This June, we had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from Caritas Hong Kong to our Berlin office as part of a study visit focused on youth mental health and education. Caritas, a long-standing organization with deep roots in community development and youth support across Hong Kong, came to learn more about our work at Youth Power Germany, particularly how we engage young people through creative, holistic, and non-formal education approaches.
At the heart of the visit was a rich exchange of methodologies, experiences, and shared values. Caritas introduced us to the impactful work they lead through their Youth and Community Service, a program designed to empower young people through outreach, service-learning, and inclusive community initiatives. They also presented Open Up, their innovative, text-based emotional support platform available 24/7 for youth aged 11–35—an important digital lifeline in a fast-paced world.
In turn, we at Youth Power Germany shared how our work creates space for young people to explore emotional wellbeing and civic engagement through two main formats. First, we introduced our Youth Exchanges, intercultural programs that combine art-based methods, personal storytelling, and collective reflection to raise awareness on issues like stress, anxiety, and identity.
These experiences foster emotional literacy, resilience, and solidarity among participants. Second, we presented our Training Courses for youth workers, structured one-week programs built around educational materials and facilitation strategies, aimed at deepening professional skills and enhancing support systems for young people in their local communities.
We also spoke about our publication “From Stressed Out to Stress Less”. Available as a free download, this resource is designed for youth workers and educators, offering a series of educational sessions on mental health that can be adapted and implemented locally. It was well received by our Caritas guests, who appreciated its practical approach and how it connects theory with action. Alongside the publication, we also shared our complementary podcast series, which continues the conversation around emotional wellbeing in a relatable and youth-led format.
We also took the opportunity to discuss some of our research-based collaborations with other organizations across Europe, particularly those exploring the intersection of mental health and digital literacy. This opened an engaging discussion with the Caritas team on the growing need to support young people in navigating virtual environments mindfully and safely.
What made this visit truly special was the spirit of openness and mutual learning. While our contexts and communities may differ, we discovered deep resonance in our approaches and aspirations. Both organisations are committed to youth empowerment, emotional wellbeing, and community resilience, each in its own way, but with a shared heart.
As our time together came to a close, we felt inspired by the exchange and grateful for the new connection. It was more than just a study visit; it was a reminder of the importance of international dialogue, solidarity, and cooperation in youth work. We look forward to continuing this conversation and building new pathways together for the wellbeing of young people everywhere.
