In the Footsteps of Our Common History

By exploring and experiencing history, we learn from the past and remember for the future. This Greek-German youth exchange aims to foster a deeper understanding of the injustice and human suffering caused by war, while highlighting the responsibility of younger generations to build a democratic, peaceful and united Europe.

The programme will take place in the picturesque village of Vitsa, in the Zagori region of Epirus, an area that still bears the marks of the German occupation of Greece (1941–1944). During this period, serious war crimes were committed: villages were destroyed, civilians were massacred and the Jewish population was deported and exterminated in Nazi death camps. The memory of these historical events remains alive to this day and continues to influence relations between the two peoples.

Through visits to historical sites, meetings with people knowledgeable about local history, documentary screenings and experiential workshops, participants will have the opportunity to learn about stories of resistance and survival, exchange experiences and explore pathways toward a shared culture of remembrance and meaningful reconciliation.

At the same time, the programme includes social and recreational activities, such as hiking in the surrounding mountains and team-building exercises, fostering cooperation and the development of new friendships between young people from Greece and Germany.

The youth exchange is organised by Exantas – Greek-German Association of Berlin and The Land Beyond in Vitsa Zagoriou and is funded by the Greek-German Youth Foundation.