International Network

Preamble to the BJR Statutes (1947): “All work should be based on love for Germany and on the willingness to do everything that serves peace and understanding between all peoples.”

From the very beginning, international youth work and, in particular, the European aspect thereof has been an important part of youth work in Bavaria. Even early on, initial links to other countries and regions in Europe were established, with youth political delegations and exchanges of young people being organised and financed. For more than 70 years, the Bavarian Youth Council (Bayerischer Jungendring or BJR) has been working for peaceful coexistence in Europe and bringing young people together. The BJR advocates for young people and represents their interests at European level.

Since our 2017 statutory reform, Europe has been firmly anchored in the preamble of the BJR statutes: “We stand by a Europe of solidarity that guarantees peace and cohesion. Together, we are actively committed to the preservation and youth-oriented further development of the European Union.”

Europe has undergone enormous change and has now become more important than ever for society and young people in Bavaria. In a time where rightwing, nationalist tendencies are regaining strength, one of the most important instruments for experiencing diversity and overcoming prejudices continues to be engagement between people. Further developing Europe and the European Union (EU) socially and contributing to a union of peace is central to the BJR.

Link to our brochure European "Youth Work in Bavaria"

Individual school exchange allows young people to acquire linguistic, social and intercultural competences. The individual two or three month exchange programme based on reciprocity has proved to be an exchange form which meets very much the interest of young people and their families. This is confirmed by a constantly increasing demand as well as the biographical impacts on the participants. There is strong evidence that self-assurance, confidence in one’s own abilities and the development of personal identity are strengthened by such an exchange programme.