As part of the celebrations for the YCW Centenary, a series of exchanges were organized between the participants and KAJ (Flemish Belgium), CAJ (Germany), JOC Wallonia (French Belgium), and JOC Spain. These initiatives were designed to foster meaningful connections between young members of the movement and to strengthen the spirit of international solidarity that has always been central to the YCW’s mission.
Throughout these exchanges, young people had the opportunity to share their lived realities—both the challenges they face and the hopes they hold in their daily lives, communities, and workplaces. In doing so, they not only learned from one another’s experiences but also deepened their understanding of the different social and cultural contexts in which the YCW operates.
Cultural exchange played a key role in building mutual respect and appreciation. Whether through workshops, local visits, or informal discussions, participants explored diverse traditions and perspectives while discovering the shared values that unite them as part of the same movement.
Importantly, these encounters helped young members recognize the truly international dimension of the YCW. Seeing the work of their peers across borders encouraged reflection on their own commitment and sparked renewed motivation to act both locally and globally.
The delegates that participated, volunteered to share their reactions and experiences:
Neama – (Egypt):
The exchange in Brussels was such a rich and eye-opening experience for me. We visited different organizations the first one was Kamelejon, and saw how they support young people, especially migrants, through social activities, legal support, and safe spaces.
We also had a session about healthcare and insurance, where I got to share how things work in Egypt, and it was interesting to compare the systems.
One of the most meaningful moments was when we spent time with local youth just playing and sharing — that human connection really stuck with me. This exchange helped me see how youth movements can create real change and showed me the power of community and solidarity across borders. I’m really grateful to have been part of it.
Sergio (Spain):
The exchange with Passau was pretty dynamic, consisting of a guided tour through the city, a visit to the CAJ main facilities and a joyful night with some young members. We were also accompanied at all times by a camera crew making a report for local television about the new Pope.
The personal impact this adventure had on me was highly positive, both because of the new friendships made and the new perspectives around the youth gained.
Seeing and talking about their work there made clear some mayor differences between young Germans and young Spaniards main worries and issues, yet there were still shared ones (both are Europe in the end, there's tons of things we have in common). It was a quite a rounded experience in the end.
Cynthia (Paraguay):
I found the exchange with Spain very interesting because I saw that the realities of work, study and family life are very similar to what we young people in Paraguay experience, who also face difficulties and are trying to change that reality by organising ourselves. I found it very important to get to know other young social groups and how they organise themselves. It would be very important to maintain these exchanges at an international level and strengthen the ties between the IYCW using also new technologies.
These exchanges were a testament to the vitality of the YCW’s mission in today’s world. They not only celebrated 100 years of history but also invested in the future by building bridges between young people across cities, countries and continents. The lessons learned and the relationships formed will continue to inspire action and solidarity for years to come, and sure to be celebrated at the next centenary celebration of the YCW.
One of the exchange groups, were approached by a film crew and had the opportunity to have their reactions filmed as the new Pope was elected. In Passau, Germany, the young members of the YCW can be seen on video here, reacting to the amazing news.
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