From 13 to 20 June 2025, the Ecumenical Humanitarian Organization (EHO), in cooperation with partner organizations from Germany – Evangelische Jugend Dortmund und Lünen and Evangelische Noah Kirchengemeinde Dortmund – implemented a youth exchange in Dortmund. This year's exchange is the eighteenth in a row and is part of a long-standing partnership between the twin cities of Novi Sad and Dortmund.

During the seven-day stay, young participants had the opportunity to engage in a rich and diverse program of educational, cultural, and socially engaged activities.

Of particular importance to this year's exchange was participation in Synod GoDi - a church ceremony of the Synod of the Evangelical Church - during which young people from Serbia presented the tradition of youth exchanges between Novi Sad and Dortmund, as well as the work of the Ecumenical Humanitarian Organization.

A significant moment for the program participants was the reception at the Dortmund City Hall, where the young volunteers were hosted by representatives of the mayor's office. They welcomed them and expressed their support for initiatives that connect young people from different countries.

During the program, the young people also visited the city of Lünen, where they explored local activities and participated in a festival. Also, our hosts in Dortmund organized a visit to the city of Winterswijk in the Netherlands during this year's exchange, much to the delight of the young people.

The participants, among other things, visited the Reinoldikirche in Dortmund and learned about the activities of the “Memorial of Human Dignity” on the occasion of the International Refugee Day. A visit was also organized to Hamm, where the participants visited the “Youth Church Hamm” and participated in the “Together Building” workshop. As part of the program, a workshop was also organized in cooperation with the organization Jugendring Dortmund, which brings together numerous youth initiatives and organizations in the city.

A total of 20 young volunteers participated in this year's exchange - 10 from Serbia and 10 from Germany - who, through joint work, conversations and visits to civil society organizations, had the opportunity to exchange experiences, develop personal and social skills and build new friendships.

The next youth exchange is planned for 2026 in Novi Sad, when we will have the opportunity to host young participants from Dortmund.