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LinkThis is the on-line version of Link, the bimonthly newsletter of Fimcap. Edition September 2004
General InformationCalendar [top]
Fimcap 21st General Assembly [top]The 21st Fimcap General Assembly was held in the "Pere Tarrés" Youth Hostel in Barcelona (Catalonia) from July 26th to 31st 2004. In the previous days (July 24th and 25th), continental bureau meetings were held in the same place.
Under the theme: "Growing up in a globalized world" all the organisations worked for a week to revise what has been done and to decide the strategic plan for the forthcoming years at Fimcap, as well as to plan all activities that make Fimcap a reality. Nevertheless, there was some time for enjoying and discovering Catalonia and Barcelona. During the statutory part Carme Carrion i Ribas was re-elected unanimously for a second mandate as president of Fimcap. The General Secretary function is again taken up by Chriojeugd Flanders and Tine Cornillie will be the General Secretary. Many Thanks to Zeger Van Besien for working during 6 years in FIMCAP as General Secretary and we wish him all the best for his new work CCCCCE is happy of having organised the assembly and it looks forward to organise more Fimcap events despite the difficulties that we had to face. We hope all participants enjoyed it as much as we did! Ramon Canal General Assembly 2004 - My impressions [top]The General Assembly was a very interesting experience. Of course it was a meeting opportunity with many representatives of the different Fimcap organisations. I managed to speak with many different people and so that I could take home a lot of interesting ideas for my own organisation. The study theme which was about ‘Globalisation' was also interesting. We had discussions about the different realities concerning many aspects of globalisation. It was a pity though, that we did not always manage to have an exchange about the consequences of globalisation in the different youth organisations. It would have been very interesting to know what the consequences for youth work are and how the different organisations respond to it. I feel that we got stuck on the level of society as a whole or on the very individual level. Because we hardly managed to speak about the effect of globalisation on the level of organisations, it was difficult to include the results of the study theme into the statutory part of the General Assembly. What can Fimcap to do around the theme of globalisation? What would be interesting for the different Fimcap organisations? In the statutory part of the General Assembly we had a lot of reports and evaluations of the work of Fimcap. The SWOT analysis was especially good. In my point of view this document made it very clear what the status of Fimcap is at the moment. The document was also a very good starting point for further discussions. Unfortunately we did not have enough time to translate this document into a concrete action programme for the next three years however, we managed to formulate general guidelines and more details will be worked out in the future. I would like to thank the people in the organising committee for all the work they have done. It certainly was not an easy task. Corno de Mol Behind the scenes [top]When the General Assembly comes to mind, we think of reports; evaluations; elections; presidents; general secretaries; plans; achievements; the statute; outcomes….. Surely these are important and procedures are to be well followed to make the event a success and worthwhile. However in these few lines, I would like to share with you the other side of the General Assembly – the non formal moments.
During the week we sang, played some short games, prayed and looked around the exhibition we had set up about the organisations on the first day. These short moments made us experience the variety of cultures which were present and encouraged us to accept the differences and also become aware of the similarities. The visit to Monserrat was a strong experience for me. We had a special audience with the monks and said the Vespers with them. Personally, this allowed me to sit still for a moment and breathe in the ‘goodness' of the Sanctuary. Visiting a local youth group and meeting local youth leaders is always enriching. One evening we were hosted by a local group right in the heart of Barcelona. Their hospitality was incredible and it was interesting to see where local groups meet and what they do. Perhaps not everyone realises the impact these non formal moments have on us. Many times these moments give birth to new projects, new ideas and a more united Fimcap feeling. Don't you agree? A big thanks goes to all those who made these moments possible in this General Assembly. Well done!!! Miriam Teuma A warm welcome in the Fimcap family [top]Dear brothers and sisters in Fimcap, On behalf of eRko Slovakia, I would like to thank you for a really warm welcome in the Fimcap family. At the General Assembly eRko was accepted as a full member. I have to say, we were really not sure in the past, what our role in Fimcap should be. After some nice experiences with you we decided to say YES and you accepted to put your organisations alongside with us to continue walking in a path which is making our young people's life better. After the election moment at General Assembly, I asked myself: "OK, we are here now. What will change?" And my answer was very short: "We will see." Then, there were people coming to me and Maros saying: "Oh, welcome, we are so happy." And I had my answers. It is the feeling of being a real part of a group of hardworking and nice people - Fimcap. I know that there are challenges, we have to take up more responsibilities, becoming more active, and share and offer more. In fact eRko is hosting Euroconference in November 2005. It is a long way to go but just now I am really looking forward to it. I am really thinking about all the nice things that we can experience together in Slovakia. In Slovakia we say, that a coin has always two sides and there are of course expectations from our side as eRko. We hope that Fimcap will be always the right space to share intercultural learning, the Catholic community and our experience of faith. We expect that Fimcap would be a place, where eRko members can find new friendships and can widen their views about diverse issues.
