeer BEING A EUROPEER EUROPEER EVENTS OUTLOOK
and also what media to use to communicate our
projects most effectively.
Finally, we learn how to write our own press releases.
It’s been a while since I was in school and had to pro-
duce a text straight away! It’s not easy to write a convin-
cing article with so little preparation time. In the end
we’re all glad we had this opportunity to practise.
After the workshop I’m relieved. None of this
is as complicated and difficult to understand as I
thought. I’m sure I am now confident enough to
contact the press. Even people like us can get an
article published in a newspaper.
Day 4
Workshop: ‘Event management’ (Caroline)
Event management. What a subject to have to
think about in the morning! We’re all yawning,
but by the end of the session we’ve had some ex-
citing discussions. I wanted to know if my dream
event — organising an exchange for people with
disabilities — can be put into practice.
We have to start by defining our objectives. For
that it’s helpful to use the ‘five Ws’ that are part of the
guidelines we‘re given on project development. Then
comes the planning phase.
We form small groups and design our own per-
sonal events — at least, we pretend to. There’s
loads of good ideas, ranging from music and art
projects and hiking and cycling tours to my pre-
ferred subject, integrative youth projects.
Imagine, an ‘integrative youth project’ — that
sounds so much better! We soon realise that an
integrative international youth exchange is a
pretty big project to manage.
The group unanimously decides to start off by
thinking small. Still, now I know that none of this is
impossible. I just need a bit more experience.
Project market (Anke)
Finally we get to plan an actual project —it’s what
we’ve all been waiting for. We write down our
ideas, and everyone signs up for the groups whose
ideas they want to put into practice. The trouble
is, there’s so much choice. I’m not sure what to do.
Ideally I’d like to learn a bit about everything.
I start getting to know the new EuroPeers from my
region a bit better. We get to work planning our proj-
ects. All this creativity in one place is very inspiring!
Cake and cycling along the Weser river? Fantastic idea.
So we start to write everything down and delegate jobs.
Talent show (Wiebke)
I’ve been wondering all week what exactly this ‘Euro-
Peers talent show’ is supposed to be all about. Now I
know! The dance performance was brilliant. The at-
mosphere could not have been any better. We danced
all night until … actually, I don’t even remember.
Day 5
Time to leave (Anke)
The time has come to leave — the training session is
over. More than 50 young people make their way in tax-
is to Bielefeld station. It’s been an exciting, inform ative
and enjoyable week, but we’re all exhausted. As I fill in
my feedback sheet I realise I have nothing negative to
say. So it’s been a full success. I leave Bielefeld with a
really good feeling and lots of good vibes. It’s definitely
been worth my while coming here.
How happy were you with your EuroPeers training?
… very helpful … helpful … neither/nor … … not very helpful … not helpful no answer
I thought it was …
14 WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BeCoMING a euroPeer BEING A EUROPEER EUROPEER EVENTS OUTLOOK
The EuroPeer networkAs a EuroPeer you share your own experiences with others, but
you also stay in touch with people who have been through very
similar things as you.
That creates a bond. One of the main sources of motivation for EuroPeers is that
they can stay in touch after their projects and continue to feel part of the network.
If that wasn’t possible, all the experiences they gather while abroad may be forgot-
ten in the general confusion of daily life.
To promote this exchange, every spring JUGEND für Europa invites all active
Euro Peers to attend an annual meeting. During these meetings EuroPeers can
undergo training, learn new information and plan new projects. This is a vital
part of the continued development of the network. At the meetings EuroPeers tell
each other about the projects they want to put into practice with other EuroPeers.
And they discuss how the EuroPeer network can be improved.
Once a month all EuroPeers are sent a newsletter with current events, news,
training courses, vacancies, internships and scholarships, plus a summary of
EuroPeers attend annual meetings where they discuss important developments and gain inspiration.
15WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BeCoMING a euroPeer BEING A EUROPEER EUROPEER EVENTS OUTLOOK
The network inspires
new activities all the time.
Voluntary work that really pays off.
EuroPeers activities from the previous month. There’s also a Facebook page
to keep people up to speed. Other than that, the EuroPeers stay in touch on a
personal level, which often creates valuable synergies. EuroPeers should under-
go regular training but also have plenty of space to create their own European
projects.
