The project in a few words
“#Back to the Roots” was a 11-day Youth Exchange that took place in Leipzig, Germany from October 6th to 17th.
It will focused on using hip-hop and its different disciplines for self-growth and as a tool that can lead to social inclusion.
We wanted to reclaim hip-hop’s original power as an impactful form of expression and a driving force for change. We brought this essence to youngsters
and co-created a space where every voice is heard, and creativity is used as a tool for empowerment and connection. We focused on the captivating narrative of hip-hop, which is more than a genre of music or a form of dance. It represents a collection of stories of empowerment, unity, and social inclusion. At its core, hip-hop is a history of resilience. It is a chronicle of communities finding strength and solace in artistic unity.
Main Objectives
- Raise awareness about the social power of artistic expression and discover artistic ways to raise our voices and take active participation in society, especially related and through Hip Hop.
- Empower young people by teaching performative and creative methodologies which can be used for self-expression and to raise their self-efficacy by encouraging them to express themselves through different artistic expressions.
- Empower Youth citizenship: Provide a platform for young people to take ownership of their learning journey, develop leadership skills, and drive positive change in their communities. Present different ways through which youngsters can raise their voices and actively participate in society.
- Deconstruct Hip Hop: Use Hip Hop Culture to raise awareness about topics such as social exclusion, discrimination, racism, sexism, poverty and frustration.
- Promote Intercultural Dialogue: Facilitate meaningful interactions and exchanges among participants from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering mutual understanding, respect, and empathy.
- Encourage Personal Growth: Create opportunities for self-reflection, personal development, and the cultivation of mindfulness through immersive travel experiences and experiential learning activities.
- Foster Global Citizenship: Inspire participants to become responsible global citizens, committed to promoting social justice, cultural diversity, and environmental sustainability.
- Promote Inclusivity and Diversity: Celebrate the richness of human diversity and create a safe, inclusive space where all participants feel valued, respected, and empowered to share their perspectives and experiences.
- Disseminate Good Practices: Encourage participants to become ambassadors for active citizenship in their communities and bring new ideas to their peers about methodologies to express their needs in society.
- Contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Align the objectives of the exchange with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 10 (Reduced Inequality), Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and strong Institutions) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
Results
During the program of the Exchange, the participants worked in the different disciplines of Hip Hop and created beatbox performances, songs, dances and a concept for a graffiti wall. On the 15. October we held a big Hip Hop Jam at the legal Graffiti walls at the Gießerstraße in Leipzig.
In collaboration with the collective OMAD (Open Mic am Dienstag) from Leipzig we put into place an event with more than 250 visitors over the day.
Youth Exchange
Leipzig, Germany
6. – 17. October 2024
Multimedia Gallery
Hosting Organisation
Dreaming OPEnly e.V. is a youth-organization based in Leipzig, Germany, focused on offering developmental experiences based on non-formal learning approaches and mobility opportunities to young people in Germany and abroad. Our mission is to facilitate transformative change through non-formal education, critical thinking and artistic expression.
Partner Organisations
