01/2013

THE RURAL YOUTH EUROPE MAGAZINE

Who won the Youth Project Once an IFYE – competition this year? always an IFYE Managing youth projects

Check pages 04 –08 Read on page 09 Find out on page 14 www.ruralyoutheurope.com CONTENTS | 2

Rural p. 03 SPRING 2013 EDITION

Youth 02 Contents p. 04 Europe 03 Editorial Brussels Rural Youth Europe (RYEurope) is a European non-governmental organisation for rural youth. 04-08 Youth Project of 2012 competition Established in 1957, it is an umbrella for youth p. 09 organisations working to promote and activate 09 Where are they now? young people in countryside. It provides international training possibilities and works as 10-11 Youth exchange in Finland an intermediary between national organisations and youth organisations and public institutions 12-13 IFYE exchange p. 10 at the European level. Rural Youth Europe is a member-led organisation: democratically 14 Managing youth a project constituted, the organisation is led by young people for young people. 15 Postcards p. 12 Rural Youth Europe aims to: 16 Calendar 2013 • Educate and train young people and create an awareness of rural and social issues. • Actively encourage rural populations and industry. p. 14 • Support the development of new rural youth organisations. • Network with other European NGOs. • Lobby and highlight the problems and needs of rural youth to focus the attention of inter- p. 15 national and national bodies, as well as the general public.

Rural Youth Europe unites 26 member info – rural youth europe is published by Rural Youth Europe. Views and opinions expressed in this organisations across 21 European countries. publication do not necessarily reflect those of Rural Youth Europe. Text may The membership base is over 500,000 young include informal translations of statements and documents. Reproduction of people who either live in rural areas or have an articles is authorised provided the source is quoted and copies of the article are sent to Rural Youth Europe. This newsletter is published with the support interest in rural life. of the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe and the European Union (Youth in Action-programme). Responsible editors express their gratitude for all received articles and encourage every member organi - If your organisation is interested to join zation to contribute and to enrich our newsletter. Rural Youth Europe or you would like more information about our events, please contact RESPONSIBLE EDITORS: Mikko Välitalo, Emma Silén ADDRESS: Karjalankatu 2A, 00520 Helsinki, Finland [email protected] or check our PHONE: + 358 45 234 5629 website www.ruralyoutheurope.com E-MAIL: office@rural youtheurope.com WEBSITE: www.ruralyoutheurope.com PHOTO-CREDITS: www.PHOTOS.com, www.fotolia.de, rural youth europe CONCEPT & LAYOUT: madergrafisch (www.madergrafisch.at) 3 | EDITORIAL www.ruralyoutheurope.com

Spring, spring, spring!

inally, the spring is arriving! When you get the INFO magazine it will almost F be summer already, but then think back a couple of months and remember how Grab your future! – Study visit to the leaves started to grow and how people improve your advocating skills suddenly started to wake up from their winter sleep. In some languages the word “spring” means to run or to jump. That is indeed Brussels, Belgium exactly what the animals do when let out for 2-6 December 2013 the first time after the winter; it’s quite a suita - ble word, isn’t it? russels is the capital of politics and negotiations. The aim of this Talking about jumping and running and being study visit is to deliver knowledge from experts on youth popu - energetic in general – the annual spring semi - B lation. In particular, rural youth as they are in average less inter - nar is soon coming up. This year the theme is ested and less active in politics and therefore less successful in lobby - “coaching for inclusion – closing the gap bet - ing and negotiating. The study visit is about to deliver self confidence ween urban and rural youth” and will take and certain skills to participants to improve their position in all demo - place in Strasbourg in May/June. The semi - cratic processes on national and international level. nar is a co-operation between Rural Youth Europe and the Youth Express Network Y-E- In addition, the study visit aims to introduce the importance of N. Both organisations have worked on the European institutions and their work itself. Participants are about to topic of coaching before and therefore we meet leaders in interactive discussions and workshops. Importance is now have a common study session. As a as well recognised in a wide range of backgrounds of our participants part of the prep team I can assure you that and therefore reinforces awareness that Europe is gathered in diversi - the whole prep team has been working hard ty. with the project and want to deliver an intere - sting and useful seminar. Aims: - To deliver information and awareness about the work From one project to another; we say congra - of European institutions tulations to Clonakilty Macra na Feirme from - To reinforce advocating skills of youth leaders Ireland who won the annual youth project competition 2012 with the project “Random Objectives: acts of kindness festival”. More about the - To provide lobbying, negotiating and advocating skills competition and the rest of the entries can be for 30 young people found on pages 04 –08. - To understand importance and work of European institutions - To improve socialising and networking process amongst It’s time for me to stop writing now, so I want the participants coming from different backgrounds to wish you all a very nice summer with lots of - To distinguish stage fright and improve public speaking sunshine and productivity! - To develop leadership and coaching skills

