Document used by www.euxtra.com as information to its users. Document on the behalf of the Euro-mediterranean youth platform

1. THE
NETWORK

3. editorial
Le Reseau
When the Euro-Med Youth Platform Kevin Apap
Programme
(EMYP) chose the theme of “Youth Officer EMYP
Empowerment through NGOs” for this Valletta, Malta
year’s edition of ‘Le Reseau’, one could Editor
have never imagined how fitting this
title would have been, considering the NGOs having similar objectives. This year
ever increasing need for young people to EMYP is glad to announce that our efforts
be empowered, especially during these brought together around 300 NGOs who
difficult times, both in the Meditteranean have joined our platform. While more
and European regions. This resulted in high than 2,600 members are following our
unemployment and austerity measures, Facebook page.
affecting mainly young people. Another EMYP initiative, is the ‘Our
One can say that today young people White Sea’ meeting. This is being held
are faced with far more challenges, such incollaboration with the Maltese National
as vulnerability in our society. Finding Agency for the Youth in Action programme
their place in society has never been such and Salto-Youth Euro Med RC with
a challenge. In fact this has become a the support of the Maltese and Turkish
top priority for many policy makers. The National Agencies. This aims at bringing
current changes, the mediterrean region is together NGOs and stakeholders from both
facing, due to the politcal turmoil caused sides of the Mediterranean shores. These Published by
by the Arab spring, while on the other will reflect various experiences NGO’s Euro-MEditErranEan
hand the financial crises being dealth with have at organisational and management Youth PlatForM
in the European regions has given rise level. This will help produce a comparative
to enormous considerations affecting the analysis of youth exemplary work
challenges as well as various decisions practices. Having great success in the past
being taken, by both young people and the two years, this year the meeting shall be
youth policy makers. held in Turkey commencing on the 7th- 9th
It is in this environment that the December 2011.
EMYP,launched in September 2003, After the success of last year’s
hostEd bY
aims to support youth NGOs within the issue of ‘Fund Hunt’, which you greatly
European and Mediterranean regions and appreciated, EMYP is currently preparing a
to create an environment of tolerance Fund Raising Toolkit to complement it.
and mutual understanding. This is being With the help of many interesting
done by assisting them in networking and contributions from a range of stakeholders
capacity building, while at the same time we have managed to produce this 7th issue
increasing their participation and exchange of ‘Le Reseau’. We hope that through these
Eupa, 36 old Mint street
good practice. experiences and articles youth NGOs get
Valletta Vlt 1514, Malta
During this year, the EMYP more inspiration with regards to youth
participated in the volunteering village empowerment. It is of great satisfaction to ContaCt
event held in Brussels, whereby we see how youth NGOs manage to sustian tel: +356 2558 6141
Fax: +356 2558 6139
showcased the EMYP to both the youth themselves around the Euro-Mediterranean
Email: euromedyp.eupa@gov.mt
NGOs on a national and international level. region. This clearly relfects our goal
During this event, the EruoMed Youth and for this reason, we ask you to keep www.euromedp.org
Platform reiterated how the youth NGOs in touch. Any new ideas are welcome,
can fully utilise our services: through the and you are invited to join the EMYP. So
euromed website (http://www.euromedp. start now by becoming a member of our
org). The main feature in this website is the facebook page and/or joining as a partner
Search 4 Partners engine which facilitates in our platform through our website
the creation of networks between youth www.euromedp.org
This publication is supported financially
by the European Community but does not
necessarilyReflect its opinions or the opinions
of the Euro-Mediterranean Youth Platform.
3

4. Our White Sea
Juliana santos is a former EVs volunteer and graduate in international relations; currently, she is a Masters student in international relations
with the arab and islamic World. in professional terms, Juliana santos is a youth worker as anEVE’s trainee and Check-in’s Projects Coordinator.
In october 2010, I was given the opportunity of participating in “Our White Sea II - Networking
for Sustainable Development”. During this three day seminar, I had the chance of being in
contact with active and interesting people from 14 countries, both Programme and MEDA
countries. This event enlarged my range of acquaintanceship and opened me some doors,
such as: further knowledge on Youth in Action Programme as well as on Euro-med Youth IV
Programme, personal and professional contacts and skills.
I believe that volunteering - as a non formal education tool- is very important for the
individual growth and also for contributing for a better and fairer society, with the values
of solidarity and tolerance. By hosting and sending EVS volunteers, it would be a concrete
opportunity to promote these values and an occasion to encourage and develop a real interest
to enjoy EVS or other similar experiences in other young people of the local community. In
Juliana Santos time, this experience could increase relationships and partnerships between our city and other
youth realities abroad, in order to establish collaborations and/or links for future common youth
activities.
I would like to present you now the two Portuguese associations I’ve been working for the
past months and the amazing work they’ve been developing, as they follow.
This association would give • III Semana de Voluntariado
complementary advice and support to the Oportunidade Para Ser Voluntário
former EVS volunteers, helping them to (OPS)! 2011 (soon) (I’m the
know and share their EVS experience, Coordinator of the all project)
similarly to what happened in several other • 2010: AMICUS – Lisboa (Portugal)
countries.
ANEVE aims at promoting the Seminar:
European Voluntary Service project • 30/11/2010 to 06/12/2010: EVS
ANEVE within the Youth in Action Programme, by Crossing
Associação Nacional de Ex- giving fully support to entities and both
Voluntários Europeus (in English: National actual and former EVS volunteers prior Youth Exchanges:
Ex-European Volunteers’ Association) to their departure, on-arrival, during and • 20/08/2010 to 30/08/2010: VoluntYOU
has been empowering youth since the after the service. Also, ANEVE organises – Youth Obsessed with Useful Actions
very first beginning of its existence, for information campaigns about EVS, – Lisbon (Portugal)
the simple fact that it was founded by a workshops and training courses for EVS • 25/01/2009 to 31/01/2009: Cartoon
group of Portuguese youngsters, who were volunteers and advocates the creation of in World Center – Konya (Turkey)
former European Voluntary Service (EVS) the European Volunteer Statute. • 20/08/2008 to 30/08/2008: VoluntID
volunteers. – Volunteer Intercultural Dialogue –
The idea of creating a non-profit Some of the projects launched Alcoutim (Portugal)
association for youngsters was formally by ANEVE: • 07/06/2008 to 13/06/2008 ITALIA
created in October 2000, after a meeting • I Semana de Voluntariado Naples (Italy)
that took place in Brussels, promoted by Oportunidade Para Ser Voluntário • 11/05/2008 to 20/05/2008:
the European Commission. Later, it got the (OPS)! 2009 INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE
support from the Instituto Português da • II Semana de Voluntariado THROUGH DANCE – Izmir
Juventude (in English: Portuguese Youth Oportunidade Para Ser Voluntário (Turkey)
Institute), the Portuguese National Agency (OPS)! 2010 (I was the responsible for • 07/01/2008 to 12/01/2008: ERYICA
for the Youth in Action Programme and communication and logistic support – Cardiff (United Kingdom)
Rota Jovem Association. during the all project)
4

