“Europe grows solely through its citizens” (Professor Dr. Andrea Riccardi on the occasion of the Karlspreis 2009). As professor Andre Riccardi pointed out on the occasion of the Karlspreis 2009, Europe cannot grow through complex treaties or constitutions, but rather through its citizens. An understanding of common ideals and the diversity of cultural differences forms the basis for a strong Europe. Europe is diverse and reflecting its complexity can help define one's identity in a globalised world. Especially young Europeans can easily be interested in Europe, local geography, nature and culture, a shared past and cultural differences. A strong ego is the prerequisite for being open-minded about the cultural diversity of our continent.

The Aachen Europe Kit (“Aachener Europakoffer”) is novel in that it enables its users to discover Europe from a personal perspective. The cool, silvery case contains far more than factual knowledge  about Europe. Lessons for six to twelve year-olds, Europe should be conceived holistically – using the children's mental, emotional and practical capabilities. The carefully selected educational materials for both pupils and teachers offer an insight into the different levels of decision-making in Europe. The levels covered are the City of Aachen, a truly European city by geographic location and through its historic roots, the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion with its cultural diversity and rich past, and finally the European community of states and the geographic specificities of the the continent.

The Sparkasse Aachen Youth Fund financed 20 kits to support the teaching of Europe in our region. Hans Pluymackers, a board member of the fund handed out the first four kits to the director of Aachen's city library, Mr Sawallich, and his colleagues. Pluymackers justified the bank's involvement emphasising that “communicating Europe is an important field of action for primary schools”. On behalf of her colleagues, Ms Ehlen, director of the library's decentral services, stressed how important a Europe kit communicating the link between Aachen and Europe is, thanking for Sparkasse Aachen for its support. The event was also attended by the project initiator, Dr Rita Darboven of the the non-profit organisation KreaScientia, as well as Sibylle Keupen of Bleiberger Fabrik, a partner in the “Europa kreativ entdecken/Europe - a creative discovery” programme. The talks brought forth several ideas for future projects to promote lessons about Europe at Aachen's schools and exchange in the Euroregion. KreaScientia is already planning a Europe Kit for ages 13 to 16.

The idea for the Europe Kit ("Aachener Europakoffer") was already born in 2006, the kit being intended as a selection of materials for a contemporary to local history. Its core message to children and and adolescents is that Europe does not stand for faraway countries or faraway Brussels but that Europe is all around them, that Europe is where they are. This applies to this region in particular. Since, the concept has been tried and tested in a number of exciting projects. In Aachen, the European Idea of peaceful coexistence in cultural diversity and exchange has always been lived. Being able to perceive and value European ideals is not self-evident but these qualities have to communicated to children and youths time and again. This can be attempted by in school, in other educational institutions as well as holiday camps. The materials selected by KreaScientia are a valuable resource that is constantly updated.

As a second pillar, the "Europa kreativ entdecken / Europe - A Creative Discovery" programme features creative workshops.  15 artists from the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion developed workshops  that treat Europe in a creative manner for which they were awarded the “Young Europe” prize as part of the Jugendkulturpreis 2008. The “Europa kreativ entdecken” handbook is part of the “Aachener Europakoffer” (Europe Kit), it can, however be bought separately (16.50 euro, ISBN 978-3-9812768-0-0) The “Europa kreativ entdecken“ programme was developed by KreaScientia gGmbH in cooperation with Bleiberger Fabrik.

The Europe Kit can be borrowed from Aachen city library (+49-241-47910) for a period of 8 weeks which can be prolonged for up to two weeks: Kinder- und Jugendbibliothek, Couvenstr. 15; Stadtteilbibliothek Haaren (branch), Welsche Mühle, Mühlenstraße 19; Stadtteilbibliothek Ost (branch), Aretzstraße 10-20; Bücherbus (book bus)„FABIAN“ (see stops).

The “Aachener Europakoffer” including the “Europa kreativ entdecken” handbook can be ordered for 150 euro plus postage for use in school libraries or other educational institutions from KreaScientia gGmbH, Aachen phone +49-241-16035901 or e-mail  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Reservations for creative workshops for the school year 2009/2010 can be made with Bleiberger Fabrik ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) as of now.