Food security: EUniWell Service Learning seminar with Amnesty International Konstanz

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines the right to an adequate standard of living, which includes access to sufficient food. Building on this principle, the EUniWell Service Learning seminar invited students from across Europe to explore the topic while engaging in creative activism, or craftivism. In collaboration with the local Amnesty International group in Konstanz, the seminar combined education, civic engagement, and hands-on projects to promote awareness of food security.

At the heart of the seminar were the students, who came from diverse social and cultural backgrounds and brought unique perspectives to the project. Working together, participants created food items from yarn through crocheting, displayed them in Konstanz’s city centre, and formed a human chain to spark public conversation about food security. The inventive approaches of the projects were inspiring, and seeing how these efforts came together on the day of the presentation highlighted the power of collaboration. The local Amnesty International students accompanied the project, sharing their activist journeys, discussing ways to engage in activism, and providing insights into food security and human rights. Their involvement helped demystify the activist aspect of the seminar, offering guidance and encouragement to participants.

The seminar also fostered connections beyond local engagement. While the final presentation took place in Konstanz, the programme encouraged cross-border organisation, culminating in a weekend at Schloss Blumenfeld. Throughout the process, communication and teamwork were central, with participants demonstrating flexibility and determination to make the project succeed even when unforeseen situations required adaptability.

Among the seminar’s many strengths were the enthusiasm of the participants and the opportunity to meet students from different countries. At the same time, certain aspects could benefit from refinement. The focus on food security, while important, did not fully align with the usual priorities of the Amnesty International group in Konstanz. Expectations and responsibilities were at times not entirely clear, which added some stress to the process. Providing more detailed guidance and support could help future participants navigate the seminar more smoothly and maximise the impact of their projects.

Overall, the EUniWell Service Learning seminar was a unique opportunity to combine creativity and activism while connecting with students from across Europe. Experiencing how diverse ideas came together in the city centre and witnessing the energy and dedication of everyone involved made the seminar both memorable and inspiring. It demonstrated the potential of young people to engage meaningfully with society and sparked reflection on the ways civic engagement can shape a more connected and inclusive world.

Further information:

For more details, visit the official EUniWell and Amnesty International Konstanz websites:
https://www.euniwell.eu
https://amnesty-konstanz.de