5. CHECK-IN yet entered in contact with the European
Associação Check-In – Cooperação Voluntary Service but our organisation
e Desenvolvimento (in English: wants to be involved in host, sending and
Check-In Association – Cooperation coordinating EVS projects.
and Development) is a non-profit youth
association founded on 9th April 2010. Examples of some concrete projects:
Check-In organizes activities at the Exchanges:
local, national and international level • 30/07/2011 to 08/08/2011: INTO
for young people between 16 and 30 THE GREEN – Be active in new
years old, having a special concern for fields! – Vinci (Italy)
Youth Initiative:
the young people with less privileged • 26/07/2011 to 02/08/2011: Sharing
• 05/2008 to 01/2009: KIT SVE
access to the information and the roots, sharing traditions – Verín
subsequent implementation of projects (Spain)
European Voluntary Service:
for youth mobility, when the reason has • 20/07/2011 to 30/07/2011: “Culture
• 06/12/2010 to 12/12/2010: EVS kick
to do with their geographical location, actually...” – Prague (Czech
off to the year of volunteering
their economic status or their personal Republic)
• 08/2010 to 12/2010: EVS Voluntary
situation.
REC
Check-In has 5 nuclei that operate Training Courses:
• 10/10/2010 to 14/10/2010: SOHO –
in five regions of Portugal. In the • 29/07/2011 to 06/08/2011: Trainer’s
Coimbra (Portugal)
south, you can find the association’s Laboratory – Brasov (Romania)
• Several meeting of NEVA - http://
headquarters in Beja. In Tagus Valley • 01/07/2011 to 08/07/2011:
www.neva-network.org
area there’s the nucleus of Barreiro city. Volunteerism and Training
• 11/01/2009: EVS MEETING POINT
Lisbon region is in Lumiar (Lisbon). Methodologies – Ganziantep
In the center of the country, Aveiro is (Turkey)
Training Courses:
representing the association. And in • 27/06/2011 to 05/07/2011: Drama
• 11/12/2010 to 19/12/2010: FACE
the northern area of Portugal, Braga Process: International Training
IT! Training for Facilitators – Góis
develops the association’s work in the Course on Drama Process & Raising
(Portugal) (I was the responsible for
community. Awareness about Social Exclusion –
logistic support)
Check-In has been working on the Coy (Spain)
• 17/09/2010 to 24/09/2010: We
Youth In Action mobility Programme,
Cre8 the climate together – Velves
by developing the following initiatives: Leonardo da Vinci programme:
(Macedonia)
seminars, exchanges and training 11/09/2011 to 11/12/2011 and
• 11/05/2010 to 18/05/2010: Human
courses. This year, Check-In started 11/02/2012 to 11/05/2012: DRAFT
Rights: A tool for fighting against
working with Leonardo da Vinci - Door Reaching Arts For Talent -
poverty
internship within the Lifelong Learning internship for 5 participants in Italy
Programme. At the moment, it has not during 13 weeks. (soon)
5

6. Our White Sea
as robert louis stevenson put it aptly, “youth is the time
to go flashing from one end of the world to the other to
try the manners of different nations; to hear the chimes
at midnight; to see the sunrise in town and country;
to be converted at a revival; to circumnavigate the
metaphysics, write halting verses, run a mile to see a fire,
and wait all day long in the theatre to applaud hernani.”
Perhaps i did not have the chance ii’- the name attributed to the Mediterranean
to experience all of the activities sea by the islamic world. however, since
mentioned by robert louis but i did the roman domination extended from spain
taste the dynamism of the youth from to Egypt, ‘Mare nostrum’ began to be used
Mediterranean countries who gathered at in the context of the whole Mediterranean
a serene place by the Maltese coast during sea. historical accounts verify that the
a week-long seminar held in Malta in Mediterranean sea is ground for exchanging,
2010. i attended on behalf of Ceratonia sharing and learning.
Foundation, a cultural wing of Malta Global economy is now more
Green Party (alternattiva demokratika) internationalized than it has ever been.
and that works in collaboration with long-term solutions, including systematic
Nighat Urpani Green European Foundation in brussels, alternatives, to the north-south inequalities
on raising awareness and on producing generated by plutocracy need to have an
research projects on Green Economy and international dimension. being a youth
Green living, for sustainable growth. the and living up to the expectations in this
conference was named as ‘ our White sea increasingly globalised world is not an easy
6

