Following the kick-off meeting in Swabia, the German-Lebanese group continued to consolidate their ties despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic and the current political and economic crisis in Lebanon. Thanks to social media, the participants remained in contact and took part in regular video conferences in order to make plans for their joint work.
Georg Lindl, the initiator of the project, is convinced “If you act, you can achieve something.” Grass-roots work, networking with civil society and, most importantly, coming together as equals: in his opinion these are the defining features of the project. “We realised at the first meeting just how much we could learn from each other,” says the environmental and outdoor educator from Lindau.
Sustainable development, political participation and the integration of refugees are themes that are equally relevant for participants from both countries. However, thematic and methodological know-how is not the sole focus of the exchanges. The participants are also strengthening their commitment to voluntary work and enhancing their social and intercultural skills. In addition, the project promotes the inclusion of girls and women as well as people with migrant backgrounds in the structures of municipal youth work.
