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

Edition April 2006

General Information

World Camp 2006! [top]

We are really looking forward to welcome the participants here in Lubumbashi, our home and your home during the Fimcap Worldcamp 2006. Our organisation, in collaboration with Fimcap has been working hard to have one of the best World camps Fimcap has ever organised! The Democratic Republic of Congo is a vast country of 2.345.000 Km² (80 times Belgium) and has about 60 million inhabitants. There are 11 provinces, the capital is Kinshasa.

The town Lubumbashi, where the world camp will take place is situated in the South of the country, in the province of Katanga, close to Zambia. The inhabitants are very warm, friendly and welcoming. The weather in August is nice; it is the dry season and you will enjoy a nice tropical sunshine. You might have been warned through media and friends that there is war in Congo. It is true that there has been war since 1997, but it is mainly in the North East of Congo, and the upper Northern part of Katanga. It stopped at about 1000 km from Lubumbashi; war has never affected this town. For the moment, RD Congo is going through an irreversible and sustainable peace process with the support of the International Community and the town population is involved in this process. It is thus the most peaceful town in Congo. So, “Unipe Mkono” (Reach me your hand: the theme of the camp); and let’s build together bridges wherever it is necessary so that we will be able to meet in August 2006.

César Bamwepela,
Kiro Congo, President Fimcap Africa

Intercontinental Bureau [top]

The Intercontinental Bureau met between the 25 – 26 March 2006 in the Fimcap secretariat, Antwerp / Belgium. In addition to the Fimcap Presidium Carme Carion i Ribas (President), Tine Cornillie (Secretary General) and Alveiro Vasquez (International Chaplain), the two recently elected continental Presidum members Cesar Bamwepela (President Fimcap Africa), Jürgen Leuser (President Fimcap Europe) and Carla Acerbi (Vice President Fimcap Europe) attended the meeting. Alexandra Viliome from Kiro Haiti was also present as representative for Latin America. She also attended the ‘Vice Versa Seminar’ of Broederlijk Delen with other representatives from Fimcap member organisations (read more in a separate article). Furthermore Marleen Deblonde (LINK editor) joined the meeting on Saturday. The day prior to the Intercontinental Bureau meeting, the new members had introduction meetings with Tine, during which they got to know each other and presented their member organisations and work. Tine spoke also about funding organisations and Fimcap representations. Right from the beginning the new members of the intercontinental Bureau enjoyed being together and this created a good atmosphere for the successive Bureau meeting. After the warm welcome and the formal opening the new ICB talked about possible new candidate – organisations that intend to join Fimcap. Tine has contacts with GICAECAM, a youth organisation from Cameroon whose representatives tried to be present at the last Afroconference. Alveiro Vasquez referred to his contacts with KIK (a movement in Poland), with the Jerusalem arch - ‘Kids for hope’ and ICYM India, a widespread organisation that asked for an observer member status in Fimcap. This was accepted by the ICB. Besides financial issues, legal status and strategic plan of Fimcap, the discussion led to the planning of future activities on the intercontinental level. César gave some information about the preparations currently being undertaken in preparation of World Camp 2006 in Lubumbashi, Congo. The preparation team and himself are happy about the number of participants from the different member organisations. Kiro Congo looks forward to welcome the participants from all over the world in Lubumbashi and anticipate to feel the enriching FIMCAP atmosphere. The people are curious about the activity and are highly motivated to communicate with all participants – therefore the participants are to prepare themselves well and follow English courses Fimcap General Assembly is another significant activity on intercontinental level, occurring every three years. FOI has officially confirmed to host next General Assembly in “the wonderful Italy” between the 20 and28 July 2007. The Presidium presented a proposal for the study session: the Millennium Development Goals. The theme will be established after feedback from member organisations. After the reports on the continental level (see articles about activities) the meeting concluded with two reports from Representations: the ‘ICO General Assembly’ (LINK Issue Feb 2006) and the ‘Information Day’ about the Millennium Development Goals campaign in Cologne, Germany. After closure, ICB members enjoyed lunch together satisfied that the Bureau was led again in a nice and friendly atmosphere – the atmosphere of the Fimcap family.

