Link

This is the on-line version of Link, the bimonthly newsletter of Fimcap.

Edition October 2004

General Information

Calendar [top]

A new Fimcap Secretary General [top]

Hi everybody!

I'm Tine Cornillie, the new Secretary General of Fimcap. I have replaced Zeger on the 20^th of September and I just want to introduce myself to the people who do not know me yet.

I finished my studies last year and graduated in ‘Social Pedagogy' which includes youth work, adult education, social work and professional training. I did my internship in South Africa, at the National Youth Commission, the government department of youth. After my studies, I went back to South Africa to do a voluntary project about "play as a working method regarding HIV/AIDS". Last year February, I started working for a regional NGO: my task was to motivate youth work around themes such as sustainable development, privatisation of water etc.... Afterwards, I worked at JINT (Youth International), on a cooperation between the National Youth Commission in South Africa and the Flemish Government, department of youth.

Next to this, I was a volunteer for Chiro for many years and since 2000, I joined the International Committee of Chiro and the subcommittee Southern Africa. I was chairperson of the International Committee these last two years and I also joined the European Bureau meetings of Fimcap.

I'm really excited about this new job since international youth work has "bitten" me from the first moment I got in touch with. I have experienced how enriching intercultural exchanges are and so I realise the enormous value of these exchanges for us as individuals but also for our organisations.

I hope to keep in touch with all of you and I am sure that we'll make good Fimcap years together and beat all challenges we'll meet along our way!

Lots of greetings,

Tine Cornillie
You can contact me on:
tine.cornillie_at_fimcap.org
+32 3 232 51 65

Fimcap Day [top]

In Barcelona the General Assembly of Fimcap decided to have a Fimcap day on the 20 th November. We chose this date because it's children's rights day. On this day, the whole Fimcap family will be doing the same activity, in all the youth groups of all our member organisations all around the world. We therefore want to remind you of this idea. The explanation of the game, the cards needed to play the game, the prayer and the world map will be available on the Fimcap website from the beginning of November. It will also be sent to all national secretariats.

Game for Fimcap Day 2004 [top]

Opening of the meeting

Introduce the logo of Fimcap and explain the idea of Fimcap day. You find the logo and information about Fimcap in the leaflet enclosed. If there is a tradition of using flags in your organisation, we suggest you create your own Fimcap flag with the logo and raise it.

Route game

The game consists of cards with information about member organisations of Fimcap and typical games they play. Each of the cards will be a station in the route game. The leader chooses different stations in the neighbourhood of the meeting place and puts the cards with the facts about the organisations in the different places. At each station a note will enable the young people to find the next station. The children and youngsters will go in small groups from one station to the next, read the cards and play the small games which are explained on the cards.

The kids should also find the countries they read about on a world map and colour them. At the end all the places in the world can be seen.

If you have the possibility to photocopy the map, you can cut out the Fimcap-countries and let the members of the group do the puzzle.

End of the meeting

Explain more about Fimcap. You will find a lot of information in the leaflet. If you have internet access you can find more at www.fimcap.org.

Say the prayer, written by Louis Van Dijck, chaplain of Kiro Congo.

Do not forget that after the activity you are very welcome to write a short comment about your experience and send it to the Fimcap secretariat info_at_fimcap.org. It will be published in the next edition of Link.

We thank the people who made this Fimcap game and wish everybody good luck and a lot of fun during this activity!

Prayer of the Fimcap Day [top]

Joy in your heart,
God, Jesus's father and "Our Father"
There is so much suffering in the world you entrusted us,
and yet there is so much concern for this beautiful and sometimes so inhuman world.

Joy! Can joy be in young people's hearts all over the world?
Today Your word is challenging us as well;
Our joy should be real and therefore you say to us:
"God loves you and above all love each other 
Love your brother, your sister, the people around you, love the earth you are living on.

We will say "thank you" for the joy that is in our hearts and in the whole world.
We are your poor servants and it is so often difficult for us to build this new world:
a world full of love and joy.
Forgive us for forgetting to share our joy or even worse for just keeping it in our own hearts.
Make us witnesses of this joy. A joy that should spread amongst all youngsters in the whole world,
a joy that should shine in our hearts like the sun that enlightens this world.
A world that is entrusted to us to make it beautiful for all and to change it into a paradise.

