Students Showcase Innovative WE+ Projects to Foster Community Empowerment

Students presented their final projects for the WE+ (WORT Empower Plus) initiative, marking the culmination of their summer semester efforts. These projects, set to be executed in the coming months, reflect the core objectives of WORT: fostering leadership, empathy, and community engagement through innovative and inclusive activities.

The WE+ workshops, part of the Social Leaders for Community Empowerment program, successfully built essential skills in students. These workshops included "Leadership and Creativity" led by Catharina Wassink, "Design Thinking" facilitated by Marita Peter, "Intercultural Training" conducted by Simone Treiber, "Project Management" by Luisa Heß, and "Multinational Team Work" guided by Sven Nik. Each session focused on empowering students with the knowledge and skills needed to become effective leaders and change-makers in their communities.

The WE+ program, a groundbreaking initiative from WORT - Welt Offenen Schmalkalden supported by the Free State of Thuringia and the European Social Fonds Plus, aims to empower youth to become leaders through innovation and empathy, fostering a global community based on diversity, creativity, and social responsibility. The final presentations highlighted how each project aligns with these values and contributes to the overarching goals of WORT.

Among the projects presented were:

1. Class Chat: Led by Alexis Semenov, this project facilitates cultural exchanges between international students and middle school pupils at Regelschule Wasungen. Students from Kazakhstan, India, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Iran, and Vietnam shared their experiences, fostering intercultural understanding and empathy. This event is planned to occur once per semester.
2. Volun-Tears and Laughters: Sara Zewdu’s project engages students in volunteering activities such as pet shelter assistance and organizing blood donation drives. These activities aim to create meaningful connections within the community while enhancing students’ social and professional skills. Meetings are scheduled monthly.
3. Graffiti Art Workshop: Vesa Morina’s initiative offers students a creative outlet through graffiti art, guided by local artists. The workshop promotes artistic skills, cultural expression, and beautifies urban spaces, contributing to a vibrant campus environment. This workshop will take place once per year.
4. Show Your Party (Festa Junina): This project celebrates cultural diversity by integrating international students into local traditions through a festive event featuring music, dance, and culinary experiences. It is a format that will be replicated by other countries during a Market Day, with events planned at least every three months.
5. Board Games Biweekly Encounters: Paolo Mansilla's project brings students and community members together for biweekly board game sessions in Villa K, promoting social interaction, strategic thinking, and community building.
6. Intercultural Hiking Project: Led by Mateus Meneses, this initiative focuses on organizing hiking trips with an intercultural perspective. Participants are encouraged to speak in English and German during set times, share cultural stories and traditions, fostering deeper connections and understanding among students and local community members. These encounters will take place monthly.
7. Art Workshops for Youth: Harry Jadav continues with this successful activity that integrates everyone through art. These workshops connect people through cultural exchange, therapeutic benefits, creative expression, and boost confidence in their abilities and self-expression. The next art workshop plans to engage young locals aged 15 and above in various art forms, encouraging creative expression and providing a platform for young artists to showcase their talents while interacting with international students and locals. Monthly workshops are planned.

The WE+ projects not only enhance students' educational experiences but also strengthen community ties, making Schmalkalden a hub of cultural exchange and social innovation. As these projects roll out in the coming months, they promise to create lasting impacts, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant community.