Doris Becker, AK Europakontakte (work group “European Contacts”) at ZAWiW of Ulm University

In 1994, ZAWiW (Centre for General Scientific Continuing Education) at Ulm University offered, as a part of its annual spring- and autumn-academies a work group dealing with the European Institutions in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxemburg.

I was thrilled! Finally information on Europe. Out of this work group, a continuing work team called „AK Europakontakte“ (working group European Contacts) developed.

After some research on similar already existing groups, meetings with senior groups from Prague, Milano, Jyväskylä (Finland) and Glasgow took place; some in Ulm, where we took care of the guests for some days, some abroad, where we were welcomed by the local groups.

Unforgettable, for me personally, was the caring support in Jyväskylä through a group of senior learners of German. They showed us their good German language skills and had organised a versatile programme. There were discussions about social politics and we were sensibilized for the problem of Karelien’s division.

In addition to organisational help at ZAWiW, the AK Europakontakte is actively involved in ZAWiW’s European projects with partner organisations from all over Europe. Through this work, contacts with senior groups from Spain, Italy and especially from Poland, have been formed. Even today, I still have close contact to a couple from Lodz.

The current project “Danube-Networkers” and other events in this context focus our attention on the south-eastern bordering countries of the Danube. Some of them are already part of the EU. During first encounters, I strongly perceived the people’s willingness to make Europe whole.

All of these encounters and all the research within the projects have enlarged my knowlegde on Europe but also my interests and comprehension for its people. That is why I enjoy working in this group.

Is Europe possible? – for me: definitely yes!

In my opinion, ZAWiW and the AK Europakontakte contribute at the basis to the making of a large Europe which is not only a political and geographical association, but also an association on a human and personal level.