7. task at all times. but the inspiration to economic betterment of their community ever that we support the process of civil
contribute positively and excel can come organizations, are needed more than ever. societal reform by engaging youth from
from attending motivational seminars active civil organizations can be an answer north-south to sustain what is certain to be
for youth, inclusive of youngsters sharing to the new accountable social democracy a long-term endeavor for development and
experiences and ideas from north and that secures involvement of individuals and security
south part of the world. Keeping this in numerous social groups, with a potential the seminar was an evidence of the
view the seminar focused on participation to be an effective mechanism for meeting willingness shown by the Mediterranean
and empowerment , which are two the genuine interests and needs of local youth to make geographic proximity and
essential driving forces of sustainable populations. it can hardly be contested geopolitical common interests a success
development, by identifying the role and that the grassroots challenges need local through their commitment to a more open
the place of nGos towards Youth Policy solutions in each society, which vary and free cultural engagement and sharing
in the Euro-Mediterranean context on depending on different political, economic of good practices in several fields. Their
‘sustainable development’. the seminar and social needs of the communities. participation surely introduces new ideas,
was co-organized by EuroMed Youth in the light of the current events enthusiasm and vision to influence regional
Platform, the Maltese national agency taking shape in the Mediterranean, ‘A New relations in the Mediterranean in a positive
(EuPa) for the Youth in action programme Response to a Changing Neighbourhood: manner.
and salto-Youth EuroMed. A review of European Neighbourhood Youth, from both sides of the shores
the conference brought together Policy’ 2 states that ‘the Eu is the main can share their ambitions and skills
nGos and individuals from both sides of trading partner for most of its neighbours. with varying degrees to enhance the
the Mediterranean shores. the participants sustainable development and job creation cultural integration and socio-economic
fully participated and enjoyed the in partner countries benefits the EU as development in areas like transport,
opportunity to reflect and discuss their well. …..active engagement between the energy and health, which slowly builds
experiences at nGo organizational and Eu and its neighbours in areas such as the culture of co-development. stephen
management level. they also shared a education, strengthening and modernizing Covey explains in his book The 7 Habits
productive analysis of good youth work social protection systems and advancing of Highly Effective People, that people
practices in their countries. women’s rights will do much to support with the ‘win’ mentality don’t necessarily
i believe the seminar was a very our shared objectives of inclusive growth want someone else to lose. they think
effective technique to raise awareness and and job creation’.2 the document goes on in terms of securing their own ends and
to share knowledge on different approaches to say that ‘Civil society plays a pivotal leaving it to others to secure theirs. in the
required, to actively involve young role in advancing women’s rights, greater Mediterranean region, every opportunity
people in their community development, social justice and respect for minorities must be availed to strengthen political,
rather than leaving youth to perceive as well as environmental protection and economic and cultural ties within and
themselves as passive recipients of public resource efficiency’ across the Euro-Mediterranean area.
policy. there is a distinction between the the Eu clearly fully supports the Whilst congratulating the Maltese
‘mechanical’ reformism with insistence on Civil society’s political role for non- national agency (EuPa) for the Youth
expert, scientific solutions and the ‘moral’ state actors through partnershipwith in action programme and salto-Youth
reformism of liberal socialism which societies, helping them to develop their EuroMed for their excellent organization
emphasizes the need to involve the active advocacy capacity and their ability to of the seminar, we hope that youth from
support and involvement of civil society.1 monitor reform. Youth can play active the Mediterranean region will continue to
there is no denying that the south part in regional integration. regional address both the causes and the symptoms
is facing immense economic and integration refers to processes by which of disparities and security risks through
social challenges. to mention the few: states go beyond the removal of obstacles such seminars. these seminars clearly
poverty, low life-expectancy and youth to interaction their countries and create provide a space to work together on
unemployment. the seminar clearly a regional space subject to some distinct specific projects, for mutual prosperity and
demonstrated that if the youth is given an common rules.3 the 21st century is marked security. today’s youth are tomorrow’s
opportunity, they can prove themselves by contradictions and global dynamics due leaders and the Mediterranean is a common
as self-activating individuals and groups, the predominance of an economic, social, sea where our common interests and values
capable of using their physical and political and cultural model that can neither flow.
organizational resources. the world be applied universally nor considered
has changed and social democracy is sustainable. there the demands of our
1
see lavalette, Michael and Pratt, allan. (2006)
Social Policy: Theories, Concepts and Issues, 3rd
confronted by the realities of globalization, times is calling on the youth who believe ed. sage.
technology, diversity and individualism. that another world is possible and that it is
2
Joint Communication by the high representative
of the union for Foreign affairs and security
however, it goes without saying that possible to work within the framework of Policy and the European Commission, 25th May
a major part of the income and skills another political culture. it goes without 2011.
3
see best, Edward and Christiansen, thomas (2008)
by local groups willing to engage in saying that at this historic moment in the ‘regionalism in international affairs’ in John.
community development work for socio- Mediterranean it is more essential than baylis et al The Globalisation of World Politics.
oxford university Press
7

8. Your Better
Information is power. When choosing
between an i-Phone or an android, the
the business of helping governments to
identify the best policies for raising living
to be used by governments and making
it accessible to the public. because
best university for what you want to study, standards. ultimately, the public is one of the best
or who to vote for, we do our research. What makes the oECd so special is gauges for determining whether policies
research can take the shape of asking that it is one of the most comprehensive are truly addressing societal needs.
friends, following blogs or discussion sources of comparable data and statistical While measures like Gross domestic
forums, or consulting the relevant reports. analysis. Countries submit their national Product (GDP), inflation and rate of
Why do we do this? because we want to statistics (from unemployment rates to unemployment can be helpful for
make the best decision. educational performance to development comparing countries, as individuals it
in the same way, policy makers aid) and the oECd harmonises the can be difficult to see how these translate
consult various sources of information and information, making countries comparable into our daily lives. the oECd has been
stakeholders before taking important policy and recommending better policies based on working to assess the limits of these
decisions. Why do they do this? to ensure shared experiences. measurement tools and to identify new,
they are choosing the best option for their these recommendations are to policy- more comprehensive measures to capture
constituents given their constraints. makers what lonely Planet is to vacation well-being. in 2004, we launched the
in both cases, we compare ourselves planning: they empower governments to Global Project on Measuring societal
with others (be it friends or countries) to make the most-informed decisions. Progress to involve more stakeholders in
see whether we can find guidance in their We believe that an informed public is this discussion. other initiatives, like the
example or learn from their experiences. also a powerful force in helping policy- stiglitz Commission on the Measurement
makers identify what problems need to of Economic Performance and social
The Organisation for Economic be addressed. An informed public is an Progress, have also contributed to this
Co-operation and Development empowered public. the more informed debate.
(the OECD) is a key resource that the public is, the better able it is to
governments, business people, workers, advocate for what it considers essential and We began this process by asking
activists, academics, students, the media thus influence policy makers accordingly. a simple question: How’s life?
and citizens look to for policy advice. our Better Life Initiative is aimed What do you need to improve your
For fifty years, the OECD has been in at taking the information traditionally life? is it better education? or a better
8

9. Silvia Terron
Life Index
balance between life and work? how
do you measure your well-being? is it
needed for the progress of your society.
With this in mind, we created
country-specific information on the quality
of life across the oECd area, and contains
oecdbetterlifeindex.org), a tool that
the same thing for all people in your Your Better Life Index (www. links to hundreds of freely-accessible
community? Is there really a one-size-fits- oECd publications.
all solution? enables users to choose which elements Most importantly, please take a
are most important to them. based on your moment to create your better life index
You tell us. What is most choices, you can generate a personal index and share it—with friends, on Facebook,
important for your well-being? that ranks oECd countries according on twitter, and especially with us. once
to your individual priorities. once your a representative number of indexes have
Your Better Life Index choices have been made, you are able to been shared, we can begin to piece together
the oECd has taken an initial step explore by country and by topic. a more complete picture of well-being—
to identify the elements of well-being. is education at the top of your list? is one that truly represents you.
they are: jobs, income, governance, it life satisfaction? What is your country The OECD will use these findings
environment, housing, education, doing about it and is it working? how to guide our future work and the
community, work-life balance, health, are other countries doing and why? What recommendations we give to your
safety and life satisfaction. While not an policies could be applied to improve your governments. it’s a win-win situation:
exhaustive list, these dimensions enable us country? With Your Better Life Index, you you’re informed, we’re informed,
to begin measuring and comparing well- are able to learn more about the social governments are informed, we are all
being beyond GdP, the most traditional and economic policies currently in place informed and in a better position to act.
indicator of progress. in your country and how they compare to the future is in all of our hands. We
this year we are proud to present our others. hope that this tool will help us all make
findings through an interactive platform the data has many applications. better policies for better lives.
bli@oecd.org
that places citizens in the driver’s seat. this Whether you are student studying for a For questions, please contact us at:
is crucial to the policy-making process school project or a member of an nGo
because while the oECd can provide wanting to strengthen a proposal, Your
objective information, only you the public Better Life Index can be used as a research
can judge what is most important and most tool. the website provides detailed www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org
9