Father Louis van Dijck

Africa

Partnership [top]

ZAK – Malta and CYO Sierra Leone

The partnership project between ZAK – Malta and CYO Sierra Leone was officially initiated after FIMCAP General Assembly 2004. However, contacts have been ongoing for some time between the two organizations and CYO National Chaplain Fr. Daniel, was able to come to Malta twice before two ZAK members visited Sierra Leone last August.

The very warm welcome and the meetings with the young people in the three dioceses of Sierra Leone - Kenema, Makeni, Freetown and Bo, were the highlight. During our stay in the different cities we could get an overall idea of the life and difficult realities the young people encounter in their everyday life. This post-war country is stricken by lack of necessities, like light, not to mention the bad road conditions full of mud and potholes! However the young people live in hope for better time and yearn for help to continue their studies and improve their living.

As for me, I was very struck by the direct involvement the young people have in the Catholic church. I was impressed with the relationship the young people have with the clergy, (especially with the Bishop of Kenema), and the latter's hard work in the young generation's interest. I could feel that the Catholic Church in Sierra Leone is young at hearth and full of vitality. In fact this is something which we could set as an example to imitate in our western world, where we might tend to take faith for granted or attribute it to traditional ways.

This trip was also characterized with games and group exercises which we use in ZAK and which we shared with CYO. These interactive activities also helped us to break the ice and build a good relationship with the youth.

As a result of the encounter we had with Bishop Koroma (the bishop of Kenema, in charge of youth work in Sierra Leone ), Fr. Daniel and the three CYO chaplains, a plan was devised for the next two years. I really look forward to welcome the six young people who will come over for leadership training and a ZAK-experience in the coming years. Moreover I encourage ZAK members to be part of the team which will go to Sierra Leone in 2006. I really believe that this partnership project will enhance both organizations. This I regard as being possible because, I can feel the already existing bond between the two and a willingness to share the strengths we possess.

Marvic Debono
ZAK

News from Kiro Congo [top]

Dear friends!

Kiro Congo had their national council 11-15 August 2004. Thirty four chiefs/diocesan leaders came from the neighbouring dioceses of Beni-Butembo, Lwiza, Mbuji mayi, Kananga, Sakania, Kipushi, Lubumbashi, Kolwezi and Kamina. This was the first time that the Council was really national because we gathered delegates living about 1000 km away and from nearly all provinces where Kiro exists. This was possible with the financial support of Chirojeugd Flanders (0.7 action). We talked about the following issues: reports of activities in the different dioceses, modifications of statutes to adapt them to the law of our country and the present realities in the country. The year theme will be ‘Hand in hand, in electoral transparency, let's build Congo in peace'.

We also adapted the membership fees for 2004-2005 in all dioceses. Kamina was chosen to host the national leaders' camp that will take place in August 2005, because it is only 800 km from Lubumbashi and therefore it is geographically suited.

We have also decided to decentralise the sales outlets considering the distances between us whilst the four study themes for this year were: Non Profit Making Associations, religious confessions and National law of RDC (Abbé Babela), Unicef campaign (Mrs Yaya) and the animateur (Father Louis Van Dijck)

Activities for the groups started for all on 3rd October.

Many greetings from César!

Didier Tschikung
Kiro Congo

Latin America

News from Haiti [top]

Greetings, Carmen! I'm really happy to write to you on this occasion. We had a good trip back home after a few days in Belgium and we started our youth work by visiting all the Kiro diocesan meetings. We made teams to visit all the 9 dioceses where many leaders got together to share their own experiences, formation and also to have fun...

Since last week, the north and the north western part of Haiti were hit badly by the heavy floods. At the moment, I am wondering why this horrible tragedy hit the Haitian people, because the news and the pictures we are seeing of this tragedy are very terrible: today they said that 2000 people died and many houses and people' s belongings are destroyed. Even though Edner and I are fine we are very worried about this natural accident. We have a lot of Kiro members in these regions and we are thinking hard to see how we can be of solidarity to them.

