The project pursues three central goals aimed at fostering intercultural encounters and creating a sustainable perspective for rural areas. Goal 1: Building long-term partnerships and establishing sustainable international youth exchanges Our goal is to establish stable partnerships that enable continuous international youth exchanges in rural areas. A diverse program of sports, arts, and culture promotes exchange and mutual learning across cultural and geographical boundaries, allowing young people to experience a shared European identity. The structurally weak region of Uckermark in Brandenburg, where the project is based, provides an idyllic setting that supports meaningful encounters. These partnerships aim to facilitate regular European exchange projects and ensure their long-term anchoring in rural regions to promote sustainable youth encounters. Goal 2: Raising awareness for a sustainable, green Europe and fostering a shared framework for action This project strengthens young people’s awareness of an ecologically responsible Europe and the importance of collective action. In light of global environmental challenges, it is crucial to sensitize young people to environmentally conscious behavior. Through workshops, creative projects, and direct experiences in nature, participants gain a deeper understanding of ecological interconnections and the importance of a sustainable lifestyle. The close connection to nature in rural areas helps them assume responsibility for environmental protection and see themselves as active contributors to a greener Europe. Goal 3: Promoting acceptance and tolerance in rural areas for an inclusive Europe The project aims to strengthen tolerance and acceptance among young people in rural areas and to reduce prejudice against other cultures. Young people from diverse cultural backgrounds collaborate in the fields of sports, art, and culture, learning to appreciate diversity as an enrichment. Through intercultural dialogue and shared activities, they develop a respectful and open attitude toward others. The goal is to foster awareness of inclusion and equality in rural areas, thereby contributing to the development of a more solidary and inclusive Europe. Implementation and Achievements So Far Throughout the design and implementation of our three youth encounters, we have consistently aligned our work with these objectives. Intensive discussions with the young participants allowed us to integrate their needs and perspectives into the conceptual and artistic design of the workshops. All participating artists had previously engaged in creative projects addressing the core themes of our program. Our first youth encounter, titled “AMD”, took place in August/September 2024. It explored the traditions and cultural roots of dances from their regions of origin in Africa and the Caribbean, as well as their evolution through the descendants of migrants. Many of the participants were young people with migration backgrounds, particularly descendants of those who migrated to Europe from various regions of the world in past decades. Their diverse cultural influences have significantly shaped European society. During the encounter, participants engaged deeply with cultural expressions and traditions brought to and integrated into European society by migrants. The youth encounters “Liquid Times 1” and “Liquid Times 2” focused on the social, ecological, and personal challenges faced by young people in 2025. A key objective of these encounters was to promote equal opportunities and expand international networks. The project offers young people from rural areas—who often have less access to global topics and networks—the opportunity to develop creative approaches to global challenges while strengthening their artistic and social skills. Another central goal is the sustainable establishment of the intercultural work of the Kilombo Kleinow Center in the Uckermark and the creation of long-term regional partnerships. By cooperating with local institutions and European partners, the project seeks to strengthen acceptance of intercultural initiatives in the region and to sustainably expand the local cultural landscape. Kilombo Kleinow aims to establish itself as a central hub for cultural exchange and intercultural learning, bringing together international youth and the local community.