Juraj The Kiro Haiti Experience [top]
We were happy to exchange our movement with our brothers of Africa, Europe and Latin-America. We have also realised the importance to start "Fimcap Latin America". This Assembly has opened new horizons for us. In spite of the negative aspects of globalisation, the youth movements have understood that it is necessary to open up and to unite instead of withdrawing in order to go forward. That is why Kiro Haiti is trying to open up. We dare to say that young people have their place in the Church and are the engine of the world society. Finally, we would like to thank all those who made it possible for us to participate in this unforgettable experience in Barcelona. We congratulate the former presidium for their work, especially Zeger van Besien, and wish good luck to his successor. Kiro Haiti is again motivated to give its contribution and to work for the progress of Fimcap. Edner Alouidor A good mixture [top]The elements for a Fimcap General Assembly were all present: many organisations, - the ones missing have got greetings cards to show the solidarity we were talking about at the opening and closing mass - , unknown and strange meals, especially for us, going out late, the night bath in the sea, the different sight seeing tours in Barcelona, the night game, the evenings with the Fimcap family where each organisation presented itself - the prayers and the morning meditations, especially the one presented by eRko. It sometimes looked like a holiday camp because we had a lot of joy together. However, work was the main part of the General Assembly. The points on the agenda were taken up successively, it was good working atmosphere, a satisfactory meeting climate in spite of quite difficult working conditions. Of course there were negative sides. But let us forget about these because there was so much community feeling, a sense of solidarity and real friendship. We will say that a family stayed somewhere in Barcelona, in a sphere of joy, also thanks to the translations. The family exists although there are different races, cultures and different expectations. It has been for us an unforgettable experience after so many years of absence due to different reasons. Barcelona was like a source where each organisation could drink. This water should help us to give life to Fimcap. We would like to thank all people who helped us to take part at this G.A. We do not want to forget to thank Zeger who ended his mandate just now, when we renewed contacts with this international community. Finally, we would like congratulate the new General Secretary Tine Cornillie, as well as Carme and Alveiro. May Fimcap remain a place where we can exchange and share, a place of solidarity everywhere in the world. Didier Tshikung Fimcap General Assembly: a real success [top]
The balance between thematic work, discovering Barcelona, Catalonia, free time and the real friendship made it possible to navigate and to dock without waves. Everybody felt comfortable up to the end. Some could think about an original way of working together but everybody knows that "peasants plough in different ways but all harvest the lot". There are also new members: eRko, Ateitis. The statutory part which is sometimes heavy at other meetings was very easy going, without any ups and downs. Votes were done nearly unanimously (90 % "YES" or even 100 %). In our country we say: "Wise people do not all sleep at the same time" and the evening programmes helped a lot to keep it like that. No evening was wearing or exhausting though. The Catalonian climate supported a lot our evening activities. We could forget about wars, rapes, conflicts in Africa, the violence, the horrors and the daily troubles... But we have to go back there, as Fimcap should live there in spite of the troubles. I present my congratulations to all organisers for their dedication and the participants for their input. Where will be the next General Assembly? Gustave Lunjwire Latin AmericaNippac Paraguay [top]January 2004: after 7 years, the big dream many leaders had was realised again. We managed to meet again, all the leaders that love our movement. We suffered from very hot temperatures, a little bit of rain, and we shared lots of adventures that we will never forget, shared smiles and tears of happiness because we could feel that we were all brothers and sisters in one big family. During the working days we had several solidarity activities, such as collecting clothes for indigenous people or re-modelling the playground of a very small school. With the help of the leaders, we did our best to make the children from the area happy again. The work that satisfied us most was building a house for an old lady. We had so much joy doing all this work God had asked us to do. We realised