Successful conclusion of WAVE II in Cologne!
On 12 June 2026, more than 80 participants – including representatives from youth welfare services, youth social work, politics, international youth work, and young people from Germany, Italy, Greece and Serbia – gathered at the Bürgerschaftshaus Bocklemünd/Mengenich in Cologne to celebrate the results of our Erasmus+ project WAVE II.
Almost two years of intensive European cooperation lie behind us. Through workshops, Youth Labs, international training courses, exchanges between youth professionals and local pilot activities, youth workers, educators and young people jointly developed, tested and further refined innovative methods for democracy education and the promotion of European values.
During the Final Event, participants had the opportunity to experience and actively test two of these methods: “Democracy Theater Direkt” and “Sport as a Key to Dignity.”
A special contribution came from Manfred von Hebel, Managing Director of JUGEND für Europa (the German National Agency for Erasmus+ Youth, Erasmus+ Sport and the European Solidarity Corps). He underlined the importance of transnational Erasmus+ projects such as WAVE II for strengthening democracy education and civic education in youth work and youth social work. His message was clear: Europe needs more projects like WAVE II that bring together young people and professionals while making democratic values tangible through practical experience.
Our key takeaway: Democracy and European values cannot simply be taught – they need to be experienced, explored and critically reflected upon together.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our hosts Jama Nyeta and KJA Cologne, our international partner organisations, and all the young people and professionals whose dedication, creativity and commitment made WAVE II possible. We also gratefully acknowledge the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme for funding and supporting this project.
The event concluded with an intercultural buffet, live music and many inspiring conversations about the future of democracy education in Europe.
Programme
15:00 – 15:30
Welcome and first insights into the project
Videos, photo exhibition, informal exchange with a drinks reception
15:30 – 17:00
Democracy education in practice – join in spaces – interactive method sessions
17:00 – 17:30
What’s about European values and Youth (social) Work in Europe – reflections and perspectives
from 17:30
Networking – intercultural evening buffet
