Anne Frank Youth Network
A global network of youth taking action
Are you between 16 and 26 years old and do you want to make an impact both locally and globally? Do you want to raise awareness of the dangers of prejudice, discrimination, racism and anti-Semitism? Join the Anne Frank Youth Network.
The Anne Frank Youth Network is a growing global network built on volunteering, which exists to actively engage and support you in the work you find important. Inspired by Anne Frank’s diary and her lifestory, all activities aim to raise awareness, increase active citizenship, foster dialogue and democratic values today. You will act as a peer educator; this is when youth teach other youth. Together you will make a positive contribution to society!
We provide you with the tools necessary to take action and make a difference.
AFYN to me is a place of great opportunities and inspiration and people who are passionate about their work. My motivation to be a part of it is feeling the need to share important information with others.
Anička, Náchod
What will I learn?
Being a member of the Anne Frank Youth Network allows you to not only learn about history and its relevance for today, but to also,
- Learn new skills such as project managment and teamwork
- Challenge discrimination, racism and prejudice through activities and trainings
- Have an impact on your local community by creating and executing your own educational activities
- Arrange social media campaigns to create engagement among your peers
- Be part of a growing global community
I joined the Anne Frank Youth Network to learn more about issues close to my heart - Anne Frank, the Holocaust, democracy, and human rights in general. Since the beginning of November, the whole project has brought me a lot of great experiences and learning - whether it's connecting with young people all over Europe, communicating in English or preparing and leading workshops for primary school.
Antonie, Nymburk
How can I get involved?
If you are interested in becoming part of the Anne Frank Youth Network in the Czech Republic, please do not hesitate to contact us. Send us an email to the coordinator - Thomas Elmecker - or post on our social media - Instagram and Facebook.
We can provide you with further information, connect you with other interested young people from the Czech Republic and participants from previous years.
You can also find more information on the official website of the Anne Frank Youth Network and on their social media.
What's next?
After completing your first activity in your own country you will then get the opportunity to participate in a two day national training. You will learn to teach about the importance of the stories of WWII and the Holocaust. Together we explore why these stories are still relevant today, by discussing identity, prejudice, discrimination and democracy. Together with other peer educators you will get to organise your very own project.
AFYN means new opportunities for me and my future. Thanks to AFYN, I am overcoming my fear of speaking in front of many people and I even enjoy it. I really hope that I will be able to do even more in the future.
Kája, Nymburk
Want to do even more?
Once you have completed the two day course and your own project you will stay involved with the Anne Frank Youth Network. You will get the opportunity to mentor new members and independently organise more educational projects. Furthermore you will get access to further experiential and learning opportunities, such as internships at the Anne Frank House and partner organisations.
We look forward to hearing your ideas and suggestions.
You can also visit
Three weeks have already passed since the International Youth Forum started in South Carolina, hosted by the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina (USC). Our very own Ani from Afyn.cz was one of the delegates. She has shared her reflections on the experience, what she learnt, and what she will take away from it. Read her report to get a glimpse of the IYF 2025!
It's the middle of summer, and we're bringing you the latest issue of our newsletter, News from Prague. We wish you a wonderful rest of your vacation and enjoyable reading.
This week, a group of students from the US (some with Czech family ties) has visited us as part of their summer school in the Czech Republic organised by the Mestenhauser Institute for International Collaboration (MIIC).
Our GEDENKDIENST-Volunteer Laurenz joined the Alpine Peace Crossing (APC) in Krimml to cross the Austrian Alps in remembrance of the thousands of Jews who fled the antisemitism that was still rampant in Europe after 1945. Laurenz welcomed the team to Jachymka a few weeks ago.
Yesterday we celebrated Anne Frank's legacy in a creative way by showcasing the artworks submitted by talented contributors at Žižcafé Therapy.
On Saturday our GEDENKDIENST volunteer Laurenz welcomed the team of the Alpine Peace Crossing to Jachymka to show them our work.
Alpine Peace Crossing (APC) is an Austrian organization based in Krimml (Salzburg province).
Our Volunteer Laurenz was in Austria last week to promote the GEDENKDIENST program at his former school, the HAK 1 in Salzburg. Speaking to about 60 people from the 4th grade he talked about his experiences and encouraged the students to also use the opportunity to do a Gap-Year with a positive impact. Besides the remembrance work and the work and history of our institute, Laurenz told the students about the challenges and the many wonderful things that come with moving abroad and starting a new job fresh out of school.
We want to thank the HAK 1 business school in Salzburg for giving Laurenz the opportunity to promote the program and the students for their keen interest.