Many EuroPeers remain involved with the project for several years. Some of them
are regularly requested to come and speak at information events in schools, foun-
dations or career centres. Others plan larger-scale events such as youth exchanges
or initiatives. EuroPeers can become EuroPeer team leaders and help train up
the new generation. Finally, EuroPeers have access to the international training
courses offered under the Youth in Action programme. Some former EuroPeers
decide to enter a related profession at the European level.
Being a EuroPeer is entirely voluntary on principle, but of course volunteering
has some valuable benefits. For instance, EuroPeers maintain a strong link with
Europe. And they are part of a long-term learning process that allows them to
acquire precious personal and professional skills for the future.
EuroPeers meetings offer a creative space for planning and discussing new projects or simply for having a good time!
How long have you been a EuroPeer?
38.5%
Up to 3 years
23.1%
Up to 1 year
12.8%
Up to 5 years
12.8%
I just started
Markus Heinze
17WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BECOMING A EUROPEER BeING a euroPeer EUROPEER EVENTS OUTLOOK
Where else can you meet and work with this many people?
The EuroPeers project has become a fixture for Markus Heinze from Berlin. ‘Europe is part of my
everyday life,’ he says. ‘I want to show other young people how this can become true for them,
too.’ Markus, who works as a social assistant, is currently training to become an educator.
How did you hear about EuroPeers?
By coincidence. Two volunteers from Turkey
had come to work for the kids’ club I am involved
in. JUGEND für Europa invited them to attend
a EuroPeers training session in Hanover that
was designed specifically for young people from
immigrant families. Our two volunteers didn’t
feel like going there alone because their German
wasn’t strong enough, so I went with them. What
I learned there opened the door to a new world
for me.
In what way?
Well, JUGEND für Europa is the German
Agency for for the EU’s Youth in Action pro-
gramme so this was the first time I heard about
the European Voluntary Service, for instance. All
these opportunities just sounded amazing. So I
decided to attend the next EuroPeer annual meet-
ing. Once I’d listened to other young people talk
about the experiences they had gained abroad, I
couldn’t wait to join the EVS myself. My place-
ment took me to a kindergarten in Luxembourg
where all the kids were from immigrant families.
I also had time to develop my own projects.
How did your friends react to your placement
in Luxembourg?
They wanted to know all about it. I talked about
my work a lot and showed them photos, and now
they want to do the same. It’s not that easy, though.
Many of my friends don’t speak English, and then
there’s a lot of organisations who prefer to work
with students or young people who already have
some relevant experience. One of my friends has
been trying to find an EVS placement for a year,
but he‘s had no success. But I try to help wherever
I can. The National Agency has also been helpful.
Do you want to remain involved in the Euro
Peers project?
Definitely. Where else can you meet and work
with this many people and have enough space to
develop plans for the future? I can honestly say
that the EuroPeers annual meeting has become
the most important weekend of the year for me.
18 WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BECOMING A EUROPEER BeING a euroPeer EUROPEER EVENTS OUTLOOK
Sabrina Apitz | If I hadn’t opted for an
EVS placement I would probably not be a
EuroPeer team leader today. In 2001 I spent eight
months in Italy working in a kindergarten and
with people with disabilities, and I also planned
a multilateral youth exchange. These were expe-
riences I desperately wanted to share with other
young people.
In 2005 the National Agency wrote to invite
me to attend the first EuroPeer training session
in Thuringia in eastern Germany. I joined the
EuroPeers project and held a number of events in
schools during European Youth Week. In 2006
I organised a photography exhibition entitled
‘In the middle’. Then came ‘Living differently’,
a joint project with two other EuroPeers. Just
one year later I attended a training session as an
instructor and led my first workshop, which was
about public relations.
The EuroPeers project has constantly evolved
over time. It’s an important part of my life. The
peer-to-peer approach works really well here.
Anne Schley | What I like so much about
EuroPeers is that it gives you room to
grow. There’s support from the National Agen-
cy but no pressure at all. No one tells you what
to do. After I was trained as a EuroPeer in 2006
I visited various schools and manned info stalls
in pedestrian zones where I talked to people
about how to go abroad to work. I think it would
be helpful for EuroPeers if they could apply
for smaller amounts of funding without all the
red tape. There are not really enough funding
options at the moment. If you only need 30 euros
obviously there’s no need to make the effort to
fundraise; that would be over the top. That said,
all the projects I’ve been involved in have taught
me that it’s fun to get involved in Europe. I spent
six months working for the EVS in Siena in Italy
before switching to the European Commission in
Brussels, where I was an intern in the Directorate-
General for Education and Culture, in the Youth
in Action division. I was there for five months. I
was surprised at how relaxed everything was —
not a grey suit in sight! There was no sign of civil
servant formality either, at least not in that office.
