Leaving no one behind:
Creating opportunities together
180 Grad Wende e. V. is committed to equal opportunities for young people from marginalised communities. Founded in Cologne in 2012, we are active in over 72 locations with projects on orientation, democracy, prevention and empowerment. In Cologne, NRW, throughout Germany and internationally.
Recognised and awarded many times over, we offer a wide range of services and individual counselling to give young people new perspectives. Our mission is to transform untapped potential into powerful impetus for positive change.
12
Years of Experience
72
Places of action
180
Degree turn
600+
Multipliers trained
2000+
People in the network
100.000+
People reached
0
Tolerance of hate
Diversity in action: our expertise
Workshops, presentations, multilingual counselling and seminars: Our team members bring a wide range of expertise to the table. This is the only way we can respond to individual concerns in a needs-orientated manner.
Workshops and training programmes
Support of Volunteers
Multilingual counselling services
Keynote speeches
Our approach is as diverse as the people we reach – because different target groups require customised solutions. This is precisely why we develop various projects that are tailored to people’s different needs.
Empowerment
Everyone has the potential to actively shape their own life in a self-determined way. In our empowerment projects, we support people in discovering their strengths, developing self-confidence and overcoming obstacles.
We create spaces in which individual abilities can unfold, and positive developments can be initiated: always at eye level and with the aim of empowering people in the long term.
Prevention
Our prevention work starts where risks can be recognised early on and negative developments can be avoided. We raise awareness, educate and offer support to prevent radicalisation and violence. It is important to us not only to react, but also to proactively create structures that make people strong and resilient against extremism and marginalisation. Our preventative approaches have been tried and tested many times and have won many awards – because they work.
Democracy
A strong democracy depends on the active participation of everyone. Our democracy promotion projects aim to sensitize people to democratic values and encourage them to play an active role in society. We create access where it is often lacking, promote critical thinking and strengthen cooperation through dialogue and respect. Our approach combines political education, anti-discrimination and the removal of barriers to access to promote an inclusive and just society.
Orientation
Clarity and perspective are crucial for a self-determined life. In our orientation projects, we help people to recognise and pursue their professional and personal goals. From career guidance to intensive individual support – we offer customised support that is tailored to the needs of our participants.
We focus on equal opportunities so that everyone has the same opportunity to develop and succeed.
Values & Vision
For a world of equal opportunities for all
We strive for a world in which everyone has the chance to recognize their strengths and develop their talents. Our mission is to transform the untapped energy of marginalized young people into powerful impulses for positive change. This is not only a benefit for young people, but also for an open, diverse and future-orientated society.
Justice of Opportunities
Everyone receives the support they need to fulfil their potential – no one is left behind.
Humanity
We act in a needs-orientated manner and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Anti-discrimination
We take a clear stance against discrimination and promote a society in which everyone is respected.
Community
Together we are stronger – no one is alone in the fight against hate.
Democracy
We encourage young people to actively participate in society and live democratic values.
Sustainability
We strive for long-term, effective changes that have a lasting positive impact on society.
Transparency
Our actions are open and responsible.
Support us!
Get involved!
Would you like to volunteer, have your own project ideas or would you like to qualify as a volunteer? You’ll find plenty of opportunities to get involved with us. We support you in realising your ideas and making a difference together!
Funding
We have no shortage of project ideas. Do you work for a foundation, a ministry or a company and want to make a difference with us? Get in touch with us and we will be happy to introduce you to our project ideas!
Become a partner
We believe in the power of collaboration. If you would like to become part of our network or are an organisation interested in implementing a project together, you’ve come to the right place. Become our partner and help us realise our vision!
Our project work:
In Cologne, NRW. Germany and worldwide.
180 Grad Wende Stories
Herten, NRW
Dillara is a dedicated young woman from Herten who has always enjoyed advocating for others.
She turned to 180 Grad Wende and participated in our mentoring workshops. Then, Dillara developed her own group initiative. Since then, she has been regularly organizing women empowerment meetings in Herten, enabling other young women to develop and share their creative ideas in a safe environment.
Dillara, Herten
Founder of Bloomingout
Köln, NRW
Kerim, Köln
Participant of the Plus Course (now: Azubi Buddy)
Kerim from Cologne-Kalk had no clear direction after leaving school. He found it difficult to write job applications and lacked motivation on his own. A friend introduced him to the ‘180 degree turnaround’ and the Plus course. There he not only found support in writing applications, but also a community that welcomed and motivated him.
Today, Kerim has completed his training, is working as a chemical technician and is looking positively to the future – thanks to the guidance he found on the Plus Course.
Nakawa, Uganda
Muswab
Participant of Project CHANCE
Muswab is a determined young man who has not had it easy. He lives with his single mother and seven siblings in Nakawa, Uganda. His mother works hard to support the family. Despite this, Muswab had to drop out of school after the fourth grade for financial reasons. But Muswab remained hopeful and always investigated how to ease his mother’s burden. He also never gave up on his dreams.
Thanks to the 180 Grad Wende project CHANCE, Muswab, together with other young people, can receive an education. He is supported and accompanied by 180 Grad Wende’s local project partners. An opportunity that will not only change his life, but also the lives of his family.
Awards
Funding partners