Jürgen Leuser,
President Fimcap Europe

Partnership

JuBla Switzerland meets Chiro Philippines [top]

Two representatives from Jungwacht und Blauring Switzerland visited Philippines for 2 weeks, to sow the seeds for a new partnership with Chiro Philippines. We were given a warm and hearty reception in Manila where we met Chiro leaders from Luzon. During our meetings we worked on our partnership agreement, exchanged ideas, shared resources and learned new ideas from each other. It was also very interesting for us to demonstrate JuBla games and songs to Chiro leaders and learn some new ones from them. Above all we enjoyed sightseeing and tasting different foods such as ….which you might either like or detest. From Manila we flew to Cebu, accompanied by Ldr. Marie. There we had the opportunity to attend a meeting - Christ the King- held for all Chiro groups of Cebu at Nueva Caceres. More than 200 Chiro members were present and the event radiated enthusiasm. The following day we visited various parishes and joined some Chiro groups during their Sunday activities. We introduced Chiro members to parachute games, supplemented with lots of fun and…some sweat! During our stay in the wonderful island of Cebu we also visited SOS children’s village, which has its own Chiro group. The visit to Philippines was a short but a most memorable one…a visit which allowed JuBla and Chiro Philippines to get to know each other better and talk about partnership expectations. It was great to see how much Chiro members are committed to their groups. The end result of our short visit is an agreement to engage in a two-year partnership aimed at:

• Promoting intercultural awareness and exchange, through different programs for members and leaders of both organizations
• Exchanging ideas between the two organisations (activities, structures and settings…)

We are now looking forward for the outcome of our visit throughout the next two years. In autumn 2006 eight members from Chiro Philippines will be visiting Switzerland for three weeks. In 2007 eight members of JuBla Switzerland will be travelling to the Philippines in return.

Sylvia Osterwalder

AROUNDTHEWORLD THING [top]

Well, it’s not just a regular ‘thing’, but a … PARTNERSHIP! When Nadja of Jubla Switzerland first e-mailed Chiro Philippines, we had no clear idea of what a partnership is. Apparently, none of the leaders from Chiro Philippines in our generation had ever experienced Fimcap partnerships. After some more e-mails though, some ‘things’ became clearer for both organizations and both became more excited about the many possibilities.

Finally, in November 2005, Jubla’s Nadja and Sylvia arrived in the Philippines to meet some local groups from Chiro Philippines. They immediately adjusted to the warm weather, time difference, and the tune and rhythm of Pinoy Big Brother (it is a popular group dance and videoke that Filipino kids just love). During their stay, they met leaders from Cavite and Cebu who learned some parachute games! Ahhm, well, that is something new for Chiro Philippines. We never played with parachutes before. So, when Nadja and Sylvia took out the parachute with all its different colors, the kids were just mesmerized. They kept on shrieking with laughter whilst playing the games. THEY SIMPLY LOVED IT!

Nadja and Sylvia came at a rather good time. There was the Christ the King celebration in Nueva Caceres, Cebu and the allocation of spiritual directors for the different parishes. Members and leaders from the different groups came to St. Joseph’s parish for a day of fun and performances. At the end of the day, the members did not leave immediately and kept hanging around hoping for more games. Sylvia and Nadja happily obliged although we think they were already toooooooo exhausted. The groups in southern Cebu are quite new and to see leaders all the way from Switzerland was something really very exciting for them, as much as for the leaders in Cavite. Well, there was this game we played and they were surprised about how little they knew about Switzerland.

As for Nadja and Sylvia, we hope they enjoyed visiting Fr. Edgar’s pepper farm (located near the back of the parish where Chiro leaders do the farming). They ate lots and lots of fish and rice, and visited some of local groups located along the coast of the island, even if it was really hot and tiring. Due to lack of time, we had to run from one local group to another in half a day on Sunday. So, what’s next after this? Your guess is as good as mine. But I’m sure it would be something out of the ordinary. Leaders from a country of snow and mountains go around the world to meet leaders from a country of beaches and tropical weather!

Hmmmmm… interesting ‘thing’, is it not?

