Link

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

Edition December 2004

General Information

Calendar [top]

Fimcap Day [top]

Well Fimcap day was with us last week and we did our best to celebrate it. It was a moment where we celebrated our success and where we felt that there were so many others all over the world who were with us celebrating too. As ZAK we first got together as leaders. Being a small island the leaders could easily get together for a meeting. During this meeting we said the Fimcap prayer, the Fimcap game was presented, information about Fimcap was given, an invitation for the Euroforum was made and finally we got together eating different kinds of food from different countries. This was a surprise for us made by ZAK's national team - they brought all kind of nibbles from different European countries but they also cooked rice and some other food to make us think about all the Fimcap organisations. During the week we played the game with the youngsters in our group. It was really fun and exciting. We heard Oh! and Ahs! from different youngsters and it was so interesting for them to find out about other organisations, other young people, other cultures and traditions. One young person said to me....'I do no longer feel on an island at the moment' and another said 'Will I get to know these people one day'. This was a good occasion to talk about roundabouts and our new partnership with Sierra Leone. A group of young people also came up with an idea to organise fund raising activity for the partnership. I was surprised and I am looking forward for the next Fimcap's day.

At the same time I wonder how the other organisations have celebrated Fimcap day. I am really eager to find out and possibly read on LINK.

A ZAK leader

Intercontinental Bureau Meeting [top]

From 5-7 November, there was an Intercontinental Bureau meeting in Belgium. Unfortunately, not all ICB-members could be present as Xenon couldn’t attend the meeting due to Visa problems. The other ICB-members, Carme Carrion i Ribas (President), Alveiro Vasquez (International Chaplain), Daniel Osei Yeboah (Vice-president Fimcap Africa), Corno de Mol (President Fimcap Europe), Doris Renggli (vice-president Fimcap Europe) and Tine Cornillie (Secretary General) were all present. Also Marleen Deblonde (editor Link) joined us for the meeting and we got a visit from Olivier Heyen (OIC representative), Zeger van Besien (former Secretary General) and Bert Van den Bossche, who’s taking care of the Promotional Material of Fimcap and committed in the preparation of the WYD. Saturday evening, we got a visit from Ado, who works at the secretariat of Kiro Congo. She is staying in Belgium for 3 months.

The main points on the agenda were the evaluation of the General Assembly, to find ways to implement the strategic plan and the World Camp in 2006.

Regarding the General Assembly, we all agreed that it was a very intensive week, full of warm contacts between all participants. We were really happy that so many countries could attend the General Assembly. Concerning the next GA we decided that we’ll mix the seminar and statutory part because a whole day statutory part is quite exhausting and people lose concentration. We also thought it would be good to organise the GA in Europe as we always organise the World camp in the South. Like this, the travel expenses are less and bureau members of Europe can join more easily.

As you can read in the editorial, we spent a lot of time on the strategic plan. Last but not least, we decided that the World Camp of 2006 would be organised by Kiro Congo. They made a convincing proposal with interesting social projects where the participants can work in. In July, some ICB-members are going on a preparatory visit to Kiro Congo.

Of course in between the meeting we also had enjoyable breaks wherein we could strengthen our friendships.

Thanks to everybody who hosted one or more ICB-members!

Tine Cornillie

Sad news [top]

Dear all,

I am sorry to tell you this sad news: Fimcap Africa Chaplain, Fr NZEYIMANA GERARD, died last Monday in a car accident as he was on his trip from Makamba(south) parish to Bujumbura. Makamba is 175 km far from here. Chiro, Xaveri Burundi and the catholic community, especially in Bururi diocese, are now going to the funeral. FR Gerard NZEYIMANA, 72 years old, was that kind of priest with an eternal smile on his face and very committed for reconciliation purpose. He was appointed Chiro Burundi Chaplain by the catholic bishops conference in 1992, and elected Fimcap Africa chaplain during the general assembly held in Durban in December 2002. He helped a lot the Chiro youngsters to bring about changes for the best functioning of the movement and he was55 one of the actors who fought for the elections to happen in 2002. We call all our Fimcap mates for a prayerful support during this painful period. On behalf of Fimcap Africa,

Zénon Manirakiza/ Burundi

Africa

Xaveri Burundi [top]