Actually, I think that‘s a good thing. Maintaining
a EuroPeer-style atmosphere is good for that kind
of work.
EuroPeer team leaders: Once a EuroPeer, always a EuroPeer?
19WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BECOMING A EUROPEER BeING a euroPeer EUROPEER EVENTS OUTLOOK
Carolina Sachs | I wish EuroPeers
had existed when I left school. It would
have made it easier for me to work out what what
I wanted to do. At the time I had no idea what
subject to study at university. So I decided to
volunteer first and went to Poland in September
2005. It was the best decision I could have taken.
I worked in a German-Polish youth centre south
of Poznan where I was allowed to practise being
an instructor even before I had finished my
placement. I just attended the EuroPeers training
session in Einschlingen for the first time as a team
leader. I like the fact that EuroPeers is not an elite
organisation. Everyone can get involved.
Franziska Stölzel | How did I become
a EuroPeer? Not via a training session,
and not via the European Voluntary Service. It
all started with a youth initiative in Chemnitz in
2005. It was an art project that we called ‘What
drives us —Where we are going’. Then came
the 2008 annual meeting. Two major things
happe ned as a result of that meeting. One, I was
admitted directly to the EuroPeer pool of trainers;
two, we came up with an idea for a new youth
initiative, the Youth Changes office in Chemnitz,
which opened in May 2009. We simply translated
the EuroPeer concept to the local level and built
up our own pool of team leaders. Today, 20 young
speakers visit schools in the Chemnitz area to talk
about Europe, encourage students to get involved,
and show them why they should leave home for a
longer period of time. Personally I’m glad that I
can now share my knowledge in the workshops
during the EuroPeer training sessions. The Euro-
Peers project has become very important to me,
and I now work closely with the National Agency.
It would be fantastic if we could manage to raise
more public awareness of the EuroPeers project.
Every EuroPeer training session is attended by experienced EuroPeers as team leaders. They’re
involved in planning and organising the sessions, lead workshops, and share their EuroPeers
activities with the participants in line with the peer-to-peer principle. Anne Schley, Carolina Sachs,
Franziska Stölzel and Sabrina Apitz were the EuroPeer team leaders in September 2009.
They tell us what they like about the EuroPeers project and why they want to stay involved.
WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BECOMING A EUROPEER BeING a euroPeer EUROPEER EVENTS OUTLOOK
A EuroPeer on stage with BarrosoEuroPeers don’t just appear before classrooms full of students or youth groups.
Sometimes their audience comes dressed in suits and evening dresses, like in Antwerp,
where European Commission President José Manuel Barroso came to the 2011 European
Awards Ceremony to honour outstanding European Voluntary Service projects.
The event was hosted by a EuroPeer, Melih Özkardeş.
Bil
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21WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BECOMING A EUROPEER BeING a euroPeer EUROPEER EVENTS OUTLOOK
Melih Özkardeş will probably be proud of these photographs for years to come —
they show him on the same stage as one of the most important statesmen in Europe,
José Manuel Barroso. Androulla Vassiliou, the EU’s Youth Commissioner, came
too.
How did this come about? Melih laughs.‘I met loads of people through the Euro-
Peer project and I’ve stayed in touch with many of them. One of my EuroPeers
friends made it possible for me to announce Commission President Barroso
on stage that night. That was one of the highlights of my EuroPeer career,’ he
remembers.
Melih was the evening’s master of ceremonies and held the attention of the
presenters of the awards, Mr Barroso and Ms Vassiliou, along with his co- presenter,
Dominika Rutkowska from Poland. ‘Barroso said he was very touched by the
ceremony,’ Melih says.
Asked how he kept his nerve on stage, Melih said he just enjoyed himself, spoke
without notes, and held eye contact with the award-winners. ‘I wanted them to re-
alise straight away how amazing non-formal education can be,’ he laughs. ‘There
is already enough theoretical research to prove its effects.’