Marie Gutierrez,
Chiro Philippines

Ateitis Lithuania - Chiro Flanders [top]

In accordance to the three years Ateitis – Chiro partnership project, eight girls from Lithuania were invited to participate in a course held for Chiro leaders. During the five memorable days in Belgium, from 25th of February till the 1st of March, Ateitis participants involved themselves in all parts of the program. Good communication and fun facilitated full integration in the camp. The Lithuanian participants were introduced to Chiro working methods, games and Chiro structure. The eight participants from Ateitis partook in various tasks and discussions with Chiro members. It was an opportunity for both parties to compare and contrast their respective organisations. Although there are differences between Ateitis and CHIRO, there exists one important common factor – youth work. It was a great opportunity for the eight girls. It was a learning experience during which they became aware of methods Chiro leaders adopt to tackle problems in youth groups; how Chiro camps are organised; methods they use and games. Back home in Lithuania, the group carried a baggage of new ideas which will help in animation and renewal of Ateitis activities and camps.

Best regards to CHIRO and everyone we met on SB!

Audrone

Latin America

News from Nippac Paraguay [top]

A new year has started. Our General Assembly was held between the 3 and 4 February with the co-ordinators of all local groups and Sister Rosalia, our ecclesiastic assistant. The presence of Mgr Cándido Cardenas during these two days was very fruitful. The national team who had finished its term, was confirmed by the Assembly to take up a second term of three years. These are the members of the national team:

Ecclesiastic assistant:

Sister Rosalía Garcia Arías (from Paso Yobai)

Co-ordination:

María Angelica Warlike Alvarenga (from Villa Hayes)

Secretary:

Lourdes Galeano (from Limpio)

Treasurer:

Miguel Melgarejo (from Villa Hayes)

Members:

Denice Breeding Ground (from Limpio), Nelson Maldonado (from Remansito).

We continue our work, in spite of the socio-economic problems we have to deal with. Director Prof. Leonardo Favio, did a great job in school. He directed his efforts to pedagogical, spiritual and economic levels (in fact we ended the year without debts). The school is experiencing natural growth, but necessary projects couldn’t be carried out due to paralysing infrastructure problems. The FIMCAP statute guided us in elaborating the school statutes, now approved by the Assembly. We work very well together with the Director who works also with the group of Villa Hayes on spiritual level.

María Angelica

Kiro Haiti at Broederlijk Delen Seminar [top]

Being in Belgium was one of the dreams which became reality for me! I was given such a warm welcome. It was a very good experience for me. I took part in the seminar Vice-Versa organised by Broederlijk Delen and had an immersion week in hosting families. The seminar commenced in a market set up, where the different organisations could present themselves and their work. The seminar dealt with education, information and active governance of Europe. It was an opportunity to share and to get to know other participants. In spite of the different language we could interact and communicate easily through games. The thought behind the seminar was to promote the fact that an active citizen must not only learn how to read and write but also take an active part in society. Moreover, life-long learning is the basis for life experience, which makes it possible to deal with conflicts and power. We also talked about the 4 “Cs”: Challenge, Capacity, Context and Connection”. Active citizenship calls for appropriate qualifications. I learnt a lot from the experience at the seminar Vice-versa of Broederlijk Delen. I was also happy to feel well integrated with the other participants. People were nice and generous. They promote solidarity and fight against poverty, even though poverty in Belgium is very different from poverty in my country.

After the seminar I spent 3 days at a secondary school “Institut du Sacré-coeur” in Brussels, where I met the director and teachers. I had also some time for sightseeing… Royal Palace, Cathedral, Grand-Place, but the most important event was the meeting with the pupils. They wanted to know everything about our Kiro Haiti movement, the youngsters in my country and street children. It was a very lively exchange. I met nearly all classes, even the kindergarten children who are so cute...like angels. The school organised a night walk, in which I participated together with parents, teachers, pupils, priests, nuns, guests for Haiti and other countries of the South. The same participants met again for a debate during which my presence was highly appreciated. During these days I also did some cooking with the pupils. I enjoyed it a lot! Whilst in Belgium, I had the opportunity to meet Chiro groups in Gent. I was given brief about the structure of Chiro, visited their offices and shop. Besides other Chiro groups I also met scouts, another movement that works also in Haiti.