10. dule
Raluca Voinea A European Awareness Mo
desk
on Volunteering from Euro
Eurodesk
The European awareness modules are The first European Awareness module
part of Eurodesk’s ongoing strategy of from Eurodesk (”… so you think you
communicating with young people about know it all?”) was specifically targeted
why the European Union is important to towards encouraging ordinary young
HYHO-Closing moment: At the end of the
session, participants write their commitment on
them, what opportunities exist in Europe people to address the issue of European
a piece of paper, they turn into a paper plane, for young people and to encourage any citizenship in their everyday lives.
they make it fly and then they grab one (not young people, who wish, to take some The second European awareness
their own). In a month time, they have to get in
contact with each other, and see how they are
form of action as part of their role as module, Help Yourself by Helping Others!
going with their commitment. European Citizens. (HYHO!) has been designed by Eurodesk
10

11. as a response to the European Year of
Volunteering in 2011. This is the first
module to be developed along these lines
with a specific focus on one policy area –
volunteering. The European Commission
has promoted and supported volunteer
activities by young people for many
years, and the current European Year of
Volunteering allows the profile of volunteer
activity by young people to be raised still
further.
Each help Yourself by helping
others! session is intended to involve
around 20-25 young people, from
schools, youth organisations and other
local youth structures, in looking at their
own communities to find evidence of
the impact of Eu policies and to explore
the opportunities, locally, nationally and
internationally for volunteering.
The one-hour interactive sessions end
by encouraging the young participants During a Hyho session. participants in a HYHO!
session writing down on the participants’
to take some concrete action to make
resource paper
a difference in their own lives by
volunteering themselves. The sessions are
led by Eurodesk trained professionals;
these are often the Eurodesk Multipliers HYHO! sessions are organised in each For further information regarding
who are already working locally with country through the co-ordination of the volunteering in other 32 European
young people and European information national Eurodesks. All materials needed countries or EU in general, please
throughout the EU. The module itself has to run HYHO! sessions (tutor’s manual browse through the Volunteering pages
been planned to require the minimum including the methodology for running of the European Youth Portal:
amount of equipment or technology the session, background information, europa.eu/youth/volunteering_-_
to deliver it, since we cannot be sure participant’s resources, feedback forms) are exchanges/index_eu_en.html
that every venue would have the latest available through the Eurodesk network.
equipment or technology available. If you are interested to find out more Raluca Voinea
Through HYHO! sessions young about the HYHO! module, please do not Eurodesk aisbl
participants benefit from being better hesitate to get in touch with our national Scotland House
informed about Europe and the Eurodesks: http://www.eurodesk.eu/edesk/ Rond-Point Schuman 6
opportunities for volunteering in Europe Contact.do B-1040 Brussels
and in their local communities, while the The Eurodesk website includes
professionals involved have the chance volunteering and other opportunities for www.eurodesk.eu
to develop new skills and gain new young people. Find a path that’s right for
experience from using this approach. you on www.eurodesk.eu/volunteering
11

12. YOUR POWER
to Empower You(th)
Stimulate.Approve.Give power to. Raise confidence in one-self
and others. Make things happen. Encourage. These are some
of the synonyms that you can find to probably one of the most
Vaslika Lalevska
Treasurer of ACTIVE-Sobriety,
awakening words of today - Empower.
Friendship and Peace
vasilka@activeeurope.org
The basics I might not know the exact answer to
Starting since the 1960s in the USA, the first part of the question but I can give
with the purpose to give the power to the a definite “YES” to the second one - if
students to take up roles in the political and you think back, you would be surprised
social life, youth empowerment has grown in the number of people and their actions
and spread, nowadays being defined as the that have stimulated you in life - it’s your
process of making individuals aware of high-school teacher who encouraged you to
their influence or power and enabling take your fine-tuned singing to the annual
them to use it when dealing with other New Year’s show; the coach that says that
people. yes, you can run the last lap if you persist;
What empowerment basically includes the neighbor who sent her children to
is the ability to make decisions, the your street puppet-show to show support
confidence to take action, the positive and even the cheerful mice in the cartoon
attitude towards change, the positive image “Cinderella” who by standing together
of one-self and finally, the efforts you make made you sure that teamwork is the way
to spread all these elements to your friends, not only to make a dress for Cinderella,
ACTIVE - SobRIETy, FRIEndShIp but also to make great things happen.
family and peers - to empower others. And
And pEACE is a European youth Sometimes, it is the surprisingly minor
the list is not exhaustive. This statement
umbrella organization gathering things and actions that can boost the major
itself brings a question on its own - do you
youth from all over Europe who enthusiasm in you.
feel empowered, or even further, have you
has decided to lead a sober lifestyle. I can say this for myself; I have had
ever been empowered by someone in your
ACTIVE considers alcohol consumption these moments a couple of times in my
environment?
as an obstacle for the development
of individuals and the society and
focuses its work on making the world
a little more drug-free. Existing for
21 year now, ACTIVE is consisted of
34 organizations from 23 different
countries (Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Estonia, Faroe
Islands, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova,
Norway, Romania, Russia, Serbia,
Slovak Republic, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey, Ukraine) , with aspirations and
plans to spread even further.
ACTIVE closely cooperates
with noRdGU, and is a member of
IoGT International, Eurocare, The
European youth Forum and UnITEd
for Intercultural Action.
For more information
about ACTIVE, visit
www.activeeurope.org
12

