Building Bridges
Sometimes we think that differences such as language, background, or physical characteristics separate us from one another. Yet often, all it takes is one encounter to realise how much connects us. The Building Bridges project series shows how: its projects bring together young people from across Europe, with and without disabilities, and with different life experiences and backgrounds.
Five times a year, we hold projects with different focuses. Sometimes the focus is on dance or music; other times, it’s about bringing people closer together. Sometimes the theme is digitalisation, where young people can acquire new skills. Other times, the focus lies on mental health, and young people learn to be mindful of themselves and others. Or they explore our environment and examine how humans and nature are interconnected.
The topics may change, but the goal remains the same: to break down barriers to participation, encourage young people to try new things, stand up for one another, and contribute their full range of abilities. Creative workshops tailored to the needs of all participants make exactly that possible. Dance, music, and shared experiences show that connection does not always need words. This creates a space where openness, joy, and mutual respect are at the heart of everything. At the same time, diversity is recognised as the norm and as an asset.
Building Bridges is divided into three projects:
- Building Bridges Music
- Building Bridges Dance, together with the Inclusive International Dance Festival
- Building Bridges Greece
The project is interpreted into all project languages.
Partners
In the Building Bridges programme, we work with many different partners. We have been collaborating regularly with the following partner organisations for years:
Germany
EJF Nonprofit AG
Wartenburg Child and Youth Welfare Association
Lebenshilfe Ostallgäu-Kaufbeuren e. V.
St. Vincenzhaus Special Education School
Estonia
MTÜ Valgus Children's and Youth Center
Greece
Cool Crips: A Non-Profit Company
Pitsas Camp
Italy
Babele ODV
Lithuania
Bridge of Solidarity
Poland
Centrum Halama
ArteEgo Foundation
Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe
“OSTOJA” Association for People with Disabilities
Gen. Sylwester Kaliski School Complex in Gora
Special Schools Complex named after Irena Komorowska in Oława
Special Schools Complex
Romania
The City of Siret, Chronic Psychiatric Hospital
Slovenia
Zavod Dobra pot
Czech Republic
DominikFor
Family cz
School and Preschool for Children with Disabilities, Liberec
Ukraine
Chernivtsi Youth Center "Youth Residence"
Мрії Особливих Дітей
Wales, United Kingdom
Bettws Boys and Girls Club
Funders
Freya von Moltke Foundation for the New Kreisau
The project is co-funded by the European Union.