On Friday 8 July 2016, the new youth centre in Marienthal was inaugurated in the presence of HRH the Heriditary Grand Duke Guillaume and the Heriditary Grand Duchess Stephanie, along with Luxembourg government ministers François Bausch and Claude Meisch and the Secretary of State, Guy Arendt.
The site of the "Vallée de la Sainte-Marie" is not only synonymous with many events and crises that Luxembourg has known since its inception, but Marienthal also embodies the cultural and social values that have and continue to forge the country's identity. The medieval town became a spiritual and religious retreat, and was later transformed into an inn to house refugees from the the Balkan countries at the end of the last century; the place is now intended to accommodate youth. In 1974 the state acquired the Marienthal site and made it available to the National Youth Service (SNJ). The estate, which currently extends over an area of about 7 hectares, has existed since 1232 and was declared a National Monument in 2002.
In 2010, the work of transformation and renovation of the centre were started. "Next to the architectural and historical preservation of the various buildings, the energy concept is based on a pellet fuel heating system to promote renewable energy," said Minister Bausch. "Indeed, this type of heating with neutral CO2 emission permits a reduction of around 250 tonnes of CO2 compared to conventional heating oil."
Minister Claude Meisch stressed the importance of the Marienthal centre, not only for the National Youth Service, but for the whole of the youth sector in the country. "The centre provides an ideal ground for many educational experiences for groups from youth organisations and school classes" stated Minister Meisch who also welcomed the initiatives taken in the context of socially responsible management. The Minister encouraged the educational team to develop innovative projects in the field of intercultural learning and to include young people seeking international protection in the activities.
Secretary of State Guy Arendt raised the heritage significance of the site and welcomed the fact that the Marienthal centre is now populated by youth: "What better way to educate young people to heritage of the country, putting this at his disposal?". Guy Arendt traced the history of the discoveries that have been made, the oldest part dating back to the 13th century. The Secretary of State for Culture also mentioned the good cooperation between the National Youth Service and the National Archaeological Research Centre, which accompanied the work and organised archaeological workshops for young people. Guy Arendt stressed that heritage was respected and valued, while incorporating modern techniques: "The best way to preserve an old building is to give it a new purpose."
Photo by Luc Deflorenne, copyright MDDI (L-R): Minister Claude Meisch; HRH Heriditary Grand Duke Guillaume; HRH Heriditary Grand Duchess Stephanie; Minister François Bausch; Minister of State Guy Arendt