Today we met many organisations that are giving first aid to people and we proposed to help them distribute this aid to the victims. We think that it is our way to be near all these people. We are making a team of Kiro voluntary members to support all the efforts of the many organisations and the government who are helping these victims. I think that now that you are also aware of what is happening here in Haiti, you will also be in solidarity with all these people. We count on your prayers and best wishes from Haiti.

How are your activities going on? I wish you good luck and good work. Let us keep in touch.

Mes amitiés,

Alex

Asia

Chiro Philippines [top]

KRINKELING IN BELGIUM - Mud and rain!!!

These two words immediately pop in mind when speaking of Krinkel 2004. Yes, rain pours everyday throughout the camp. For some of us, continuous rain during summer is extraordinary. For others, it was their first time to see rain.

But for most of the international participants, Krinkel began with the long journey from home. Mine was about 15 hours by plane and 11 hours by train (a long story). But the anticipation to see Chiro and Krinkel kept the spirits high even after finding out about the six kilometre hike to the campsite in full packs!

Surprisingly, the fatigue and mixed feelings immediately disappeared when the quiet Brussels North station suddenly came to life with the arrival of leaders from all directions. Seeing more than 2,000 leaders from Belgium and different countries on the Krinkel train, hiking together and then converging to the campsite in Dourbes was already too surreal. And yet, the camp just began.

It was a good thing we had buddies! My buddy, Pieter Deparcq, had to practically solve everything from the language translations, to the sleeping bag, the plates and utensils, the costumes, and the detailed explanations of every song, game or nonsensical jokes and remarks along the way. For many of us, I guess our buddies became our closest friends in camp not because they did everything but because of the instant trust and confidence both gave each other from the beginning of the camp.

The friendship then extended to the living group with whom we played, climbed rocks, bonded and simply had fun under the rain for about seven days. Each one in the living group had a story to tell, a uniqueness to share, countless games in mind and similarities to boast of. In our living group we shared the common passion for adventure and chocolates!

The international camp had a warm atmosphere and was full of spirit all throughout. Our curiosity about each other's background, country, group and personalities kept everyone so busy during "lavar" around the campfire or inside the tent such that the evenings seemed too short to be able to talk to everyone.

Honestly, there is no word adequate enough to describe the entire camp. But we could say that the best thing about Krinkel was the totality of the experience itself – learning more about leadership, finding and sharing new ideas, understanding others and knowing more of yourself.

I have about 300 photographs of almost every moment in camp (pictures of shoes, clowns, balloons, bugs and hands included). Still, I believe that the best mementos are not in our scrapbooks but are the ones we keep in our memories – the sound of drums, laughter and cups simultaneously rotating during meals; the endless talks and songs around the fire on cold nights; the smell of each other's sweat, mud and grass; the daily hikes, games, and silly pranks we played on each other; the moments with our living groups; eating berries in the forest; the tireless and happy faces of the organizers with some running in the mud without shoes, or swimming in a rubber pool in the rain; the lovely smiles from our new found friends; and the smile that we unknowingly take home with us.

Watching leaders with muddied backpacks, Chiro clothing and festive songs get off the train and slowly disperse in all directions gives the Krinkel experience a meaningful finale. It was sad to part ways knowing that most of us would not see each other again. Yet, it was wonderful to realize that Krinkel will not end in Dourbes but will reverberate in different parts of Belgium and the world – even in Asia.

So, after the many hugs and goodbyes at the train station where it all began, we glanced at our friends for the last time, and silently told ourselves "It was a fantastic camp!", while the camp songs and cheers echoed within... Awa!

Indeed, Krinkel was so much more than Belgian mud and rain!

Marie Gutierrez
Chiro Philippines

Europe

Chirojeugd Flanders organises Krinkel [top]

Krinkel 2004: some facts

• Venue: Krinkel took place on the meadows of Dourbes, a village with 200 inhabitants in the south of Belgium.
• Theme: Maak het mee (means both "experience it" and "make it"), Team-life, NatuurLeuk! (= year theme. It means "natural" and "nature is fun").
• Date: From 23 to 29 August 2004 !

