From "role model in dealing with the national socialist past in the Federal Republic of Germany" to a testing ground for historical-political education
The International Youth Hostel Dachau conceives itself as an educational institution, providing space and accommodation, time, and knowledge for people from all over the world who want to deal with the history of concentration camps, of National Socialism, and of the lessons we can learn from it.
But our pedagogical projects are not limited to dealing with history alone. To gain a broader understanding it is useful to make references to present day topics such as human rights, democracy, tolerance, peace, and internationality.
At the same time, historical and political education with regard to National Socialism is in the flux. Donors and staff of the International Youth Hostel are convinced that it is necessary to remember the strategies and crimes of the NS regime anew - hoping at the same time to play a part in preventing authoritarian, nationalistic, racist, and anti-Semitic regimes and societies. This is where political education with regard to National Socialism has its meaning and value. However, how this claim can be realized in detail needs to be clarified. In any case, the International Youth Hostel Dachau conceives its pedagogical work as a contribution in answering that question.