My stay in Belgium was exceptional. On behalf of Haiti, I would like to thank the team of Broederlijk Delen for the meeting and the possibility they gave me to experience and know other realities. I also want to thank the hosting families and the people at the school. My special thanks go also to Lut, Viv, Marleen, Marc, and Astrid’s mother (Chiro). May God help you to increase your faith through others.

Thank you.

Alexandra Viliome,
Kiro Haiti

Asia

News from Sri Lanka [top]

Please pray for our country

After the Tsunami catastrophe (2004), KJG - Germany donated some money to Sri Lanka. Since then contact kept constant and herewith is a summary of different mails between Ranjana from Sri Lanka and KJG.

Pubuduwa - Sri Lanka started in 1971. At the time, large meetings were forbidden and most of the young people were unemployed, had no perspectives. Nevertheless, Cardinal Thomas Cooray created a Bible discussion group for young people. They met on the beach or under palm trees and started to share views on the Bible and discuss issue related to their lives. From the initial group of ten people a movement developed “ Kithudana Pubuduwa”. It means “Memory of the Christians”. Today the group is made up of 20.000 regular members. Other members frequent meetings to pray, learn or for discussion sessions. Meetings vary between Bible studies and discussions about political, social and personal related topics.

The aim of the movement is to meet the spiritual needs in times of increasing individualism and consumption. Pubuduwa promotes renewal of the Catholic Church according to the Second Vatican Council in a country where Tamils and Cingalese live coping with terrorism and poverty. Only 7,6% of the people are Christian. The youth movement is a very important part of Pubuduwa. The children (3-12), youngsters (12-17) and young adults (18+) meet regularly in parish groups, in workshops, camps and seminars. Poor people, drug-addicted and unemployed are regularly invited for simple meals and talks, to express acceptance and hope for a better future. The money received from KJG lasted for a year and was used in assistance to 50 children, all of them Tsunami victims. The rebuilding of the house is in good progress and a nun could be offered a motorcycle to reach the poorest among the poor. Eighty five children could be taken to a feast specially organised for them shortly after Christmas. There they were offered food and sweets, played games, and were given a gift voucher for schoolbooks or clothes. This was a very nice experience for the children who, according to Ranjana, are often forgotten. She ended her latest mail with “Please pray for our country”.

Lea Sedlmayer,
Member of the International Commission , KJG Germany

Europe

Fimcap Europe Bureau Meeting - Milan [top]

Last March, between 10 -12, FOI hosted Fimcap Europe Bureau Meeting, in Milan. This Bureau Meeting was quite particular since Italy had not hosted a Fimcap activity for a long time. Moreover this was the first Bureau meeting for the newly elected Presidium. At the same time there was also a parallel working session for the preparation of Eurocontact. Almost all European organisations were represented, and I am happy to say that there was a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere at our first BM as new Presidium. This atmosphere surely sustained the work and discussions we had together. There were several topics on the Agenda.

After the habitual roll call, the presentation of the delegates and news from the organisations, we had two reports on special projects. Representatives of KJSOE - Austria and Jubla - Switzerland highlighted respectively the “Dreikoenigsaktion” (information http://www.dka.at/sternsingen/) and “Ranftreffen” (information http://www.jubla.ch), alongside tastes of “living history” of their organisations. During the consecutive session, attention was given to the information material about the Council of Europe two year Campaign “All different - All equal, for Diversity, Human Rights and Participation” (http://www.alldifferent-allequal.info). At the Euroconference in Bratislava, it was decided that Fimcap Europe should develop its next three years working plan in line with this campaign – and we are now looking forward for the preparation of the next BM in Belgium as an opportunity to think about the proposed topics and their concrete follow up in our activities and events. In addition, we dealt with a reflection about a three years plan, with a workshop about one of the most important and difficult challenges Fimcap Europe has to face: communication. Several needs, suggestions and ideas have been expressed. These will guide us to focus on the measures we can take in order to improve communication among organisations, and between Fimcap and the organisations. During one of the sessions Euroforum was presented. This year Euroforum is hosted by CCCCCE in Catalunya between the 7-12 April. Another important event is Eurocontact, which will take place in Italy between July 30 and August 6. The presentation of the Eurocontact was the result of an intense working session of the Italian working team and representatives from eRko - Slovakia, Chiro – Belgium, FDF – Denmark and ZAK – Malta. During the informal moments, we enjoyed an evening walk around the city centre and a night visit to the Foundation for Milanese Oratories (FOM) offices. The participants got the chance to have a look at some interesting monuments and places… whilst taking the opportunity to get to know the Italian people responsible for Eurocontact. FOI and FOM volunteers were at last able to breathe and experience Fimcap atmosphere… I wish that this Bureau Meeting motivates them to take part in future activities in other countries and consequently become multipliers of these experiences!

