New centres for Europe’s young people

Many countries have developed youth centres for their own young people. Most of these serve particular neighbourhoods or particular groups of young people. Some may have a regional or national role. Some have an inter-cultural or international character. All can play a part in giving young people a greater sense of being European, and world, citizens. Such youth centres can simulate a harmonious Europe so that one day it will exist.

What is a Youth Centre for Inter-cultural and International Learning?

A youth centre which consciously promotes intercultural and international understanding has a number of key features:

• It uses participatory methods and non-formal learning;
• It deliberately engages in international and intercultural exchange and learning;
• It promotes awareness and encourages the development of Europe’s diverse cultural identities;
• It shares the Council of Europe’s values of universal human rights and pluralist democracy;
• It seeks solutions to such problems as xenophobia and racism.