there are a lot of things that we should do in our society. For us, the funniest thing of all was to move from one place to the next in a KACHAPE (an old coach, about 10 metres long and pulled by a tractor). It was a daily adventure, because the KAPACHE had to go around mountains, over hills, through mud ... and much more. We want to thank all the Chileans and Belgians present.. for their songs and games. They tried our Paraguayan REVIRO for breakfast. It is made of manioc starch of eggs !!! We were very happy to share our camp with our friends from JUPACH and CHIRO. We all realised that there are young people in other countries with the same goal as ours: serving others. Despite the huge financial problems, this summer camp was a success thanks to Chiro's unconditional help. May God and the Virgin Mary bless them always. Our youngsters have gained a lot of motivation after this big event and they feel like helping NIPPAC grow. We are very proud of being FIMCAP members. Angelica Guerrero AsiaSummercamps in Chiro Philippines [top]Summer in the Philippines comes in the months of March, April and May. During these times, all the groups are geared up for summer camps in different districts and provinces. This summer, the national team responded to the much needed and long delayed aspirants' training camp (ATC) for the groups in the three islands – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. This had been possible with the support from Chiro Belgium, which sponsored the training of a lot of youth especially in the South. Thus, on April 15, the training committee headed north for Bayombong for ATC Northern Luzon, which ended on April 18 with a loud bang for the 27 old and new participants from Banaue, Bayombong, St. Mary's University, Quirino and Dupax Del Sur. This was the first gathering they had together after about four to five years of holding only local activities. There were a lot of new and eager faces with hearts exploding with enthusiasm. On April 22, the team headed south of Luzon where the districts and provinces of Manila, Nueva Ecija and Cavite met at Cavite Institute with thirty (30) of their best and well-prepared aspirants. The air of friendly competition was stiff but the camp ended with many lasting memories shared and firm commitment to lead their respective groups when they return. On April 27, only a day off the camp in Cavite, the training team of five (5) leaders went down south to Mindanao in Iligan, Lanao Del Norte where they met the Iligan leaders and Fr. Roen Encabo and some eighty two (82) new excited aspirants from three different parishes. Contrary to some expectations, the ATC was peaceful, fun-filled and meaningful to both the leaders and the aspirants. The event was capped by a night of unforgettable intimate sharing of each others' personal challenges and experiences. The following morning, a core group was formed to organize the year's Chiro activities. For its last run, the team set off on a boat to Cebu City where they met the co-ordinator Susan Uybengkee and other Cebu leaders at the pier on May 2, 2004. Unlike the other camps, Cebu had a limited number of 10 aspirants representing 5 parishes and had three (3) aspirants who underwent the initiation process and successfully completed it May 6, 2004. This camp posed different challenges compared to the other ATC',s since the camp was held inside the campus of St. Louis School in Mandaue, under its new head, Fr. Art Arnaiz. There were accommodation concerns, multitudes of insects and a lot of audience looking. Nevertheless, the aspirants and leaders managed to adjust to the circumstances and finished the event with a loud bang and some ice cream after the closing ceremonies! Indeed the various experiences throughout the country stand out as the testimony to the realisation of this year's theme – Moving and Journeying Together in Faith! Marie Gutierrez Nepal [top]
The General Situation of Nepal Nepal, the country where Gautam Buddha was born, is also known as the country of Himalayas, or the country of Mt. Everest. This land locked country is situated between India and China. This is the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. More than 83% people depend on traditional agriculture. Most of the people live in rural areas which are out of essential services like:- health, education, proper sanitation, transportation, water supply etc. Not only this, but most of the rural farmers are under poverty line. At the moment government and rebels are fighting each another and innocent people are suffering from it. Many people have migrated to cities from rural areas. More than 10,000 people have lost their lives. Due to domestic violence it is not easy to move around the country. In Nepal there are about 2000 youths among 