European Summer School 2021

Call for Participants

How can we make Europe a Peace Project?

European Summer School
For the next generation of young peacebuilders from Germany and Ukraine

You are between 18 and 30 years old? You are interested in EU politics? You want to stand up for peace? Then join us for our 7-days European Summer School in September 2021 in Aachen* (Germany) and meet other young people from Germany and Ukraine. The programme includes a daytrip to Brussels where you will discuss with politicians, EU officials and peace lobbyists. Apply now!

The war in Ukraine has torn the country apart since 2014 and left deep wounds in society. While on the political level the situation seems to be stuck, the Ukrainian civil society has been very active. Local initiatives and activists contribute to healing the wounds of war. They show how conflicts can be resolved without violence. How can this grassroots activism help to make peace? How can peace activists advocate for their issues on the European level? What can the European Union contribute to peace and sustainable development in Ukraine? And how can young people get involved? These are the questions that we will discuss at the European Summer School.

The Summer School is not just about learning. We want YOU to become actively involved! In June/July, we will meet online to prepare the programme together. The Summer School is all about you, and we are looking forward to your ideas. For example, you will get the opportunity to present a topic that you care about in short speeches (TED talks), and thus sharpen your skills in speaking in front of an audience. Be creative, be curious, be yourself! And don’t worry, you do not need to be an expert on EU policies or peace activism beforehand. We will provide you with all the information you need once your application is approved. Prior experience with activism or volunteering is appreciated.

Please note that the exact dates of the Summer School will be announced in June. Thus, we ask you to keep your calendars free between 2nd and 10th September 2021.

Programme:

Day 1:   Arrival in the afternoon and introduction
Day 2:   Workshops on peace building, activism, and Europe as a peace project
Day 3:   Workshops on peace building, activism, and Europe as a peace project
Day 4:   Planning & preparing the day trip to Brussels
Day 5:   Day trip to Brussels
Day 6:   Workshops, reflection & feedback (and a goodbye party, of course!)
Day 7:   Departure

*Please note: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, health measures (e.g. wearing face masks; providing negative test results) may apply. The program and the location of the Summer School, including the daytrip to Brussels, may be subject to changes. The project team will monitor the situation closely and inform participants in case of changes.

Why should you participate?

• Make a difference for a more peaceful Europe!
• Learn about the European Union, peace building and activism!
• Exchange with other young people from Germany and Ukraine!
• Meet political decision-makers such as Members of the European Parliament!
• Get a Youthpass Certificate for your participation

How to apply?

To participate you need to be between 18 and 30 years old and your place of residence must be in Germany. The main language of the Summer School will be English. Thus, a basic level of English is necessary. Please note that we will take gender balance into consideration when choosing participants. The participation fee includes accommodation (shared rooms), meals and the daytrip to Brussels. In addition, you will receive a reimbursement for your travel costs. To apply please fill out the online questionnaire until 3rd May 2021.

You are from Ukraine? Then please apply directly to our partner organisation Institute for Peace and Common Ground. Click here for more information.

Institute for Peace and Common Ground
The Institute for Peace and Common Ground (IPCG), for more than 20 years, is a leading Ukrainian non-governmental, non-profit organization that is pursuing its mission to achieving positive and sustainable change within groups and communities through applying facilitation and dialogue instruments. IPCG unites professional dialogue facilitators, mediators and peer to peer mediators from more than 20 regions of Ukraine. More information.

Forum Civil Peace Service e.V.
Forum Civil Peace Service (forumZFD) is an international peace organisation based in Cologne, Germany. Since 1996, we support people involved in violent conflicts on the path to peace. forumZFD is currently working in Germany and twelve countries around the world, amongst others in Ukraine and the Western Balkans. Our Academy for Conflict Transformation offers professional trainings to people in international peace work. Through campaigns, lobby work and public relations forumZFD actively advocates a civil peace policy. More information.

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