13. life so far. One was when ten years ago as well. What kind of activities there are
our summer camp leader believed that that can stimulate the empowerment within
my English was good enough to greet the you(th)? Varied and overlapping in several
audience that came to see our performance. categories, starting from writing for the
Two, was when six years ago, I was school newspaper to volunteering in the
invited by my class mate to take part in a local youth club!
seminar that was organized by ACTIVE, an
umbrella organization working to make the • Individual and peer engagement -
world a bit more drug-free. I think it was taking up seminars, courses, language,
the blend of a few more, but mainly these art or violin classes, joining the local
two, which led me to taking up university football or tennis team or putting up • Community engagement and
studies carried out in English language, a stand with yours and your siblings’ active citizenship- identifying with
to get interested in the further youth-led craftwork. These are examples of a particular cause in the social,
activities the organization offered, to activities that will encourage a person economic or political sphere and taking
becoming part of the Board of ACTIVE- to improve on an individual level or up activities to raise awareness and
Sobriety, Friendship and Peace and to to stimulate this within the nearer be involved in the decision making
ultimately writing this article. environment; process. Pollution, promoting healthy
lifestyle, equal opportunities, better
The what & how of youth • School/University engagement - it treatment of senior citizens, educating
empowerment is delightful to hear how a today’s youth through organizing sessions or
Nowadays, the focus on youth successful journalist has started founding youth clubs are some of the
empowerment is increasing. What is their interest in writing through the causes and activities.
being stressed out is the need, use and schools’ newspaper. The interests one
the personal satisfaction that every young experiences while in the education • Intercultural/International
person can experience after determining process (formal or non-formal), from engagement - the willingness to
his/her interests, connecting them with writing for the schools newspaper, understand and learn other cultures and
a cause or an action and spreading the being part of the environmental section, promote your own, the desire to see
feeling to their peers. This is the essence taking the main role in a musical or how things are perceived and function
of empowerment and it is applicable not participating in a science competition among your country’s subcultures
only when it comes to education or work can sometimes make a good career and and abroad can not only stimulate a
but to free time, hobbies and private life interest choice. person to participate in intercultural/
13

14. international activities of different under the goal of promoting a healthy the Balkan member-organizations and
kind but also to organize them, with lifestyle, free form alcohol and other drugs; the campaign of the Swedish member
the desire to wake up a similar interest and a democratic, diverse and peaceful organization UNF called FAKE
among your peers. Also known as “to environment that encourages youth FREE, a think-tank analyzing alcohol
empower”. potential. So we are talking about young cultures and myths and answering
What all these activities have people who identify themselves with a the question about the line between
in common, aside the overlap in the particular cause and through their interest partying and drunkenness.1 In fact, the
categories, is the fact that although they and skills educate, raise awareness and mentioned activities include many of
might be initiated by individuals, they empower, all for the vision of making the the empowerment elements explained
almost never stay on an individual level. world a bit more alcohol-free. above - and may I add that this is how it is
Instead, they spread and tend to attract How it is NOT done? By pointing ACTIVE-done, for the past 20 years!
more people - people who followed their fingers or blackening alcohol users! To conclude with, I will use a quote
interests and joined the workshop on Instead - through the two annual seminars from Gandhi: “Be the change you want to
photography you organized and the same it organizes, ACTIVE provides peer see in the world”! And there are two ways
people who will refer their camera-skilled capacity building on youth rights, values to spread the light of change – to be the
friend to apply for the trainer position and participation, project writing and candle or the mirror that reflects it. It is
you are offering. What is also common, communication; an alcohol-free and time that you choose your way!
and what follows, is that same-minded workshop-full summer place through the
people tend to group and are guided by annual summer camps and a chance to Further references on ACTIVE:
a drive, very often a non-monetary one. display creativity and to work on the issue • ACTIVE web page - http://www.activeeurope.org
• Human Rights Generation - http://www.
Hence, this makes them initiators of non- of human rights through the campaigns. humanrightsgeneration.eu
governmental organizations (nGos) and What makes the activities unique is that • FAKE FREE - http://www.fakefree.se/en
volunteering, two very important elements they are sober and much more fun. Further references on youth empowerment and
of youth empowerment. ACTIVE in its work includes building daily dose of inspiration:
• Kelly Curtis, M.S. - Empowering Youth (How to
and sharing skills and spreading youth Encourage Young Leaders to do Great Things),
ACTIVE’s way of being active potential; especially in the ongoing Search Institute Press, 2008
• TED Ideas Worth Spreading -http://www.ted.com
Focusing on youth empowerment campaign “human Rights Generation”, • II Youth Convention on Volunteering - http://
encourages me to share how ACTIVE where the focus is set on videos on the youngvolunteersstandup.wordpress.com/
• International Year of Volunteers - http://www.
- Sobriety, Friendship and peace is treatment of human rights in Europe; worldvolunteerweb.org
stepping up. Under the ACTIVE volunteer- the balkan seminar, initiated by the • Youth For Human Rights - http://www.
youthforhumanrights.org/
based umbrella one can find 23 countries Norwegian organization Juvente for the • A list of little things we should appreciate - http://
and 34 member organizations, all united purpose of increasing the capacities of www.justlittlethings.net/
14

15. Feminist
SELF DEFENCE a tool for empowering young women in NGO´s
10 years ago I learned about a fantastic tool all women in all different shapes and ages
for empowering young women! and it’s not about strength or technique
During my many years in working but about a will and a feeling of being
with NGO´s, the women’s movement and valuable.
young people I have tried different tools of Feminist Self Defence is a good tool
empowerment. The best by far is Feminist to use in an NGO. Here the participants
Self Defence. probably know each other a bit, which
The fundament of Feminist Self makes the environment safe and also
Defence is that all women are valuable and gives the opportunity to practice and use
worth defending. It is about taking back Feminist Self Defence on regular bases.
the right to her own body, about turning To make sure that the participants are
Anija Johansson fear to anger and readiness of action, about safe, both mentally and physically, it is
seeing solutions instead of threats. The important to remember that Feminist Self
starting point of Feminist Self Defence is Defence should be done by a trainer with a
that girls and women in different ways are lot of experience of this method.
being exposed to boys and men’s violations To create a good and safe environment
and violence. Feminist Self Defence gives for the young women participating, boys
women an opportunity to practise setting and men are not allowed to take part in
limits and defending themselves with their Feminist Self Defence. It should be an
mind, voice and body. It is designed to fit opportunity for young women to meet on
15