6500 catholic populations. The Christian life in Nepal is not easy. It is this a very difficult task for Christians to be involved in social activities. The catholic movements in Nepal started on the decade of 1980s when student movements like IMCS (International Movement of Catholic Student) and IYCS (International Young Christian Students) entered Nepal. In the year 2000, a new national catholic youth movement named "Nepal Catholic Youth Movement" was given birth to. The challenge of this youth movement is to motivate, cultivate youth faith. and move the catholic youth forward in this difficult situation. Alveiro Vasquez EuropeThe pope visits youth in Switzerland [top]On June 5 and 6 the first National Swiss Catholic youth meeting took place. Many different youth movements together organised this big event in Bern, the capital of the country. On Saturday there were different workshops, entertainment and market stalls. The national board of Jungwacht and Blauring (Jubla) was present there with an information stall and a workshop. The main attraction of the day was the visit of the pope. 13000 young people welcomed the Holy Father like a super star. They were applauding, shouting and stamping their feet during the meeting. On Sunday morning the atmosphere was similar when 70000 people gathered for an open air mass with the Pope. Security control was very strict at the entrances, but everybody was patient and peaceful. The Holy Father said prayers and lectures in the three national languages of Switzerland (German, French, Italian) and a choir of young people played good music. Everybody present was very happy. The opinion of Jubla leaders about the meeting vary. Some of them went there especially to meet the pope and they were delighted. Others wanted to get in touch with young people from different backgrounds. These ones thought that the visit of the pope took too much attention and changed the aim of the meeting. However, generally I heard very positive comments from the people present. But what about the ones not present? In Jubla there are many youngsters who didn't go there because they don't agree with the opinion of the Pope. The conservative ideas about the position of women in the church, about homosexuality and about contraception were criticised by many young people. Doris Renggli |
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A total of 47 participants from three continents met in the assembly and most Fimcap organisations were present. Of these 47 participants, 4 were Latin American (Chiro Haiti, NIPPAC and JUPACH), 11 African (Chiro South Africa, Nacayul, Xaveri Congo, Xaveri Rwanda, Kiwo Haiti, Kiro Congo, Chiro Burundi, Xaveri Burundi, and CYO Sierra Leone) and 32 European ( FOI, Ateitis, JN, Jubla, ZAK, KJG, CCCCCE, eRko, Chirojeugd and FDF).
On Sunday morning I usually go to mass on my own, but Sunday 26th July was a different matter. A large Fimcap family gathered together at the reception to go to church for the opening mass and celebrate. Celebrate the joy that we experience in our organisations, celebrate the solidarity that we show amongst each other and celebrate the faith which has brought us together. This was not all, because on our way we caught a glimpse of the beautiful city of Barcelona which again was different from the norm because usually I sweat in my car and get a glimpse of only the sea on my way to church. The opening mass was just the start. We were welcomed officially by the President of CCCCCE, the President of FIMCAP, the President of the National Youth Council of Catalonia, Barcelona City Councillor for Youth and the Youth Secretary General of the Catalan Government at the Civic centre of the "Les Corts" and afterwards we were also entertained by some Catalan music and dancing.
The 21st General Assembly of Fimcap in Barcelona was an important and historical moment for Kiro Haiti. It was an opportunity to have again contacts with the outside world, contacts we had lost for many years. This assembly was a sharing moment, a real communion, a possibility to experience real solidarity. With our exhibition stand, we were able to present the Haiti Kiro movement and the situation in Haiti.
An African proverb says: "Even if we do not all talk of the benefit, everybody sees it." However today I want to talk about it. The General Assembly has been the friendly welcome, the easy contacts, an atmosphere of sharing and understanding the same ideal, etc. The theme and the discussion in groups made people very well aware of the problems of globalisation and helped them to see these in their own contexts and set orientations for actions to take. The issue was new for some, urgent and topical for others. We have all been challenged to do something, whatever part of the world we come from.