Carla Acerbi,
Vice president Fimcap Europe

Euroforum 2006 [top]

It was only yesterday, that I was sitting on the terrace for a short sun-bathing break… Everything around was like normal except for some people who were running around wearing different colour trash bags according to their tribe’s identity. Other people were dancing, shaking hands, and with their tongues out they greeted “om-za-za”. Another group of people were rehearsing for the recording of ‘We Are The World’ on the radio. The set-up made me feel like being at any course or camp at home.

However, the background view- Spanish mountains, Spanish April sun together with the wonderful Catalan language reminded me of being in La Seu, Catalonia. I had never been so far South for a Seminar before.

Around 55 highly motivated participants met in La Seu to discuss intercultural issues in their youth groups at home. Besides me and some other Germans, there were people from Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Lithuania, Slovakia, Switzerland, Ukraine and of course from Catalonia. ‘Think globally – act locally’ was the team which inspired the camp. This theme adopted by FIMCAP Europe for the coming three years, is in conjunction with the campaign launched by the Council of Europe ‘All different, all equal’. Various topics, like Children’s Rights, Sustainable Development and Diversity were tackled and made viable for the participants who want to discuss them in their groups through games, workshops and prayers.

Euroforum gave us participants an opportunity to live a highly fascinating and strong experience – a group of people living together in spite of cultural diversity. Moreover, little things which one realizes after the event make the group more interesting. I find myself thinking about short skirts and shorts, the Belgians were wearing, the great Lithuanian group dances and most of all about the sun and the enjoyable local habit - siesta.

CCCCCE presented one highlight after another; the great mountain trips, the party, and lots of fun. I am sure you can figure out that the participating young people had five great days in La Seu.

Although different in several aspects, everyone worked to find something which connects and promotes equality. Probably the words of Alvi (FIMCAP international chaplain) used are best fitting: “we are all friends, we are one FIMCAP family!” In one way or another we are all leaders in local groups, assuming all the pleasure and responsibilities this work entails… and sometimes it is good that we look over to the horizon, like yesterday, in La Seu.

Thanks for the great Euroforum 2006,

Lea

Eurocontact 2006 [top]

Different Roads Same Destination

Eurocontact 2006, under the slogan “Different Roads Same Destination”, is going to take place in Loreto, in the centre of Italy, from July 30 to August 6, 2006. FOI – Forum Oratori Italiani – has been preparing for this annual Fimcap meeting for teenagers since a few months. The working team is made up of members of the International Committee (Fointernational) and volunteers usually involved in activities for teenagers and youngsters in FOM (Foundation for the Milanese Oratories) and COR (Centre for Roman Oratories). The chosen theme is based on Intercultural Learning twinned with the Council of Europe all different, all equal campaign for the years 2006-2008. The event provides an opportunity for the participants to meet each other and experience the direct comparison between their own way of living and that of their European mates. Intercultural learning will be strongly linked with a reflection on teenagers’ everyday life and experiences, comparing the different cultural backgrounds and stimulating the awareness that they belong to the same European community. Workshops about communication means and tools, games and outdoor activities will be the main methods during the meeting. The specific aim of this learning by doing process makes the teenagers feel that they are the true protagonists of the meeting. The main context will be “Travel”, with a series of related issues. We want to concentrate our efforts on the possibility of participating in other types of exchanges (like Roundabouts, future Euroforums and Eurocontacts) starting from an active participation of the local communities during the event.

