PTPI Blog

The 2011 European Youth Forum (EYF) is currently taking place in Berlin, Germany, bringing together students ages 15-17 from all over Europe. Students apply to attend the conference in groups of five, accompanied by one group leader.

The first day of the EYF was dedicated to teambuilding. Participants discussed their fears and expectations, and games helped to break the ice and build relationships. In the afternoon, the group visited Berlin and completed a quest in five small international teams. The teams approached and interacted with people in the city as part of the quest, while at the same time visiting the main sites of Berlin, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, Potsdamer Platz, Sony Center and Reichstag. See more photos from the EYF on PTPI’s Facebook Page and read some of the participants’ perspectives on the day below.

European Youth Forum 2011 delegates in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany

Day 1

Sometimes we tend to think in opposites, but not today, not this week. This week we want to find out how Peace through Understanding works. On Monday, everybody had a box of emotions in their stomach on the way to the EYF, but today it’s better. We tried somehow to put a spell on us when we left home, just to be sure that everything will be perfect, but now we don’t need any spell at all.Our souls are happy now! The atmosphere here is great, the people are also great. We visited Berlin, we made friends and we have already many memories to keep and stories to tell. I’m sure that some of us will keep those memories in their hearts. At first it seems difficult to communicate with each other, but as friends we can do it. Remember: it’s never simple! Step by step, everything will be easier and we will be able to develop a theatre play together, as a team. Maybe this is the gentle persuasion for our brains and souls. However,we enjoy the moment as much as possible because nothing ever lasts. At the end of the week, we will be separated and for sure we will miss our mates. Anyway, I’m proud to announce to you that the European Youth Forum rolls!

- Diana Lapusneanu, Romania

EYF delegates participate in a teambuilding activity

Berlin, Germany. It’s the place which will leave you with only one word – WOW! Sightseeing in the foregin country is the first thing that everyone does after unpacking their luggage and of course this was the first thing we did. While being in several groups, everyone saw the most important places and monuments in Berlin. The places which make Berlin what it is. Even though those buildings and monuments all have their unique architechture and their history, I would say that one place, or, to be more precise, one memorial, had the greatest impact on me and I believe that I was not the only one: The Holocaust Memorial. I think that this is the place, which one can not describe with words. One has to see it. To feel it.

If you go to this memorial you have to pass a place which you just cannot ignore because of its structure, architecture and tallness: Brandenburg Gate. While people all over the world gather at this gate you can just stand in the center, gaze at the top of the gate, and understand the whole history of it. The gate was more or less was the separator of western and eastern Berlin (though the wall was built near the gate). And last but not least, a memorial that really is worth seeing is the Pieces of the Wall. Yes, the Berlin Wall that was destroyed in 1989. The wall that was seperating friends, families, sisters and brothers from each other. When one sees the wall, he/she will feel the emotion that people had while standing on the different sides of the wall. The most impressive thing was the chewing gum. But lets leave the story of the chewing gum for the future…because maybe someday you will see it too.

- Shmagi Liklikadze, Georgia

To learn more about People to People International, visit www.ptpi.org