There were 1326 local leaders participating and 682 living group leaders / cooks / logistic workers. So all in all there were 2008 people. 35 of them were international guests from 10 different nationalities. All these people were divided in 143 living groups.

An experience in Belgium

We arrived in a big field which would be the home of the international guests and their buddies for 1 week. The main theme of Krinkel was nature and therefore there was no electricity in the camp. We also had different boxes to separate our waste and all the soap that we used was bio-degradable since it would be thrown into the soil. Our toilets were portable cubicles and the washing facilities were basins placed in 2 tents. All this added to the feeling of an adventure and made us realise that what we normally take for granted is not available to everyone. When we arrived at the field on the first day, there was a lot of green and a little of brown. Due to the amount of rain that we would have during the week, this would be reversed since most of the field was rather muddy by the time we were packing up to leave.

The first day was dedicated mostly to getting to know each other through various games and activities which went ahead despite the rain which was quite consistent. In the evening after dinner we had the international evening in our dining tent and it was nice to see the presentations of the various countries which were present.

The rest of the week was participating in the various activities and games which had been prepared. The rain was present for most of the days we were at the camp and since we Maltese are not used to it and all the mud, it was quite tiring but we managed to survive it like everyone else. On Wednesday evening there was a gathering for all of the 2000 participants and it was full of music, dance, poetry and plays on a stage. Thursday was a barbeque in each of the camps while on Friday in the international camp we had a big game composed of various tasks. On Saturday there was the official closing which was once again something for all the participants of all the camps. This was organised in the close-by village of Dourbes and the villagers were also present for the plays that were held.

My own group did also a 2-day trip. The group benefited greatly from the trip as it gave us the chance to work together as a team. This was evident as we helped each other during the trek through the forest, did the cooking and cleaning up together and shared the work and carry-load. Of course we also had the best opportunity to get to know each other as we were chatting all the time.

On Sunday we packed up as soon as we had woken up and after breakfast we started breaking camp. Many hands make light work and before we left most of the tents had been taken down and folded. We were faced by the same 6 km walk back to the train station and eventually onwards towards home or our guest families. A very common sight on the train was that of people sleeping. Krinkel in itself was very tiring though I'm quite certain that everyone enjoyed it. This was definitely the case for the Maltese participants. It took a long time to say goodbye to our friends and this was definitely the worst part of Krinkel (most of the goodbyes were on Sunday at the campsite or at the train station). Shortly afterwards we had a quiet flight home where we were all met by our families, so ending our Krinkel adventure.

Adrian Leone Ganado
ZAK

ZAK – Chiro Roundabout Project 2002 - 2004 [top]

An unforgettable experience which will be cherished all my life has just come to an end. It had been 2 years since we had met for the first part of the exchange in Malta, and at last we were able to talk face to face rather than simply chatting via internet.

During the 9 days spent in each others' company (from the 7^th till the 16^th August 2004), about 40 members from ZAK Malta (Zurrieq) and Chiro in Belgium (2 groups were participating, a male group from Chiro Stekene and a female group from Chiro Kemzeke), were able to exchange ideas and experience new ones in different environments.

The activity was mainly divided into 3 parts. The first 2 days were spent in the Chiro Kemzeke building, then 2 days camping in the Ardennes whilst the latter part of the exchange was held in a hostel in Sint Niklaas (the nearest city to the 2 villages from which the Belgian participants hailed).

This week or so was a whirlwind of activities for us. The change of location enabled us to experience different aspects of life in Belgium. This holds especially for the 2 days spent in the Ardennes, as there numerous activities which are not possible in Malta (such as kayaking down the river) were held.

Whilst staying in the Chiro Kemzeke building and later in Sint Niklaas we were also exposed to different aspects of Chiro and Belgian life. Ice-breaking and team games were played. These apart from being great fun and helping us get to know each other better, will certainly be extremely helpful to us, as most of us are leaders in our youth centre thus giving us fresh ideas to pass on to our youngsters.