EMMA SILÉN ROK ROBLEK Board member Board Member www.ruralyoutheurope.com YOUTH PROJECT | 4

Rural Youth Project of 2012

Rural Youth Europe set up a best practise competition for the first time in 2009 to encourage the exchange of project ideas, give inspiration and provide a learning opportunity for rural youth organisations. Winner – Macra na Feirme Enjoy reading about these amazing projects and Random Acts of Kindness Festival

remember you can take n July last year, Clonakilty Macra organised the unique Ithree days "Random Acts of Kindness Festival" to sprea - part too with your best ding positivity. The aim of the project was to run something for the community to bring a smile to people's faces and to practise project! show, what people can do when they work together.

The slogan was "fun, free and for all ages" and so it was a festival for everyone. The festival started on Friday, when the Town Mayor opened the event with a bubble blowing ceremony. Then a street party was held on the town’s for - ise mer main street and three local bands, two of whom had ct collaborated to write a song about spirit of the festival. t pra ition bes et One business gave away food while another provided p 2 face-painting and balloon modelling. Over 1,000 people om 1 were gathered on the street and all age categories were c 20 represented.

After a Kids Sports Day on Saturday morning, a voluntary organisations showcase was held in the afternoon and this 5 | YOUTH PROJECT www.ruralyoutheurope.com

Winner – Macra na Feirme Random Acts of Kindness Festival

was twinned with a Speakers Corner event. Local groups Some of the Jungle animals were present, traditional Irish and charities could spread the message about what they musicians played while one of Ireland’s best known story - do and recruit new members. Over 20 groups were tellers did a Children’s Storytelling session. Face-painting, represented and all were very grateful to have the opportu - balloons and bubbles were again a feature while a Hula nity to speak on their work in the community. Hoop group joined in to supply entertainment for all pre - sent. Around the town on Saturday, kindness zones were set up, where volunteers distributed gifts donated by local Everyone who visited the Random Acts of Kindness businesses, such as passes to the cinema or theatre or a Festival was just happy and enjoyed the amazing commu - locally produced yogurt. nity spirit. It was a real pleasure to see the joy on faces of those present. The festival received lots of media attention Many collaborative events developed over the weekend. in the media and many newspaper and radio stations For example the Rugby Club joined with the Tidy Towns to reported about the festival and the national TV brought it in carry out a cleaning project on some local St. Vincent de their main evening news. Paul premises. There were several workshops also carried out including drumming, ukulele and breakdancing. For their efforts, Clonakilty Macra will be invited to the next Rally and awarded with the Rural Youth Project traveling The festival ended on Sunday with a Jungle themed BBQ trophy. in collaboration with the Jungle City project. One of the LUKAS HELFENSTEIN , hotels in the town hosted the event and supplied the food. Vice chair www.ruralyoutheurope.com YOUTH PROJECT | 6