9 to 13 October, 2004. Father George Defour and Mr Gustave Lunjwire were welcomed by the National Xaveri Committee and the Xaveri delegates of the dioceses of Burundi and took part in the National Council about the issue "Let us adapt our structures and our activities to the structures of the Church and the Country". The delegates of the dioceses of Gitega, Ruyigi, Ngozi, Bururi and Bujumbura presented the life of the movement in the local realities. The National council prepared a concept for the adaptation of structures of the Movement to those of the Church and the Country. The adapted text was already subjected to the Episcopal Conference, and the Xaveri Movement is now waiting for approval. The Xaveri Movement will not only be a movement of young people, but also of adults. This council also stressed the need for having Xaveri books translated into Kirundi. The day was marked by a celebration and in his homily, the National Xaveri Chaplain recalled that this day is an occasion to thank God for what He did and what He continues to do and to thank Père George Defour for founding the Xaveri Movement 50 years ago, so worthy for the African youth in Rwanda, in Burundi, in R.D. of Congo, in Congo Brazzaville, in Zambia, in Tanzania, in Uganda... The Xaveri Movement makes it possible for 450.000 members in 7 African countries to be true witnesses of their faith and Love for one’s neighbour. Later, the Abbot Salvator Niciteretse, Secretary of CELA (Episcopal Commission for the Apostolate of Lay-people) addressed a message to the Xaveri inviting them to commit themselves to peace work, to rebuild the country, to free and democratic elections and to reconciliation and respect of the human rights. There was also a meeting and an evening in an atmosphere of fraternity with the President of Fimcap-Africa, Mr. Zénon Manirakiza and the members of the National Xaveri Committee.

The persons in charge for the Xaveri Union of the Adults in Bujumbura worked on new handbooks and on the role of adults in the Movement with outlines for future program, also concerning the financial joint responsibility of all the Xaveri (contribution, work, gifts) as there is no external funding. The experiment of the Xaveri of Kinshasa is very edifying (60% of the contributions of the UXA provide support for the other branches). The international training courses began again in Bukavu in 2002. The next one is planned for 2005 according to the possibilities and the situation at that time. These training courses are useful for the training of Xaveri leaders of the whole Movement.

Gustave Lunjwire

Permaculture [top]

From the 23-27 August 2004 a workshop on permaculture was held in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape Region. An invitation was extended to the seven regional representatives to attend the workshop. Twelve participants attended the workshop. Their role was to return to the regions and share the knowledge that they have gained as well as start up food gardens.

The programme covered the following topics:

1. Permaculture- ethics, attitudinal and principles;
2. Manure- organic and other fertilisers;
3. Planting cycles;
4. Making compost;
5. preparation, planting and growing of seeds;
6. Utilising traditional herbs for healing ailments

The workshop afforded opportunity for a theoretical and practical component. The participants were divided into two groups. After each theoretical component, there was a practical application and assessment undertaken of each activity.

You may ask why permaculture? We live in a part of the world that is afflicted with poverty and illnesses. Instead of being incapacitated, Chiro can be a tool of transformation in starting up home based or community gardens where they live. This can contribute towards developing the community and alleviating hunger and some illnesses. Permaculture is fun, develops a sense of pride and love for the land and self.

From the 29 November- 8 December, 25 Chiro’s (21 Cape Town, 2 from the Northern Cape and 2 from Oudtshorn) will embark on a train ride from Cape Town to Durban. They will cover a distance of about more than a thousand kilometres by rail. What is amazing about this group is that they have raised their own funds to participate on this journey. Most of the children come from the surrounding wine farms in Koelenhof / Stellenbosch, part of the Western Cape Province in South Africa. Another irony is that the children live in an area that produces world renowned South African wines, and yet most of their parents cannot afford to send them on holiday.

Thus, together with Sr. Lucy- Henriette Saul, organiser from the Koelenhof parish, they will make a historic journey to Durban. While in Durban, they will visit a local group, visit the city and undertake a pilgrimage to Ngome in the northern part of Kwa Zulu/ Natal Province, a site where Our lady has appeared. This journey has immense benefit for these young people because it is not only about travel, but also teaching them the value of setting goals, working hard and having faith to believe in their dreams.