We also had the opportunity to visit Brussels, where we visited the European parliament and learned more about this establishment of which Malta has only recently become a member. In Bruges apart from tasting some mouth-watering (or "lekker" as they would say) Belgian chocolates we also had an activity using a blind map which gave us the opportunity to interact with the residents whom we had to ask for help for the way and in completing the tasks set to us. We also visited a village feast in Kemzeke, which is extremely different to those held in Malta.

For many of us this project was a series of firsts. The fist time some of us had ever gone abroad by plane, or else went on a train (in Malta we don't have any), swam in a lake, slept in camp... the list goes on and on.

The week had soon flown by and with tears in our eyes our last moments were spent muttering "Ik hou van jou" (I love you - Flemish), and more importantly "tot ziens" (till we meet again - Flemish) by the Maltese, the latter saying something we all hope to be true. I will certainly make it a point to achieve it, and as new European members I will certainly never forget this country full of really friendly people. TOT ZIENS!!!

Cecilia Fenech
ZAK Zurrieq

Jumping into a New Europe – A Roundabout Project [top]

In August young people from ZAK Malta, CCCCCE, Catalonia and KJG Germany, were able to free themselves from the daily routine and lifestyle and enter into a world of diverse cultures. It was a continuation of what has started last year, where these groups of young people were invited by the KJG to be part of this experience in Germany. This time, these young people participated in this adventure in Malta.

The roundabout project with the theme "Jumping into a new Europe" helped the groups to acquire organisational and social skills together with the value of being tolerant to different cultures, beliefs and lifestyles. It strengthened each others identity and helped the youth develop their personal capacities and aptitudes, foster an appreciation of the world they live in and achieve a mature sense of criticism and judgment. Although this may seem to be simply a utopia, it was a challenge, and an opportunity of a lifetime which was a success. Here are some comments the young people themselves made at the end of roundabout exchange.

Lindsay (ZAK):
"For me this roundabout was a new and exciting experience. Before the roundabout started my expectations were ‘having at least fun'. However, from the very start I noticed that this experience was something which went beyond my expectations: I met new people from different cultures that really enjoyed themselves together. It was surely - not only for me - an exciting experience of a lifetime."

Judith (KJG):
"Right from the first time I felt familiar with the people from Malta and Catalunya. Together we discovered cultural differences and prejudices and grew within ten days as one common group under the sun of Malta. On behalf of KJG (and I guess from all participants) I really want to thank ZAK Zebbug for organising this great Roundabout: VIELEN DANK."

Mireia (CCCCCE):
"This ROUNDABOUT was my first international camp. So I had no fixed expectation for these days in Malta. I am impressed that three nations with different languages can find an easy to live together. Even if communication wasn't easy for me – finally I made up new friends from other countries. MUCHAS GRACIAS to ZAK Malta for hosting and everything."

Ina (KJG):
"One of the best things for me was to meet the people from last year again. For me last year's exchange continued in Malta. A real highlight for me was the Maltese people explaining their culture. I really enjoyed the history of the knights, the historical buildings in Valletta and last but not least the beaches with their deep blue waters. After all I had a enriching experience and a lot of new friends. I hope to see them all next year again."

Marie Claire (ZAK):
"During this ROUNDABOUT project I really enjoyed myself because I got to know so many new people and made new friends. I wish we could have had more time to spend together and I feel sorry that this adventure finally will come to an end. However I appreciated it very much. I would like to thank all participants and leaders for having such a great time. I hope that everyone enjoyed himself as much as I did and see you all next year."

So you see, it was a great experience. We encourage you to take a project like this next year. You will surely never forget it.

ZAK, CCCCCE, KJG

Revoted president of eRko [top]

On the 4^th - 9^th of July we had the national board meeting of eRko. 23 members from 26 came to Zazriva, a village in the north of Slovakia, and famous for its "korbaciky" production. "Korbaciky" is a special shaped cheese, presented by eRko also at Fimcap activities. I hope some of you remember it.

Our national board met to speak and decide on many eRko things to help our members feel the big eRko community. We spoke about our system of trainings, then about the views in the future... and we voted the president of eRko, of course.

