JIK JugendInterKult e.V.

Gregor Schröder

Gregor Schröder

Born in 1950 and a retired teacher.  I founded JIK together with friends and acquaintances, due to the fact that I have always committed myself to work with young people particularly in the social sector. I regard voluntary commitment to be very important, since J.F. Kennedy's motto, "Do not ask what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country!" is applicable to me.

JIK means for me the obligation to support, in particular intercultural and interreligious exchange, as well as the respectful dealings with each other and exchange between young people from different countries. The support of young refugees, socially and otherwise disadvantaged youth, is particularly very close to my heart.

The youth is our future. Changes are only sustainable insofar as they are supported from the bottom. As a Christian, I feel obliged to help others as much as I can.

In the footsteps of the founder of the world scouting movement Baden-Powell, I would also like to leave the world a little better than I found it.

Michael Betz

Born in 1963, graduate theologian and teacher at a vocational college.  I have been working in this association since the beginning because I regard non-remunerated citizen engagement, as a supporting foundation of democratic societies. JugendInterKult in my view characterises a vital global thought and action mindset, since a common future on our planet can only be achieved, insofar as the best powers of all religions and cultures not only complement, but also increasingly cooperate with each other.

Marianne Fischer

Born in 1955 and an accountant by profession. I was already active in youth work in the 1970s as a scout leader. It was and is still important to me that young people are given the opportunity to look outside the box and get to know as well as learn to appreciate other cultures. Understanding and tolerance towards strangers can only succeed insofar as it is fostered as early as possible. The association can hereby contribute by organising trips and intercultural encounters.

Josefine Kratzer

Born in 1995, student and part time work as a paramedic.

My commitment to JIK began with voluntary work funded by the association at a summer camp with children of different origins at the "Tent of Nations" by Daoud Nassar, in Palestine. I would like to support his motto "We refuse to be enemies" through my voluntary work at JIK.

JIK, in my opinion, offers a peaceful exchange with the cultural diversity in the world, which can be viewed as a gathering together and experiencing without prejudice, in mutual understanding with respect and tolerance as well as an encounter on an equal footing.

True to the motto, "drying a tear is more honourable than shedding streams of blood." (George Gordon Byron) – "bring a little peace" into the world.

Tanja Oppermann

Born in 1978 and a business psychologist by profession. My cooperation with JIK began with a trip to Israel and Palestine in spring 2014. I thereby became incredibly aware of the importance of tolerance and how difficult it is to build bridges in contrast to walls. My desire to accompany young people in the encounter with other cultures has encouraged me to take up volunteer work at JIK.

Inga Poldervaart

Born in 1997, industrial clerk in training. I work on the Board of the Association because I have participated in two great trips to Israel, organised by the JIK and I have as such got to know and appreciate this association. I would like to help in continuing to make JIK as versatile as possible, so that as many people as possible can take advantage of what the association offers.

What JIK means for me is interesting and unique experiences at home and abroad for young people. One can get to know foreign countries and cultures, as well as connect with other young people. I am very grateful for the wonderful trips to Israel with JIK, in which I had the opportunity to participate and I would not like to forego these experiences.

Alina Simke

Born in 1994, state-approved educator and aspiring experiential educator. I got to know JIK through a trip to Israel / Palestine and during my trip I learnt to highly appreciate the intercultural encounters. JIK in this way creates the important opportunity to be able to develop openness, respect and co-operation within different cultures. I am therefore particularly pleased to contribute to supporting such international meetings and to share these valuable experiences with other young people. I would like to help bring the people of our world closer together.    

Janni Deutschendorf

Born in 1991, carpenter in training. I developed my association affiliation during a JIK-trip to Israel-Palestine in 2012. The thereby diverse and very contradictory impressions I gained fascinated but also confused me at the same time. That is why with the support of the JIK I spent 3 months at the international youth centre "Tent of Nations" of Daoud Nassar, where I played a major role in the creation of the symbol of peace "Angels of Cultures", which was thereby formed as a 30-meter-wide work of Land Art made of local stones.

JIK with its global intercultural projects offers me a wonderful opportunity to leave behind small footprints, which are capable of inducing change as well as answers to many of my questions.