Shaun Dunn
National Secretary Chiro, Southern Africa

Asia

News from Sri Lanka [top]

Our Organisation is doing quite well these days. At the moment all of us are meditating on John14/16,17 to the great realisation that the Holy Spirit is within us. It is so comforting to listen to the experiences of people especially the young ones. We are now planning for Christmas and to give a better meaning to it. You know Father, Sri Lanka is a poor country. However, we also have the very rich. And most people try to imitate the rich and the poor become poorer! Our message therefore, is to imitate Christ the Lord. 'Let go' Be like Mary' 'imitate Mary' are the key words and we find them becoming very effective in the lives of the people.

Our theme for the year 2005 will be 'You are in the world, but not of the world'

Yours in Jesus and Mary

Ranjana Kaviratne

Europe

Euroforum 2005 [top]

A Euroforum is scheduled 4-8 May 2005 on the theme Intercultural dialogue in a multicultural society Westmalle Belgium.

Immigration, integration, the clash of cultures is a hot topic all over Europe (and all over the world) Most of the time, these terms have negative connotations: fundamentalist Muslim terrorists, separatist and racist political parties win elections, mosques and synagogues burned down..

But here and there, there are small projects of co-operation between different ethnic groups, youth movements like KJG setting up dialogue projects, Schools working on integration projects.

How does this theme concern the youth movements in our countries? What can a local group do concretely about this? How can a Catholic youth movement take part in building up our society as a good place to live for all people? In workshops, games, meetings, visits and reflections, we will try to find out what we can do as local, regional and national organisations. Everyone will go home with concrete ideas and actions.

Info: WimS@chiro.be

Fimcap Europe Bureau meeting on Fimcap Day [top]

News from all world in Vienna? Kaisa, Csaba or Michele? What connects countries like Italy, Hungary and Finland on the level of youth work: a common meeting of Fimcap and European Fellowship 19 -20 November 2004 with respectively about 15 delegates from the different countries. Apart from the internal points on the agenda and the Fimcap Day prayer and the game all together on Saturday morning, Corno De Mol and Doris Renggli, respectively president and vice-president of Fimcap Europe informed the Bureau members that they both stop in their function and did a call for candidates. In the afternoon there was a common time with European Fellowship for the planning of the SMS rail game for 2007 (with 160 participants), a reflection on Euro Class (international group leader training with intercultural learning), and looking for common actions in the frame of youth exchange, group leaders’ training or associative structures.

There will also be a Euroforum in Belgium in May 2005 and a Eurocontact in the Netherlands in Summer 2005. Many organisations want to participate at the World Youth Day in Cologne in August 2005 and will hopefully meet partner groups and Fimcap friends in the KJG/Fimcap centre near the centre of Cologne.

Markus Veith

Jong Nederland celebrates [top]

The sixth of December 1944 is the founding date of Jong Nederland. So this year Jong Nederland celebrates its sixtieth anniversary. The kick off of the celebration year was at the Kaderschouw on the 25th and the 26th of September 2004 in Tilburg.

Every two years Jong Nederland organises a big happening, with a party, to thank all the volunteers for their work in the local groups. On this occasion they can meet each other, renew friendships and learn from each others experiences. Hopefully they go home with enough energy to continue their work for another two years.

Around 600 local volunteers gathered at the Kaderschouw around 13.00 hrs. After the introduction where everybody received a party hat and sang Happy birthday to us, each participant went for his or her workshop. There were all kinds of workshops to do. Some people did creative workshops so they learned new ideas to do with their children. Others had workshops about safety regulations when having an activity or managing volunteers in a local group.

After the workshops there was a marketplace where all national working groups could present their activities. And of course the international committee was also present. There was a big stand with information about Fimcap and its activities. And there was a Jong Nederland museum where people could learn about the foundation and development of the organisation.

After dinner the new year’s theme was presented. Surprisingly the new year’s theme is: Party! This whole year Jong Nederland is going to celebrate youthwork, being a youth volunteer, and being young. The organisation maybe over 60 years of age but is still very, very young at heart. The new gamebook that was presented was a small one, as a little baby that needs a little time to grow.

The presentation of the year theme was the starting point of a very big party. There was life music and a disco till late at night. The next day there was a present for each local group. It was a big box with game materials to be used in the group meetings.

Jong Nederland is facing many difficulties at the moment. The survival of Jong Nederland as an independent national organisation is not certain at all. But the spirit from this Kaderschouw gave us a lot of energy to fight for it. And even though we are 60 years old we feel younger then ever.