Melih came to Germany from Turkey in 2005. His EVS placement first took
him to an association for people with disabilities in Erfurt, then to a childcare
centre in Würzburg — eleven months in total. From then on he was a die-hard
Europe fan. In 2006 he attended a EuroPeers training session and began to
report on his European experiences and organise youth exchanges and initia-
tives while studying for a sports degree in Cologne. Street football in the name
of tolerance, or in other words, Europe expressed through sports — that’s his
preferred topic.
MC-ing this event has been the highlight of his EuroPeer career to date. He is
now embarking on his career, where he will continue to plan European projects,
including EVS projects, for his new employer, a large sports club.
Helping to build a
Europe-wide network
was by far the most
important experience
of my life as a Euro-
Peer. Without Youth in
Action there is no way
I would have ever met
so many Europeans.
My life would be been
very different.’
Melih Özkardeş
I have learned to work in groups, because being part of a 60-strong group is quite a challenge. I’ve also learned to speak confidently in front of people and motivate them. Finally, I’ve developed a feel for how to respond to the atmosphere in a group.
All projects, whether big or small, are made up of many tasks: prepara-tion, PR, implementation, debriefing and so on. I have definitely acquired the skills I need to to handle these challenges.
I’ve learned a lot about myself, for instance how I feel about speaking before a group of people. I’ve noticed that I have become more confident, which is also helping me at university.
benefited How have you
from being a EuroPeer
Was wollen EuroPeers?
23WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BECOMING A EUROPEER BEING A EUROPEER euroPeer eVeNts OUTLOOK
EuroPeer eventsAuthentic experiences of Europe
Every year many EuroPeer events take place across the whole of Germany, in
schools, universities, youth centres, job centres, cafés and bars, pedestrian zones...
EuroPeers are everywhere you look.
The range of events they organise is enormous. They include ‘classic’ information
events as well as larger projects such as photo exhibitions, Europe picnics, street
campaigns, sports events and panel discussions. What all of these activities have
in common is that they are all about youth and Europe — and about sharing the
EuroPeer experience with one’s peers.
By communicating their personal experiences, EuroPeers can also reach out to
young people who may otherwise not come into contact with Europe and Eu-
ropean issues. Their activities are the best possible proof that it makes complete
sense to become actively involved in Europe.
EuroPeers plan their own events and may also be invited to events as speakers. Schools,
universities and youth centres are particularly interested in making use of the Euro-
Peers’ services, as are career centres, political education centres and foundations.
I loved hearing the EuroPeers’
personal stories and enjoyed
the personal way they talked.
It was great. They were very
easy to listen to.’
They are very enthusiastic young people who have
some amazing stories to tell. Maybe they went through
difficult times, but as time passed they were able to put
things into perspective and see the hard times as part of
the overall experience. And they are very willing to share
their knowledge and develop their own project ideas.
I think that’s very useful to our own work.’
Getting in touch:
EuroPeers can be contacted and
invited to events via
www.europeers.de
A map shows the EuroPeers
who are based nearby, along
with their e-mail addresses.
24 WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BECOMING A EUROPEER BEING A EUROPEER euroPeer eVeNts OUTLOOK
Past events In Marburg, EuroPeers organised an
event entitled ‘ways to go abroad’ for
grade 13 students. They introduced them to the
European Voluntary Service, explained what
other foreign exchange services there are, and
were on hand to answer any questions.
A foundation requested EuroPeers to
hold an interactive workshop to teach
20 students at a comprehensive school all about
Europe and active citizenship. The students
formed groups and prepared presentations
on youth initiatives, youth exchanges and the
EVS. Afterwards they had plenty of time to ask
questions and get an impression of the EuroPeers’
own experiences in these areas.
EuroPeers organised an interactive
trea sure hunt for young adults at
vocational college that was all about working
abroad.
EuroPeers joined forces with EVS
volunteers to set up a stall at a europe
festival in Freiburg. They organised fancy-dress
activities, a quiz and a cake buffet, made lapel
pins, told personal stories, shared information
about working abroad, showed photographs and
much more.
EuroPeers held a workshop on europe in
a centre for children, young people and
families. It was a colourful mix of information,
fun and critical debate about all things related to
the European Union. What is the EU, what are its
fundamental principles, objectives, strengths and
weaknesses? How does it work? What benefits
does the EU have for young people? Where is
the EU headed? The EuroPeers reported on their
experiences and gave the audience some insight
into the topic.
