From July 24th – 31st, 2011, 180 youth from 20 countries gathered for “Reaching New Heights”, AYUDH’s 7th European Youth Initiative, at M.A. Center Germany near Frankfurt. Through talks and discussion the participants dealt with some of the main challenges faced by young people in today’s society, ranging from drug abuse to violence, lack of self-confidence to environmental crisis. Speakers included Kickboxing and Boxing Worldchampion Lucia Rijker, Br. Shubamrita, Bri. Dipamrita and German artist Gabriele v. Lutzau.
In a public musical performance the youth showed how these challenges can be truned into opportunities for change and stepping stones to success. Under the supervision of Garbiele von Lutzau a creative monument, representing the “Youth Development Goals”, was placed into the park area “Heilig-Kreuz” in Michelstadt, which had been renovated by the youth.

The initiative was supported by the “youth in action” programme of the European Commission, the state of Hessen, the city of Michelstadt. It was part of the UN’s International Year of Youth and the European Year of Volunteering.