16. defence is a last resort. It is about how to get a venue where they are able to talk
handle a threatening situation with simple about issues focusing on being a young
and effective kicks and punches. woman. Feminist Self Defence shows
them that although all women are different
Methods individuals they share a lot of experiences
In Feminist Self Defence I work with from being women. They get a chance
different non formal learning methods. to share experiences with other young
I use different games to make the group women, a sense of belonging to a bigger
of participants relaxed, to laugh and feel context and an awareness of their situation
at ease. I use different exercises to help and rights as women in our society.
the participants to get in touch with their Feminist Self Defence gives the
bodies, feelings and boundaries. I use participants access to tools for empowering
different role-plays for the participants themselves and other women, it
to work out and try strategies for solving strengthens their self esteem and break
uncomfortable or threatening situations them free from oppression, it strengthens
in a safe environment. I invite the group their self confidence which helps them
to use their voices, to scream and sing to to overcome social or personal barriers,
learn how strong their voices actually are. it raises their awareness and knowledge
I invite them to discussions, reflection about their rights and how to defend these,
rounds and -groups to discuss topics and it gives them strength to participate in the
issues important to young women. Topics society on the same conditions as boys
and issues they might not be able to deal and men, it supports the emancipation and
with anywhere else. It is important for the inclusion of young women. By practicing
participants to be able to share and to learn Feminist Self Defence the participants
their own terms, to share experiences as from other young women’s experiences. gain power through awareness, mental and
young women. It is important to explain In reflection rounds everyone get the physical strength, solidarity with other
this for the young men in your NGO. I opportunity to speak their mind and the young women, they get access to their own
find it very useful to invite young men to reflection groups give young women a resources and possibilities by talking about
give them information and an opportunity chance to share in smaller groups. and dealing with them in different ways,
to discuss Feminist Self Defence, to make they get a bigger control over their own
sure that they understand why they can Outcomes lives through awareness of their strengths
not participate but also to give them the The most important outcome of and their rights. All this enables young
opportunity to discuss issues like gender Feminist Self Defence is the empowerment women to reach their aspirations and goals.
equality, gender based violence, gender of the participants. It provides both And last but not least – Feminist
roles and self esteem. Boys and young men immediate and long term empowerment. Self Defence brings a lot of joy, laughter
are, of course, also in need of discussing Participating young women explain and happiness to the participating young
issues like this and should therefore be how strong they feel, both mentally and women.
given the chance to discuss their role in our physically, how good it feels to discuss
society. issues concerning men’s violence against
women, gender inequality, difficult
What is Feminist Self Defence? situations in school or at work, how
Please contact me for more
Feminist Self Defence consists of three important it is to be reminded of their right
information about how you can work
parts. The mental self defence deals with to their own feelings and the right to say
with Feminist Self Defence
self esteem and self image. It’s a chance no. And they just can’t stop shouting No!
in your NGO.
for the participant to recognise that she is No! No!
valuable and worth defending, to recognise Feminist Self Defence heightens
Anija Johansson
that she have the right to set limits and the participant’s awareness of their own National and international trainer.
focus on her own needs. The mental self physical strength. They get in touch with anijajohansson@hotmail.com
defence raises the participant’s awareness their body and experience how they can
about the right not to be abused or feel safe with and use their whole body I have been involved in NGOs for
12 years. I started in the womens
mistreated in any way. The right to say no to defend themselves. They get a sense of movement but soon became involved
and the right to her own body and feelings. their body being theirs, being a subject and in different youth organisations. I have
The verbal self defence deals with body not an object. been involved both on a voluntary base
and as employed. I have been a trainer
language, breathing and voice. It’s about Feminist Self Defence gives the on a national and international level
recognising how to handle threatening or participants an opportunity to experience since 2001. Today I work partly as a
offending situations with body language solidarity. They experience the importance trainer, both as free lance and for the
Swedish NGO Kvinnofridskompetens/
and voice. It is about practising what to and strength of support between young Competence for Womens Safety” –
say and how to say it. The physical self women. They connect to each other and Anija Johansson
16

17. Egyptian
Association
for Science &
Science Lovers
youth are 50% of our present and 100% of our
future. we, the egyptian association for science
and scientist lovers, recognize our organization’s
role of developing the youth through the different
programs that would empower the youth of egypt.
Ibrahem Shahawy Gabre
Head of the organization
17

18. We apply such empowering through gain good knowledge and information the youth have their periodical
many ways in different fields. We believe from these scientists. While visiting meeting every month to discuss their
that youth represent our future and that these factories and companies the youth requirements. these requirements are
nonformal learning is the first step to understand the production process and how sent to the board of directors, of which
empower them. For this reason we organise we save our environment during production. the youth are represented, for discussion
seminars, listening circles, workshops and We offer to them opportunities of training during their periodic meeting in order to
round tables for discussion about youth in these factories and priority to work after assess its plausibility.
problems, society problems and how we graduation. in our projects we choose one of the
can balance between youth requirements in addition to non formal learning we youth to be the coordinator of the project
and our society problems. in addition to care about our poor youth through soft loans in order to acquire the experience and
these activities, nonformal education is programs in which our organization apply skills of project performance. We also
carried out by periodical visits to research simple training for youth about some jobs and look for talented youth in schools and
centers, factories and companies in which hand crafts to allow them for best investment universities who would be eager to take
youth can exchange ideas with researchers of the soft loans. We have processed about 500 part of the science Club established by our
and scientists. these help them understand soft loans for both genders, allowing them to organization, and to apply their scientific
the process of researches and in addition start their own project. ideas and simple experiments.
18

19. Knowledge
Euroscience Greece outside
The Greek regional section of Euroscience
is a non-governmental, non-profit
and outside schools, in cooperation with
European Institutions. The photo contest,
the city
organization, which aims at promoting as well other educational programmes
the project aims to disseminate
science & technology, as well as policy- we have developed, have been awarded a
knowledge to kids and youth, aged 8-18,
making in the field of research and Netdays distinction.
by demonstrating scientific, hands-on
development at national level. Euroscience-Greece is also putting
experiments in the field of molecular
Euroscience is the National Contact an emphasis on deprived social groups
biology, photonics, earth and space
Point (NCP) for the Action “Science in (i.e. people with disabilities, migrants
science. We use special designed kits for
Society “of the EU’s FP7, and we have etc) and their relation with science. The
molecular biology, advanced geophysical
signed the European Commission Chart project “Accessibility to Knowledge”
equipment (seismographs, ground
on Research and Technology. The branch is quite illustrative of our goals, since
penetrating radars, magnetometers etc.)
assembles a multidisciplinary pool of it aimed at investigating the extent to
for the earth science experiments and
experts and has supporters, friends and which Greek Universities and public
web2 tools for space science. our new
volunteers all over the country. libraries are accessible to people with
addition for this year’s programme is the
Euroscience-Greece is running a mobility problems and visual, or hearing
photonics experiments, where kids can
series of activities in the field of science impairments. Meanwhile, we are also
learn about lasers and the light in general
& technology communication to the wider running the programme “Knowledge
and how this can be used in several
public and unprivileged social groups. outside the city”, aiming at giving children
applications from telecommunications
Euroscience is a founding member of who come from geographically secluded
to medicine. science cafes are
NYEX (Network of Youth Excellence), areas access to research and innovation.
complementary being used as a teaching
an international network of NGOs and FARE week, usually organized
tool. Each event is a three day one with a
Organizations under the auspices of NATO in mid-October, is one more of our
day of basic lectures on each topic and a
and UNESCO, which aims at promoting activities. Among others, activities include
workshop designed for teachers, two days
gifted students to the world’s best research programmes that bring together science
full of experiments and a short evaluation
laboratories. Under this programme, Greek and the arts, like hologram exhibitions
where kids and teachers evaluate the
students visited the X-lab of Gottingen and visual art performances inspired
project and propose new topics and ideas.
University in the summer of 2005. by scientific disciplines - organized in
the project is supported by united Way
Euroscience has established the cooperation with art exhibition venues- as
Worldwide in collaboration with the
Scientific Awards event -organized in well as the organization of conferences and
amgen Foundation.
Greece for the first time. The Awards are seminars.
given to book publishers on the merit Euroscience-Greece has categorized
of their work in the field. In the days its activities under the following
following and preceding the Awards, working groups: “Gender and Science”, More information regarding the project
a series of events -which make up the “Technology & Innovation Dissemination”, info@euroscience.gr
Science Book Week- take place, and aim “Society and Science”, “Scientific Book
at bringing science and scientific readings Policy” and “Mobility For Disability”. Euroscience Greece
closer to the wider public. Our section is open to the public, nCP for sis.
One of our major concerns is children companies and organizations in order to Gr. lampraki 93, 18532
and their relation with innovation and provide information on issues relative to Piraeus, Greece
research. In this respect, we organize the Action “Science in Society”, as well tel. 30 210 4226855
a science photo contest for children as on other EU projects and activites. Fax.30 210 4114788
on an annual basis. In addition, we are Membership for individuals is free of
developing educational programmes inside charge. www.euroscience.gr
19

