Exploring Ghent: Oskar’s Perspective on Youth Empowerment
Oskar, Germany, Age 19What a difference from Stuttgart! There are hardly any cars here in the city centre, and you see bikes everywhere. I love it!
Oskar, a young and enthusiastic participant from Stuttgart, Germany, was thrilled to be a part of the youth exchange in Ghent. Organised by the Ghent European Youth Capital, this event brought together youth councils from Austria, Belgium, and Germany to share ideas, debate, and explore what Ghent has to offer.
For Oskar, the highlight was exploring the cultural and social landscape of Ghent, which left a lasting impression. “It was great to discover Ghent. There are so many cultural and social organizations here. So many different places for young people to just ‘be.’” The abundance of spaces dedicated to youth empowerment was unlike anything he had experienced in Stuttgart, where cars dominate the city landscape.
Particularly impressed by Broei, a youth hotspot in the city, Oskar admired how young people were the driving force behind the initiative. “If I were studying in Ghent, you’d find me there all the time!” His experience in Ghent has opened his eyes to the power of youth-driven social spaces, where culture, creativity, and connection flourish.
The international exchange was more than just a cultural immersion for Oskar—it inspired him to think deeply about the importance of youth participation and public space, showing how different countries foster unique environments for young people.
Updated on Montag, 16/09/2024