In Munich, EuroPeers invited passers-by
to dress up at their stand and demonstrate
their ‘European face’ before the camera. Besides
this photo campaign, everyone was invited to
participate in a quiz to test their knowledge on
Europe and win small prizes. All participants
went away with some free Youth in Action infor-
mation.
EuroPeers were invited by the Young
Greens in Mannheim to attend a meeting
and introduce the EuroPeers project and the EU’s
Youth in Action programme. This was followed
by a debate and a Q&A session.
EuroPeers attended a career orientation
day in a Scharmbeck school to inform
students about ways to study and train in Europe.
There are many different kinds of EuroPeer events.
10.9%
44.6%
1–5
5.4% 16.3%
6–10
13% 9.8%
WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BECOMING A EUROPEER BEING A EUROPEER euroPeer eVeNts OUTLOOK
What types of eventsare organised most frequently?
How many events does each EuroPeer organise?
33.5 %
20 %
14.1 %
13.5 %
12.9 %
6 %
School event
Information event
Workshop/seminar
Trade fair stand
Cultural event
Miscellaneous
none yetnonemore than 10 no answer
26 euroPeer eVeNts
A commitment to EuropeDuring the 2011 European Youth Week, EuroPeers launched a campaign to promote
the continuation of a European youth programme and within just three weeks
organised as many as 60 events across the whole of Germany. In Mannheim, Olivia
Metzendorf teamed up with four fellow EuroPeers to organise a panel discussion
followed by a band performance. One of the panellists was Franziska Brantner,
Member of the European Parliament.
Franziska Brantner understands the language of the young generation.
Speaking as a panellist in the courtyard of cafga im jungbusch, a café near the
port of Mannheim, the MEP (The Greens) is definitely on form. Compared
to what the EU is paying out in agricultural subsidies, explains Brantner, the
EU’s Youth in Action programme is still underfunded — by comparison, ‘it
gets peanuts. The EU gives more money to Europe’s cows than to its young
people.’ The audience agrees, especially Olivia Metzendorf, who organised this
event together with four fellow EuroPeers from southwestern Germany as part
of the 2011 European Youth Week. Their aim was to create enthusiasm and
raise awareness for the European Voluntary Service and other mobility pro-
grammes. Olivia, a social work student, convincingly reports on what a chal-
lenge it was as a young volunteer to persuade young people in a tiny village in
Portugal not to emigrate to the coast.
Franziska Brantner shares this kind of attitude. During her school years at the
German-French grammar school in Freiburg, Brantner, who is an economist
27WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BECOMING A EUROPEER BEING A EUROPEER euroPeer eVeNts OUTLOOK
and holds a Ph.D. in political science, campaigned to establish a youth council
and a cultural centre. Since then her career has taken her all the way from her
membership of the Green Party’s youth organisation to Brussels. Tonight,
too, Brantner is in a combative state of mind. She’s quite vocal about the fact
that she would like to see more generous and longer-term funding for Youth in
Action as a stand-alone programme.
She also considers the European Youth Strategy to be an effective tool, although
she does have concerns that it’s soo strongly focused on the labour market.
‘Participation is and will remain a key aspect of the Strategy,’ she says. Beside
her on the panel is Mannheim councillor Gerhard Fontagnier. He would also
like to encourage more youth participation in the city, he says. ‘The city doesn’t
do enough in that field. For instance, there’s no youth parliament,’ he explains
and appeals to the local politicians to ‘reach out to young people via the media
that they actually use.’
After just under an hour the panel discussion is over. Among the guests who
linger is Alicia Geugelin, a music student who organises charity concerts and
who has ‘once again seen how important it is just to get going with one’s own
projects.’
Lena Przibylla also feels that the long journey from Freiburg has been worth
it. ‘We’re planning to open an art and culture centre in Freiburg. An office for
European affairs is also in the pipeline, so it’s great to see all the things you
can do with EuroPeers,’ she says. Lena doesn’t feel that young people are too
apathetic to get involved in European and political issues; rather, she says,
politicians seem to have a general lack of confidence in the younger generation.
The successful evening is rounded off by a performance by Mannheim-based
indie rock and hip-hop band Luis & Laserpower, who get everyone up off their
feet and onto the dancefloor. Although Franziska Brantner didn’t make it to the
dancefloor tonight, she definitely contributed towards the great atmosphere.
