How can we work with young people in France, Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina to remember the terrible events of wars and contribute to a peaceful future together?

The upcoming 80th anniversary of the massacre of Oradour-sur-Glane on 10 June, when 643 inhabitants were murdered by the German occupying forces June raises the question as to how the memory of such atrocities of war can be cultivated in youth education work in France, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond. To this end, the Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO) and the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (EVZ) are organising a symposium in Oradour-sur-Glane and Limoges from 2 to 6 July in cooperation with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and the Centre de la mémoire Oradour-sur-Glane (CMO).

The massacre of Oradour-sur-Glane on 10 June 1944 and subsequent war crimes, such as those committed in Srebrenica in the summer of 1995, have left deep scars in the memories of the populations concerned. The question of whether and how the memory of such traumatic events should be cultivated in the context of international youth encounters opens up a complex field of discussion. Why should we confront the painful chapters of our recent history in the context of international youth encounters? Can this dialogue contribute to peace education? What is important and meaningful from an educational perspective? Which methodological and pedagogical approaches are appropriate?

Together with experts in international youth education work, staff of memorial sites, and historians from France, Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina, we want to explore these questions in Oradour-sur-Glane, a place steeped in history. We would like to discuss your experiences in the context of international youth education work regarding these issues and innovative methodological and educational approaches. Additionally, a visit to the memorial site and the memorial at Oradour- sur-Glane is planned, accompanied by staff from the Centre de la mémoire d'Oradour. The aim is to provide a space for experts from different fields and countries to exchange ideas on remembrance education and to network.

The main language of the programme will be English, with the possibility of translation into German, French and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian.

You are cordially invited to participate! Registration is open until 11 June. 

OBJECTIVES

  • To stimulate professional exchange on remembrance education
  • To raise awareness of the diversity of ways of dealing with the past
  • To network actors who wish to carry out projects on the theme in the coming years
  • To present innovative educational materials, such as the toolbox ‘War(s) in Europe. Shared experience, collective memory? – Germany, France, Bosnia and Herzegovina’ and the new digital tool Cartorik, and discuss their use in different contexts
  • To collect/share materials/experiences
  • To develop recommendations

REGISTRATION

  • Place and date :
    • Venue: Centre de la mémoire Oradour-sur-Glane, Hotel Kyriad in Limoges
    • Accommodation in Limoges
    • Dates: from 2 to 6 July 2024
    • Symposium language: English, with the possibility of translation into German, French and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian.
  • Target group:
    • Experts in international youth education, staff of memorial centres, historians from France, Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • English language skills: intermediate
    • The number of participants is limited to 10 persons per country

The FGYO will cover the accommodation costs (double room, full board), the programme costs and the travel costs (travel to and from Limoges up to a maximum of 200 euros for participants from France, 350 euros for participants from Germany and 400 euros for participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina). Arrival in Limoges on 2 July before 19:00 and departure from Limoges on 6 July after breakfast. Participants must be present throughout the conference.

Register online at: https://www.fgyo.org/form/remembering-the-wars-in-europa

Please send your registration form by 11 June. The number of participants is limited to 10 persons per country. If the number of registrations exceeds the available places, the team will make a selection based on the motivation details provided in the registration form. You will receive a confirmation of participation after the registration deadline.

We will let you know by 14th June whether your registration has been accepted.

CONTACT

Anne Schindler (Project officer ‘Living Remembrance’)

Tel. +49 30 288 757 66

E-Mail: schindler@dfjw.org

Franco-German Youth office Molkenmarkt 1, 10179 Berlin

Organised by EVZ and FGYO

in cooperation with centre de la mémoire Oradour-sur-Glane and RYCO