20. Youth
Empowerment
The association Hodina H is a non-profit non-gorvernmental organization based in
Pelhrimov in the Czech Republic. The aims of Hodina H are non-formal education,
youth leisure, information for young people, motivation and support of young people,
development of knowledge and skills of young people, development of the international
cooperation, development of the civil society. Our main target group is children and
youth till 26 years old however we work with other specific groups as other non-profit
organizations, elderly and others.
Youth empowerment is mostly about young people and showing the possibilities to
make decisions, to be actively involved in the life around us and to create better society.
And how does that Hodina H? Hodina H runs many different activities which enable
young people being the real part of the life around. We can mention Youth information
centre, traditional events, leisure clubs, international projects and youth parliaments.
The first named was the Youth information centre Pelhrimov. youth information
centre pelhrimov supports, informs, directs, consults and helps. Also it provides many
Eva Havlickova services such as providing information for free, wi-fi zone, other IT stuff and European
information network for youth Eurodesk and Youth in action programme. Now back to
Eva havlickova works in the the youth empowerment. The young people can meet in the Youth information centre and
association hodina h in Pelhrimov, organize some activites. Also they can use the online services of the Youth information
Czech republic. the association centre. It is publishing their own event or to share their opinions about different topics in
Hodina H in a non-profit non- the online forum.
governmental organization established Our organization runs some traditional events too. These events are actually running
on 4th January 2002 and is registered thanks to the volunteers, the young people helping to organize these kinds of events for
at the Ministry of internal affairs in the public. The young people contribute to the society life and they get something for that
Czech republic. its mission is to get – refreshments for free during the event, certificate about the voluntary work and most
and provide information mainly for importanly the good feeling.
children and youth, education support,
getting to know new things, personal
development, quality leisure spending,
development of international
cooperation, support of volunteering
and education to citizenship.
Ms. havlickova has been working
in the position of project manager for
the last 5 years after being engaged
as a volunteer with hodina h while
studying at the university. her job
includes a lot of various activities and
responsibilities. she is responsible
for some leisure clubs for youth and
elderly, international projects and part
of the promotion field.
www.hodinah.cz
20

21. Hodina H also runs leisure clubs. If the young people are skillful in
something and they want to share their knowledge, we support them in
organizing their leisure club, promotion of it and running it during the year.
Another type of activities are international projects. The young
people can participace in the international projects in the frame of various
programmes such as Youth in action, Europe for citizens and so on. The
participation is connected with expressing of their opinions, preparation and
realization of presentations and follow-up. The follow-up is mostly in the
form of creating new future project. The projects allow to the young people
to change their surroundings, their life and the life of the society and their
personal development at the same time. If they need a guide to go through the
whole project making process we are there to help them with everything and
help with orientation in all that kind of stuff. But the work is up to them, they
have to do the steps on their own.
The last part of Hodina H work concerning youth empowerment through
NGO is participation through children and youth parliaments. Hodina H
coordinates the Children and youth parliament Pelhrimov where are the
representatives of the primary and secondary schools in Pelhrimov and also
it coordinates the Children and youth parliament Vysocina – the regional
level. The young people have the posibility to discuss and change the matters
concerning themselves in their school, city, region and also they have chance
to meet the local politicians responsible for the youth policy in the town or
region thanks to the youth parliaments.
Recently we have organized our traditional event Dancing region.
Dancing region runs every year at the beginning of June and it is a non-
competitive dancing exhibition of dancing groups, clubs or teams from the
Vysocina region in the Czech Republic. The volunteers of Hodina H are at
the place from 7 o‘clock in the morning until 5 or 6 o‘clock in the afternoon.
They help with groups registrations, dancing hall decoration, preparation of
additional activities for chidlren, helping to move things to the shop with
refreshments, helping to the sound engineer, controling special points with
various activities (games for children, selling toys, information point about
volunteering and Hodina H, tasting delicious chocolate etc.), welcoming
celebrity, serving drinks and snacks for the jury, welcoming visitors at the
entrance... They are moving all over the place, here, there, everywhere. The
thing is that it is Hodina H event but the thruth is that it wouldn‘t be possible
without the volunteers and their help.
21

22. Challenges & Opportunities
for empowerment in an international
youth ngo: considerations on the
experience of the world organisation
of young esperantists
After several years as a volunteer in to cooperate in an international team,
various organisations, I cannot but trying to bridge cultural differences
recognize that these experiences have through listening and mutual recognition.
contributed significantly to my growth They discuss, exchange views, exercise
at a personal and professional level. Now democracy, take decisions and assume
that I work in an NGO, I often wonder responsibility.
Manuela Ronco how to ensure that its activities do not only It’s important to realize that these
provide quality service to those who use outcomes are not created from nothing,
Project officer
TEJO – World Organisation it, but are also the result of an educational never take them for granted. Often
of Young Esperantists. and rewarding process for those who carry it’s necessary to delay the operational
Email: manuela.ronco@tejo.org them out. employment of the volunteers, to devote
The efforts put into the commitment time and energy to supervision, to segment
after one year of full-time
in NGOs enrich society, but are also full tasks into smaller ones, tailored to the
volunteering in the headquarters of
of positive findings for young people who skills of the youngsters, and make them
tEJo in rotterdam, now Manuela
choose this kind of activity. The associative feel supported and accompanied. Working
works at distance as a project officer,
participation helps to shape the identity at an international level, being scattered
supporting and coordinating the
of youngsters, who are preparing to enter around the world, these objectives are even
activity of the organisation, which is
fully into the adult society, or are taking more challenging. Experience taught us
based on the commitment of young
their first steps in it. Through volunteering, to face this with creativity and awareness,
volunteers located in all the world.
they can as well strengthen their taking advantage of the opportunities given
knowledge, their skills and the network of by technology, always questioning our
TEJO promotes international relationships to which they may refer later practices, aiming at the dialogue without
understanding through meetings, in their path [Ambrosini 20051] denying the conflict. Youth empowerment
educational programs and the use of In the World Organisation of Young cannot but be the result of a process of
the international and neutral language Esperantists (TEJO), and in its 44 national empowerment of the NGO itself. In TEJO
Esperanto. the organisation defends sections, young people are working these two aspects go hand in hand because
cultural richness of language diversity, together to spread the international its leaders are young volunteers as well,
human rights of language minorities language Esperanto by enjoying it. And, experimenting their leadership, sometimes
and global understanding through easy doing that, they are learning to organize making mistakes, surely learning and
access to our network of international an event, to edit a magazine, to run a improving.
contacts. the use of Esperanto is the web radio, to speak in public, to seek
1. ambrosini Maurizio, scelte solidali. l’impegno
cornerstone of our efforts. funds, to manage them and to relate with per gli altri in tempi di soggettivismo. bologna, il
institutions. But there’s more. They learn Mulino, 2005. isbn 88-15-10218-3.
22