Seems like Europe is still a very cool issue to talk about, especially for Olivia
who, now she’s gained her degree, has started to work as a volunteer coordina-
tor and supports citizenship projects run by the inhabitants of Maintal.
Top: Olivia opens the event. Below: Panel debate with Franziska Brantner in a Mannheim café.
28 euroPeer eVeNts
JUGEND für Europa: Where did the
idea for this project come from?
Valerie: We just wanted to do
something new. So when we met for
the first time with the European volun-
teers from BHH Sozialkontor and the
european play work association (e.p.a.)
we came up with the idea of the living
library. We had to make it clear what
we were supposed to be, so we asked for
and were given free recycled cardboard
sheets. We then met in the e.p.a.’s offices
to cut out and glue together our book
outfits.
What were your main concerns
before the event?
Anna: We weren’t just represented
at the Europamarkt in Hamburg; in
the runup to the actual event we also
held workshops on mobility in various
comprehensive schools. And you know
what it can be like in some schools. The
equipment doesn’t always work. The
kids sometimes just sit there because
they can’t be bothered with lessons.
And then someone overenthusiastic
like me comes along and wants to do
a bit of an introductory warm-up with
What does it feel like to be a library book? Anna Aurich, Simone Braun and Valerie Witt
wanted to find out, so they participated in the Europamarkt on Gänsemarkt square in
Hamburg. The three EuroPeers persevered despite the horrible weather. But then again,
they said, being an EVS volunteer is usually an adventure, too.
Full to bursting with European experien-ces—the EuroPeers’ living library.
The living library stops off in Hamburg
29euroPeer eVeNts
them (involving physical exercise, no
less!), and that’s the last thing they
want to hear.
Apart from that, though, there was just
one more challenge for me, which was
to travel in the early morning from Kiel
to a place that I’d never heard of in my
life and then to appear enthusiastic and
spirited enough to get things moving.
What’s so special about the living
library?
Simone: You just don‘t know what —
or who—is walking towards you. We
put on our disguises, basically painted
cardboard boxes shaped like books
with words like ‘European Voluntary
Service’, or ‘Together for Europe’,
or ‘Sharing experiences’ painted
on them, and we wander about the
square. It makes people look up and
wonder what’s going on. Once they
have understood what’s happening
people approach us and start talking,
which is really quite interesting. I’m
a book so I provide my reader with
information. Unlike a regular book,
though, I also respond to spontaneous
questions.
So then your day in Hamburg started.
Were you nervous?
Valerie: I arrived on Gänsemarkt a
little later that afternoon, so I had
all morning to slowly but surely get
nervous. I wasn’t just one of the books
in the living library — Irakli, our
Georgian colleague, and I were also
the hosts of our show. Once I was up
on stage I was surprised to see how
excited everyone else in the group was.
And of course things didn’t go exactly
as planned. But still, it was loads of fun.
And then, just before you went on
stage, the skies opened …
Simone: … and I just thought, oh
no. Not that too. I had to rescue my
costume because it was made out of
cardboard. Five minutes before we
were scheduled to go on stage it started
raining cats and dogs. It was really
bad timing. The entire square emptied
within seconds. Still, we didn’t lose
hope and just went out there in a good
mood to present our programme and
spread some good vibes. And we even
had a small but curious audience.
What did it feel like to be up on
stage?
Anna: All I wanted was to make a good
impression despite the pouring rain.
After all, we didn’t want to lose the
small audience that actually decided
to stick around. Thankfully I was
prepared for the questions I was asked.
But I wasn’t worried that things would
go wrong. After all, I’d delivered so
many presentations before schoolkids
already.
What’s your message to all the
young people out there?
Simone: Seize the opportunity to go
abroad. Get involved in a good cause.
It’s not just good for others, it’s good for
you, too. Since I went to Denmark as an
EVS volunteer I have been addicted to
going abroad and meeting people from
all over Europe. The EVS was the best
thing that could ever have happened to
me. So go out and just do it!
Who uses EuroPeers?