Corno De Mol

EuroClass - in Denmark or the best possibility to spend a year!!! [top]

The basic idea is to spend one or two semesters after secondary school or professional training in a kind of informal training centre called Hojskole. There are many subjects like theatre, sport, music, art, outdoor life, pedagogy, swimming or just... EuroClass! You learn what you want and how you want: The many different choices give you the opportunity to try out new things and to discover new talents. All students and even some teachers with their family all live in the same house, which increases social competencies.

More important is the fact that you quickly find good friends and it is nice to have feasts together. Euroclass gathers group leaders from all over Europe. The training courses are in English and the whole project takes about nine months, divided in three parts. You first spend 4 ½ months in the Danish Hojskole and work on different subjects like Project management, Intercultural learning Pedagogy, Fundraising, and a lot more. After Christmas, you get the possibility to go for practice in a foreign youth organisation during three months . You can try out what you have learned, make new experiences and discover a new country. Afterwards, you come back for six weeks to evaluate the practical part and to start the final project.

This is the formal information, but there is so much more. I was there from august 2003 up to May 2004 and I am still so enthusiastic about the project. There were 9 different nationalities: Denmark, Belgium, Ukraine, Transylvania, Hungary, Slovakia, Estonia, Philippines and Germany. Intercultural learning is just happening while living together, by telling stories, having feasts, and by doing the funny things together when you are with friends. You get to know their cultural context. Some daily details may brings endless discussions, for instance the way of washing the dishes. You can not imagine how different it can be in another country!

The most interesting part is of course the way of doing youth work in the different countries and its the historical background. In Eastern Europe, youth work is quite young and structures are still missing or are being just set. These organisations have of course totally different structural conditions and ways of working.

The practical training is a real challenge.

You are alone or with somebody else in a complete foreign country and you are supposed to work for and with people of a youth organisation you do not know. This is very challenging but also very tiring. We could choose to go to Belgium (French and Flemish part) or to Ukraine, Romania, Denmark or Finland.

I was in Kiev with a Danish girlfriend in Ukraine. It was very cold there in January-March and you are still freezing even if you wear five layers of clothes! Walking is also quite difficult but not impossible.

I must confess that the culture shock was enormous and it was also quite difficult to work in the organisation. The city is just oversize with 5 Million inhabitants. You have involuntarily “close” contacts in buses or in the underground. Buses for 25 or 30 people are filled with 40 to 50 people, it sounds unbelievable, but this is really working. The Eastern European mentality is interesting and at the same time quite exhausting. The differences are sometimes so big in some situations and than again so small. It is quite difficult to know what is bad-mannered. And communication was also quite a problem for daily life needs as people do not speak English in shops or supermarkets.

The third and the last part was dedicated to planning a project. You can work out a project by using the skills you have learned and you have enough time to work on it. I worked on a training course in Autumn for the Danish youth organisation FDF/FPF and did it together with 6 other leaders. The theme was “international” and the leaders’ team was international - Three people from Denmark, one from Belgium, from Estonia, a boy from Hungary and myself. The training course was very successful because the participants were very eager and interested to know the cultural diversity and worked with enthusiasm on this theme.

To conclude, I would like to say this: Euroclass is really great!!

Magdalena Omlor

Julsoe Camp 2006 in Denmark [top]

Every fifth year FDF hosts a camp for all its members in the age of 9 to 18 years old, and leaders. We usually are around 10,000 participants. The camp is held at FDF’s camp site Sletten and the next camp is from the 5th to 14th of July 2006.

The theme for the camp is finding 'new sides'. That is, finding new sides of ourselves, our organisation and the world that we are part of. The programme will consist of activities, camp fires, a big Sunday service, bathing, playing, cooking over an open fire, sleeping in tents etc. We usually have international participants at FDF Julsoe Camp – and would very much like to have a lot of participants from our sister organisations in FIMCAP in 2006.

At the camp you will stay either with a Danish group or in a global village.

Chairman of the International Committee for FDF Julsoe Camp 2006 is Morten Skov Mogensen, who can be contacted for more information on e-mail: msm@silkeborghojskole.dk. Also keep an eye at the website www.FDF.dk/landslejr. There will be an English introduction soon. Your organisation will receive an invitation in the coming months. Hope to see you in Denmark in the summer of 2006!

Mette Tamborg
FDF

Copyright © 2000-, Fimcap  |  All Rights Reserved
Use our Feedback page to get in touch with us if you have any comments, questions...