23. Yes th
YOU
Can
A VOICE SHOUTING IN THE STREETS,
MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE
DEMOCRACY
young people across the Arab states What were their peers in Egypt,
hung their hopes for decades on their Algeria, and Libya looking for?
leaders who promised them reformations What did the youth in yemen,
and changes which never happened. bahrain, and Syria lack to make such a
And in many countries the shift towards challenging move?
positive change was so small to predict. What triggered kings of Morocco
democracy was out of reach in Arab and Jordan to start instant reformations
world and these leaders, whom I grew in the constitutions?
up with knowing no leaders in my region Simply speaking, young people
other than them, would stay in power needed a real change and they were
until their death. Another chance of the seeds of change. young people need
passing on their power to their sons after a change which ensures a sustainable
them was revealed in many countries. future for the youth generations. They
What were the young people who need a future which will secure equal
initiated the revolution in Tunisia opportunities for all citizens where
searching for? each and every citizen enjoys the full
23

24. practicing of rights. They wanted to say This faith and hope motivated This is our hope, and this is the faith
no for corruption, no for manipulating thousands of Arab youth to move that youth could carry to Europe.
power, no for unemployment, no for forward and yes they did the change With this faith, we will be able to
poverty, no for discrimination, and no they waited for decades to see. young move up investing in our assets. With this
for emergency laws. Instead, Arab youth people should not surrender and must faith, we will be able to transform our
wanted to say yes for democracy, yes for keep struggling until they get involved in societies into a beautiful symphony of
just development, and yes for a new civil decision making. Until the governments sustainable brotherhood and sisterhood.
state able to cater its citizens. They knew make the youth the heart of the new With this faith, we will be able to work
that their recent traditional leadership governments policies and plans. They together, to pray together, to struggle
would not be able to solve the problems should be given the space they deserve, together, to go to win together, to stand up
our societies are facing for decades in the rewarding their movement towards a for development together, knowing that
same way they created them. better future for their society. we will be in a better place one day. As
A new era had begun; and the Arab It is the responsibility now for these Martin Luther King once said, I ‘m citing
youth started to realize that the spirit of young people to form the new leadership here:
young people should be replacing these of our Arab countries, a leadership able Let freedom ring from the shores of
traditional old ideologies which do not fit to invest in our potentials and focus the Arab Gulf in the east to the sores of
for the current global trends. With their on the capacity building of this vital the Atlantic in the west.
innovative knowledge and creative skills generation. our European friends have Let freedom ring from the snow of
and the proactive education patterns, a role in supporting Arab youth to build Lebanon and Syria in the north to the
young people are able to fill in the gap their competences in human Rights, Grand Sahara in the south..
and address the needs of society because dialogue, and development in order to Let freedom ring in palestine and
after all two thirds of Arab societies are build a region of peace and prosperity Iraq.
made up of youth. and a strong bond between the two Let freedom ring from every village
These young people are seeking shores. and town in all southern Mediterranean
to be proactive in their communities We cannot walk alone and we need shore.
and societies rather than passive and for sure the support of our global friends And when this happens, we will be
voiceless. Many of them were looking who kept showing their solidarity for able to speed up that day when all of Arab
for such decent lifestyles and formal and our causes in the region. youth, women and men, Jews, Christians
non- formal educational systems similar And as we walk, we must make the and Muslims and all faiths, will be able
to their peers in the northern shore of pledge that we shall always look ahead to join hands and sing in the words of the
the Mediterranean. They were looking to see young people in leadership and old Slaves song:
into similar democratic and powerful our countries in better positions than it Free at last! Free at last!
economic and social systems that exist in is now. I have a dream and it must be true
developed countries, and to have their There are governments who are still and I should like to see that power
same social capacity to invest in their asking the demonstrators, “When will within the youth to work with each
potential and to develop their countries, you be satisfied and the state is trying other in order to get the power over
which unfortunately became a property to provide your basic needs?” We can leading their societies towards the best
and asset of the ruling families and their never be satisfied as long as the youth they can. A dream made by these young
supporters for decades. are the victims of the poorly- planned people, whose campaigns for freedom
policies. We can never be satisfied as and rights have all been fought and
long as our bodies are heavy with the lost, whose structures have crumbled,
fatigue of searching for jobs in towns writings were unread, voice is unheard,
and cities and find nothing. We cannot and prayers were not answered. Go
be satisfied as long as youth are used as a ahead, empower these young people who
puppet for politicians’ interests. We are made it. See if you can offer the best for
not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied their professional development. Send
until “youth justice rolls down like them into these youth programs and
waters, and youth empowerment like a activities to learn about human rights and
mighty stream.” intercultural dialogue. Motivate them
Therefore, even though we face the to be the leaders of tomorrow. Then see
difficulties of today and tomorrow, Arab if they will not lead, work and organize
youth still have a dream. It is a dream projects for development and democracy.
Melhem Mansour deeply rooted in the common Arabic Currently the EU is in the phase of
Country-Specific expert dream. reflection over its neighborhood policies.
Local advice and support- Syria youth have a dream that one day the The EU budget should be reviewed to
Regional Capacity building Initiative II
(RCbI II) Arab nation will rise up and live out the empower these young people who were
EU project true meaning of its mission: “Wisdom, the seeds of change and who carry the
dialogue, and Civilization” responsibility to lead a positive transition
Active in Euro- Med youth program
Arab youth have a dream today! in their perspective countries.
24