34%21%
14%
8%7%
3% 4%
9%
Politicalinstitutions
Schools/universities
Job centres
Sending organisations
Foundations
Youth centres and clubs
Eurodesk, the European youth informationnetwork
Other
31WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BECOMING A EUROPEER BEING A EUROPEER EUROPEER EVENTS outLooK
Looking aheadSince its establishment and the first training session in September 2005
the EuroPeers project has developed very rapidly. This has only been
possible because all the major milestones were discussed and decided
by the EuroPeers themselves. A series of smaller projects is planned for
the future, but EuroPeers is now set to undergo some changes:
_ Internationalisation
From the very beginning the EuroPeer training sessions have been attended by
young people from outside of Germany who want to be EuroPeers in their home
countries. This, however, can be a major challenge because there is currently a lack
of adequate structures. Efforts are already under way to set up independent Euro-
Peer networks in Austria, Luxembourg and Poland, amongst others. The aim is to
create an international EuroPeer project with support structures in all participating
countries, so that EuroPeer events can be organised across the whole of Europe and
EuroPeers can become active in other countries and learn from their peers there.
_ setup of a pool of trainers
In line with the peer-to-peer principle the EuroPeer training sessions are always
attended by experienced EuroPeers. In view of the aim to expand the EuroPeer project
(internationally, too), the plan is to set up a pool of experienced EuroPeer trainers who
will be able to play a stronger role in managing the training sessions.
_ Peer mentoring
To date EuroPeers have mainly been a source of information and to some extent, also
advisory services. In future, their responsibilities are to be extended to include peer
mentoring for EVS volunteers and peer coaching in connection with youth initiatives.
Many EuroPeers are aware how valuable it is for EVS volunteers to establish contact with
local young people, so they are on hand as advisors and points of contact. The same is true
for EuroPeers who have already managed a youth initiative of their own and are willing
to help others to put their own projects together. All EuroPeers can use the EuroPeer
website to communicate what kind of assistance they can provide and what experience
they have.
32 WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BECOMING A EUROPEER BEING A EUROPEER EUROPEER EVENTS outLooK
‘Of course we want to spread the project across Europe. What else?’The EuroPeers project is about to go international. At the latest since the first non-German training
session was held in March 2012 in Bad Mondorf in Luxembourg, which was attended by former
volunteers from Luxembourg, Germany, Austria and Poland, it’s been quite clear that the network
aims to raise awareness of its work in other countries, too.
Let’shearsomeEuropeanvoicesfromLuxembourg.
Why are you a EuroPeer?
Flora: I want to raise awareness. Most young people don’t even know about all
the programmes that are out there. It’s easier than you think to work it all out.
Learn languages for free, discover new cultures, meet like-minded people from
other countries—there’s so many things I could tell them. That’s why I’m excited
about the projects I am running in schools and youth clubs. As for my aims, I
want to make people curious about going abroad and get them to develop a sense
of adventure.
Should the EuroPeers project become more international?
Flora: Definitely. We’ve already started. The network is set to gradually spread
across Europe. The idea is that EuroPeers from Germany, Luxembourg, Austria
and Poland invite former volunteers from their respective neighbouring countries
to present the project. To strengthen the network I think that more EuroPeers
should work as team leaders. Basically, there needs to be more peer-to-peer training.
What don’t you like about the media coverage on Europe?
Flora: There’s far too much focus on the economy. Of course the EU started out as
an economic community, but it’s so much more than that now. I think that’s one
of the reasons why young people today are losing touch with the EU. It’s almost
impossible to see past the complexity of the economy and the economic crisis.
Flora Cammerlander (21, from Austria)
è studies International
Development in Vienna
è spent nine months volunteering in Balteni,
Romania (09/10–06/11)
è her development project: working with young people in rural areas
Three questions for
Flora Cammerlander
33WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BECOMING A EUROPEER BEING A EUROPEER EUROPEER EVENTS outLooK
Why should we look towards Eastern Europe?
Ilona: That’s easy: the Eastern European countries will be a valuable addition to
the EuroPeer team. But we have to be patient. Sometimes cooperation takes time.
It took some time for me to work up the courage to go the UK as an EVS volunteer
after I gained my BA. Volunteering is still viewed with some suspicion in Poland.
What else would you like to learn as a EuroPeer?
Ilona: Honestly? We’ve already been given so many skills to work with. But to help
me prepare for organising my own training sessions I’d like to know more about
how to handle conflicts, group dynamics and managing youth projects. Mediation
in Europe, too, could be an exciting new topic.
What’s on your wish list for a new youth programme?
Ilona: More attention needs to be paid to socially disadvanted young people.