There are presidency elections in eRko every 3 years. The only candidate for the next three years period was Maros Caucik. We started elections by private TV election spots done by eRko members. It was very witty and we all had fun. Maros was voted with one accord. We expressed him our full support and we are looking forward to cooperate with him.

Who is Maros? Maros Caucik is one of the founders of eRko. He started his Christian activities with children already in communism (of course as an underground activity). After the fall of the regime, he and some nice people founded eRko as an official NGO. Maros became the 1st president of eRko and has been the president since 1990. Since this time eRko has grown up and has become the second biggest children organisation in Slovakia. Our Christmas children solidarity action Dobra novina is the biggest charitable collection in Slovakia. This has all been done thanks to all eRko members, but special thanks go to our president, who has led us for 14 years.

Dear Maros, we would also like to thank you by the means of Link for accepting your nomination and for finding strength and energy to endure in your service. You mean very much to us.

Juray Kralik
eRko

"AMICI PER LA PELLE" [top]

In most of the Italian regions, especially in the northern regions, the parish oratory centres still offer opportunities for Christian personal and social education.

Amongst the wide range of events prepared and organized throughout the year, the most successful one is what is called "GREST", in English words "summer group activities". During the summer school holidays, every oratory gathers children and young people to spend the afternoons together sharing games, prayers and several creative and sports activities: a big opportunity for children, youth workers and leaders to experience a lot of unforgettable moments.

Nowadays young people live in a multi-ethnic, intercultural and inter-religious society. Our aim as youth workers is to encourage children and young people to express their positive feelings and help them become more open to different cultures in order to respect and welcome each person's uniqueness. At the same time, becoming acquainted to the world means also to learn to enhance values such as liberty, fair trade, and nature conservation. Moreover, we should help children to feel the need to be disciples of God by: living together, sharing games and prayers (at least with other Christian children), feeling responsible for all those children who need more attention, through the gift of one's own time, toys, clothes; through the help in learning Italian language; through the friendship between families...

In short, we should stress the importance to get to know the world and its people, to develop the love for the intercultural. By being disciples means to bring the good news of the Gospel all around the world.

Every year the summer group has a different theme. This summer Italian children have been asked to reflect on, work and play with intercultural themes. The slogan "Amici per la pelle" (literally "friends for the skin") – was meant to express a deep friendship even between children coming from different continents. Together with this slogan, a colourful logo synthesized the theme and highlighted the importance of sharing and working on everything we have in common, more than the differences between cultures.

A series of booklets – containing suggestions for prayers, dances, songs, games, tales, plays, manual activities - have been prepared to help the leaders organise the various moments and to develop the theme with the children.

Moreover, a lot of gadgets, such as t-shirts, caps, stickers, key-rings, backpacks and backpacks contributed to brighten up the summer of several parishes.

Carla
FOI

Ranfttreffen 18^th - 19^th December 2004 [top]

Theme "No Limits?"

The Ranfttreffen is a spiritual night, organized by Blauring & Jungwacht Switzerland, which takes place every year on the last weekend before Christmas with about 3000 young adults.

Groups of about 12 people will walk from three different starting points through the winter night towards Flüeli-Ranft. On the way you will get to know your group members whilst participating in some workshops and you can also be creative to the theme "No Limits?" in other workshops. At midnight you will get a hot soup and tea with other groups. After this snack all the groups will walk down to the Ranft valley with torches. The highlight is the impressive service in the Ranft at around 3 o'clock in the morning. Every participant will receive a candle and all participants will ignite them together and illuminate the valley. After the walk back to the starting point you will be invited to have breakfast with the others.

Place: District of Sarnen, Sachseln near Lucerne, Central Switzerland

Time: Starts on Sat 18^th December in Sarnen at 6:00 p.m. and ends on Sun 19^th December at 6:00 a.m.

Price for students and Apprentices: CHF 22.00 and CHF 27.00 for workers.

Information: www.ranfttreffen.ch (in German)

If you want to take part or want to receive more information contact the International Committee of JUBLA: e-mail: international_at_jubla.ch

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