As part of Future Production II, which was organized from May 15 to 18, 2025 by JuBReg project „Jugend bewegt Region – Region bewegt Jugend“  (Youth Moves Region – Region Moves Youth) students from the B.A. Kultur & Management and B.A. Soziale Arbeit at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences met with students from Poland and Czechia in Großhennersdorf. The aim was to get to know each other, learn together and develop perspectives for the future in the border triangle. A workshop entitled „Kann man etwas aus der Geschichte lernen – und wenn ja, was?“ (Can we learn anything from history – and if so, what?) at the Umweltbibliothek Großhennersdorf focused on the significance of historical experiences. The main focus was on the energy policy of the GDR, its impact on Lusatia, and the structural change taking place today. The participants examined original documents and gained deep insights from contemporary witness Andreas Schönfelder and the film “Die Schmerzen der Lausitz” (The Pain of Lusatia) by Peter Rocha. In addition to the technical input, cultural exchange was also an important part of the workshop: in a relaxed atmosphere, lively discussions took place, new contacts were made and ideas for future projects were developed. With shared meals, creative icebreaker games and discussions on topics such as mobility, security, women's rights and participation, the workshop was a special experience for everyone.

The participants took away a lot:

• historical knowledge as the key to the future
• structural change requires remembrance and participation
• the region has potential – if young people get involved

Future Production II impressively demonstrated that encounters, history and creativity belong together – especially in a region where borders are no longer barriers, but opportunities for cooperation and shared learning.