School dropouts, for instance. Who’s looking out for them? Their families are
often not in a position to help them. The planned Erasmus for All programme
sounds great, but I have my doubts as to whether it can reach out to those young
people who truly need to learn more about the opportunities Europe has to offer.
Ilona Kuzak (26, from Poland)
è comes from the Krakow area and now lives in Berlin
è gained a Master’s degree in Intercultural Communication at Viadrina University in Frankfurt/Oder
è as an EVS volunteer in London, she worked with children with physical and mental disabilities
Stéphane Schmitz (20, from Luxembourg)
è studies educational science in Cologne
è spent nine months with the EVS in Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
è plans to organise information events on Youth in Action in Luxembourg
Three questions for
Ilona Kuzak
Three questions for
Stéphane Schmitz
How do you feel now your training is over?
Stéphane: It’s like I’m on a high. I want to use all this energy and start planning
my first project straight away. Unfortunately, public awareness of volunteering is
still very weak in Luxembourg, which is a real shame. Together with two other
EuroPeers I want to do something to show young people that volunteering is a
genuine alternative to going straight to university or learning a trade.
What does being a EuroPeer mean to you?
Stéphane: I guess it‘s the possibility to never stop learning. Of course you acquire
experience if you attend training sessions. But what really counts is practical
Stéphane
34 WHAT ARE EUROPEERS? BECOMING A EUROPEER BEING A EUROPEER EUROPEER EVENTS outLooK
What have you got planned as your next EuroPeer project?
Nora: On Europe Day on 5 May I am going to organise a game on European
identity in a school. The Euro crisis has meant that we’ve almost lost sight of the
fact that Europe is a community of values. And of course I’m going to help raise
awareness of the EuroPeers project in other countries. I am going to be working
with other former volunteers to set up an international youth initiative.
What skills do you still want to acquire?
Nora: That’s easy: help with filling in applications. The bureaucracy involved in
our new project is going to be tough. What documents do we have to submit?
How can we increase our chances of funding? These things are on my mind a lot
right now. But I’m not the only EuroPeer involved in the project. Together, we’re
going to make it work.
When you listen to the news right now ...?
Nora: … I get frustrated at people’s fears that national cultures are in danger of
disappearing due to ‘Europeanisation’. The fact that the Member States are grow-
ing closer doesn’t necessarily mean that cultural specifics will be obliterated.
Rather, it’s going to produce a more effective cultural dialogue that helps us to
recognise what unites us, but also what makes us different.
Nora Schröder (22, from Germany)
è studies applied cultural studies and politics in Lüneburg
è spent six months with the EVS in a cultural centre in Cadouin near Bordeaux
è comes from Ulm
Three questions for
Nora Schröder
experience. You have to try things out. I think that new EuroPeers should be able
to plan and organise as many events as they can from the very beginning. That
will hopefully give them the confidence they need.
What about the media coverage of Europe?
Stéphane: I think it’s interesting to see how media coverage concerning Europe
has skyrocketed in recent months. Hardly a day goes by when there’s no news on
Europe or the Euro. As a regular citizen, though, it’s hard to genuinely under-
stand the context of what’s going on.
I’ve come a long way personally. It’s great to see how everything has fallen into place. It’s easier now to meet people and be more tolerant.
Seize the opportunities you’ve been given to go abroad. Get to know other countries and cultures. Make up your own mind about them and keep an open mind!
There’s no payback without investment. Be adventurous and broaden your horizons!
We’ve developed so many ideas together with the EuroPeers network. I would never have engaged in these activities without it.
What’s changed
What’s
your advice to your peers
foryou?
JuGeNd für europa
Deutsche Agentur
für das EU-Programm
JUGEND IN AKTION
Need more information?
For further information on Youth in Action
visit www.jugend-in-aktion.de
For information on JUGEND für Europa,
our work, our training sessions and our
newsletters, visit
www.jugendfuereuropa.de
All JUGEND für Europa web pages are
linked to
www.webforum-jugend.de
Inquiries:JUGEND für Europa German Agency for the EU programme Youth in action Godesberger Allee 142 – 148 53175 Bonn, Germany [email protected]
Andreas Klünter T: +49 (0)228 9506-232Heike Zimmermann T: +49 (0)228 9506-270Barbara Schmidt T: +49 (0)228 9506-264