The preparation of activities in international working teams is one of the main goals Fimcap Europe put on its working agenda during last Euroconference. In taking up the responsibility of organising Eurocontact 2006, FOI invited the other European organisations to meet and share the preparation of the project, in order to develop it according to the ideas and needs put forward by the delegates. We invite you to contact either FOI or your organisations’ International Commission in order to receive all the information available at the moment and to subscribe for your trip to Italy… from several places, through several roads towards the same destination: Eurocontact 2006 is waiting for you and your group of teenagers!!!

Carla Acerbi,
Fointernational Commission

Eurocontact day by day [top]

Eurocontact will start with a welcome party with some ice breaking games.

Second day, we’ll deal with the issue “Where do you come from?”,a discussion about stereotypes in workshops with people from the same country. During the workshops in the afternoon same nationality groups will split up. That evening every delegation will introduce its own country and there will be the opportunity to taste specialities and food brought from respective countries.

Third day : verbal and non-verbal communication. We will also visit Loreto Cathedral and at night we will test different aspects of communication through learning and teaching of traditional dances from the different home countries.

Fourth Day: a nice and relaxing “one day trip” to the sea, followed by a show from the Italian team in the evening.

Fifth day :we will deal with rules and behaviours. We’ll try and play without rules to find out how important these can be. During the evening we will play a fair trade game. At night some sports activities are expected.

Sixth day :will be attributed to intercultural learning. We will visit a local community and have a treasure hunt in the neighbourhood at night.

“Being a teenager in my country” is the theme for the last day. Participants will prepare and exchange some little presents. A Farewell Party will close the camp.

It is necessary for the different groups to prepare themselves for Eurocontact. We ask participants to bring food and stuff from their countries. For the Dance Party every delegation should prepare traditional dances and bring own music. We know it is going to be a wonderful opportunity where we can feel “live” the atmosphere of a Fimcap meeting!

We are waiting for you all!

Chiara Alberti,
FOI

Pleased to meet you, FOI [top]

Evka and me from eRko – Slovakia had the pleasure to stay a few more days in Milan after the Bureau meeting. During this extra week, we had ample time to learn about how FOI functions. It was an intensive, but significant time… full of meetings and visits, particularly to Bologna and the training course near Varese.

We spent most of the time observing and participating in a project called ORA TV (www.oratv.org) about which there were more details in last October’s Link Magazine. We shared the same experience as that of a group of teenagers who, by the end of the week became more familiar with all the technical details about filming simple TV programs. From the very first moments, we enjoyed the friendship of 6 young people and their 2 leaders, who by the end of the experience became our Italian language teachers too! It was very important for us to observe the filming activities as well as the interaction between leaders and projects assistants with the young people. The sketches planned and performed during the week, together with those which will be prepared in two successive projects, will be put on a DVD and sent to the oratories all over Italy.

During this week, we became aware that children who have the opportunity to experience such a project, start to perceive TV programmes they watch, from a different point of view. We can link FOI’s initiative – ORA TV – to eRko’s - Switch off TV Switch on Yourself, as both projects have a similar aim. Overall, we found the experience very inspiring and would like to find more ways of co-operation between the two organisations in future.

We met many people from FOI during this project and 60 persons more when we joined a training course called Oratorium Reloaded during the successive week. Besides being able to learn more Italian phrases, we could further compare eRko and FOI. We could understand better the structure of a typical oratorium, which is a different model from our way of working with children in eRko. Some of these differences challenged us to look at our organisation in a new dimension, and to acknowledge the worth of international experiences and work. It was a pity that the training course lasted only about 27 hours. However now we have much more time to think about its outcomes and revisit FOI in our memories and prayers.

Dear FOI, thanks for the invitation. We are so much pleased to have met you.

Juraj,
erKo

Ben Vernooij † 21-03-2006 [top]

Ben Vernooij, Jong Nederland President, passed away at the age of 44 at the hospital in Eindhoven. Jong Nederland will dearly miss him for all his efforts, enthusiasm, charm and character. Our thoughts go to his wife Rian and his three daughters Marije, Femke and Veerle, who supported him so courageously during the last few years. We wish them strength, love and support.

Ben Vernooij was president for about a decade and managed to guide Jong Nederland through some very difficult years. His relentless efforts and work for the organisation will not be forgotten. Jong Nederland can only be very grateful for all the free time he invested into the organisation. Ben Vernooij was a true Jongnederlander.

Corno Demol

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