Franco-German Partnership – Kinder des Widerstands (KDW)
Rencontre Réconciliation has signed an official partnership with the German association Kinder des Widerstandes. This partnership launches a series of Franco-German exchanges, conferences, and publications for 2025–2026.
Our current projects – 2025–2026
• Gerhard eBook + teaching guide (submitted to the DSDEN)
• Translation of the book by Alex Dekker, grandchild of the war in the Netherlands
• eBook Astrid (expected early 2026) - Kriegsenkel
• Collection of stories and bilingual eBooks with Kinder des Widerstands
• Conference project: Maillé ("martyred village") and a day on transgenerational trauma
• Strengthened relationships: Wedemark, City of Angers, House of Europe
• Fragments of Memory Theatre Project
Overcoming intergenerational trauma
The Rencontre Réconciliation association works to transform the wounds of the past into a lever for dialogue and mutual understanding. Independent, non-profit, and without political or religious affiliation, it creates a space for sharing, allowing Europeans to explore together the traces left by the Second World War.
We are particularly committed to raising awareness in France of the concept of Kriegsenkel ("grandchildren of war"), those generations marked by the emotional legacy of the conflict. We address four main themes related to the aftereffects of war:
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The persecuted soldiers,
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Children born during the German occupation,
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Those forcibly conscripted,
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Families who supported the Third Reich.
Through conferences, cultural events and meetings, we promote the transmission of memory and encourage intercultural dialogue essential to European reconciliation.
Our projects
Conferences
We aim to raise awareness among the French public about the Kriegsenkel phenomenon, which remains relatively unknown in France. Our conferences bring together historians, witnesses, and specialists to shed light on this historical legacy. We target cultural centers, Franco-German associations, twinning committees, municipalities, and associations of veterans, deportees, and resistance fighters.
Anyone interested in the history of the Second World War and its repercussions today can participate in these events.
Encourage dialogue and reconciliation
We organize meetings between individuals and families impacted by the war, so that everyone can share their story and better understand that of others.
Exchanging information to better understand each other is an essential step in a democratic and open society.
Strengthen European trade
We are convinced that these initiatives can enrich cross-border relations and revitalize town twinning between European cities. By facilitating these exchanges, we contribute to strengthening cohesion between generations and nations.
Our commitment
We are convinced that these initiatives can enrich cross-border relations and revitalise twinning arrangements between European cities. By facilitating these exchanges, we contribute to strengthening cohesion between generations and nations.
independence and neutrality
We do not represent any political or religious movement.
dialogue and transmission
Our actions aim to better understand the legacy of the past in order to build a common future.
European approach
Our projects are part of a dynamic of reconciliation between peoples.