YOUTH-HUB WORKSHOPS

Growing up in Community – Fishbowl discussion

Day One: July 14 2026
In our workshop we will have a fishbowl discussion with young people who grew up in community settings. They will share their experiences, stories, and reflections on childhood and youth in communal life.

In the fishbowl format, they will talk openly about what they appreciated, what was difficult, and what felt different compared to growing up in more traditional settings. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in a thoughtful exchange about life in community.

At the heart of this conversation is a shared question: How can we create environments in which children and youth can grow up feeling well cared for and as a part of the community they live in?

ALICIA SCHEICHEL

NextGEN Germany & 
Lebensgarten Steyerberg

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My name is Alicia Scheichel and I grew up in the ecovillage Lebensgarten Steyerberg in northern Germany.

For many years I have felt dedicated to our movement and have been active in NextGEN Germany for almost 3 years now.
I am deeply fascinated by the question of what a healthy and balanced life can look like?
What does it mean to live a sustainably?
From the food I eat, to maintaining meaningful and honest relationships and dealing with conflict.

MICHAEL SCHOETT

Uniartcity

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Social artist, cultural researcher, musician, game designer, entrepreneur, and cook. For seven years, I have immersed myself in diverse life experiences to learn through direct practice. My work bridges people and ideas—such as with Uniartcitys- spaces for self-determined education for young adults. Across all fields, my focus remains on connection, shared impact, and human potential. I create spaces where people can explore themselves, grow, and unfold their unique path.

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How to make your own ´Bildungsbrief´

Day Two: July 15 2026
In this workshop, we explore the “Bildungsbrief” – a self-directed learning format developed within Uniartcity. Instead of predefined curricula and external exams, learners define their own goals, choose mentors and sources, and shape their own form of reflection. After a short introduction, participants create a mini Bildungsbrief based on something they’ve learned or want to explore during the gathering. Through reflection and small group exchange, learning becomes visible and tangible. Aligned with the spirit of the European Ecovillage Gathering, the workshop invites co-creation, lived experience, and regenerative approaches to learning.

Improvise change with Yes to Sustainability

Day Three: July 16 2026
A space to get to know the story and spirit of the Yes to Sustainability (YTS) network in a playful and fun way. The session would include some impro theater games that would allow participants to embody the roles of YTS coordinators and project participants around the “Deadline adventures” and a Gallery walk to enter in contact with the impact of the Erasmus+ projects in the network.

Participants will gain knowledge about this impactful youth-led project, connections with people from the network and opportunities to join further and multiply impact, while celebrating 10 years of YTS together.

SIMONE CESARO

Yes to Sustainability

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Simone Cesaro is a facilitator, project coordinator and transition activist working at the intersection of sustainability, community living and youth work. Over the past five years, he has explored alternative lifestyles in ecovillages while training in permaculture, sociocracy, nonviolent communication, theater and group facilitation. He has mentored ESC volunteers, coordinated the eco-project Sunseed in Spain and is trained with IIFACe and the Italian school FacilitArte.

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ELIF GEREK

Next GEN Europe

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Elif is a facilitator and community builder with roots in Turkey. Raised in a culture of collaboration and shared values, her work explores the intersectionality of inner development and collective transformation. Active in NextGEN Europe and this year’s Youth Hub coordination team, she brings with her experience in the Art of Hosting, Gaia Education's EDE and CLIPS. She is currently supporting youth engagement in the network and beyond.

Dare to Trust the Next Generation: Youth Manifesto

Day Four: July 17 2026
This youth-led workshop brings together generations to collectively shape what the ecovillage movement has to become in this century. It creates a space where youth voices are political, visionary and action-oriented. We begin with a fishbowl dialogue, centering youth perspectives on the future of communities, while opening critical questions around power and inclusion, exploring what it really means to bring post-colonial, intersectional perspectives into community spaces. From there, we initiate the co-creation of a Youth Manifesto, gathering clear statements and collective commitments that articulate shared directions and next steps toward collective agency.

"I love to be among people who seriously believe that a new world is possible. At the gatherings, I meet the passion of young people and the thoughtfulness of elders who have thought deeply about how it is possible and why it is difficult."
2025 Gathering Participant