1st Runner Up – Wales Young Farmers Beefy’s Bike Ride

eefy’s Bike Ride was a Wales-wide charity project barbecues and involved further members of the commu - Bthat involved members of Wales YFC aged from 11 nity, in a voluntary capacity. upwards. Each year, the Wales YFC chairman selects a good cause to promote. The chairman of Wales YFC for Members were encouraged to join Beefy in his cycle for 2011-2012, Dylan “Beefy” Jones, decided in his year of as much as they felt they could. This saw some mem - office to commit to raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. bers complete the whole 500 miles (Aled Jones), others Wales Air Ambulance is a charitable organisation that a few hundred miles and others just 15 miles. Over 100 has assisted many YFC members and their communi - YFC members and supporters, the youngest being 12 ties, by providing a helicopter ambulance that can reach and the oldest 67 joined Dylan and Aled along the way sick and injured people in remote and difficult to reach on their bikes. However, many more members were areas. It has saved the lives of many friends of YFC, and involved in the project through the events at each stop without receiving charity would no longer operate. that were held to raise funds for the Air Ambulance and to bring the YFC county together. The Bike Ride finished Beefy decided to raise awareness of and money for this in Cardiff for Wales YFC's AGM weekend. good cause by challenging himself to cycle the 568 miles around Wales. He hoped that by visiting each part Members were encouraged to train in advance, to work of Wales he would be able to encourage members from together to cycle in teams of friends, and it was an that county to join in, and to raise awareness. The cycle opportunity to draw past YFC members back who were was carried out over a series of weekends, and involved keen cyclists to encourage more novice cyclists to take YFC members and supporters from each of the 12 part. The objectives were to raise funds for the Air counties within Wales YFC. This was completed over 6 Ambulance, to raise awareness of the work undertaken weekends commencing in August 2012 and ending in by the Air Ambulance to support rural communities, to October 2012 with each leg varying from 23 to 70 miles. bring members of clubs and counties together, to At each of the stops, an event was held which was devi - encourage young people to "get fit" and to take on a sed and organised by the YFC County federation. challenge. It was also an ideal opportunity to generate These ranged from raft races, to a promise auction to positive publicity for all those involved. 7 | YOUTH PROJECT www.ruralyoutheurope.com

2nd Runner Up – Young Farmers club of Ulster Strengthen our club, Helping others, Tractor Trek 2012

or their 65th anniversary, who supplies help and care to those FCappagh YFC from Northern people suffering from cancer. Ireland wanted to run a project to The club president gave his a 1985 strengthen the team work and to raise Volvo BM Valmet and supplied all money for the less fortunate in their cost that occurred to restore the old local community. The club has done tractor. Then the project was divided a tractor trek 40 years ago, so they into the four working task groups: decided to do something similar as Restoration; Planners; Away Team their parents already did when they and Advertising/Evaluation. So all were young Farmers. The idea of a members could bring in their Tractor Trek 2012 was born. strengths and felt as an important part The trek should go around all six of this project, what then generated a counties and in each town the club fantastic team spirit in the club. passes, they want do collect money The teamwork of all four groups was for charity. Beneficiaries would be the very successful and the club went on Saturday Club, which supports and to run a successful tractor trek over helps those families with disabled three days and raised a total of children and Macmillan Canceron £4879.66 for the two charities.

2nd Runner Up – Finnish 4H ”Working for Santa! – joy for people in different ages in Hankasalmi”

he project started when a young - For the musical the group started Tster in Hankasalmi began to plan practising in September and in end of the musical “Santa Claus and the November they gave three perfor - Magic Drum” which is a children fairy mances, which were all free of char - tale. To make with the project some - ge. Although the target group for the thing for everyone, the idea for a event were the children and families series of three events, each targeting living in Hankasalmi, the event rea - a different age, was born. ched a very broad at all ages. Also “Prom of the elderly people” was the people from the neighbouring munici - event for the older people of the city. palities came to see the show. In total The day started when the young peo - over 1700 persons came to enjoy ple together with the local hairdres - one of the three shows. sers and make-up artists prepared As a last event, the committee orga - the elderly for the prom. When then nised a Christmas Disco which gene - everyone was ready the prom started rated also some action for the youn - and the day continued with live ger people. accordion music, dancing and sin - The over 50 youngsters involved in the ging. Coffee and cake was offered to project reached nearly 2000 people the elderly and at the end of the day and generated a solidarity between the they were all very happy about this generations and offered activities, joy day. and new experience for everyone. www.ruralyoutheurope.com YOUTH PROJECT | 8

OTHER PROJECTS:

Germany: me.you.us.for rural members have been interviewed and included in the areas. project. In a competition the members very invited to In the nationwide project design creative road signs that show grievances and “me.you.us.for rural areas” improvement proposals for rural areas. The best road German rural youth promoted signs are then going into production to create publi - their work and made society, citi - city and confront the political parties with the needs zens, politicians and the media of the youth in rural area. aware of it. The organisations of the federal states were actively Finland: Our Earth Hour included in the project and all had their own subpro - Our Earth Hour was an interna - jects, where the citizens were involved and got the tional sustainable development feeling of what it means to be a member of rural project of a Finnish and French youth. For the project-closing, members from all over youth group, which was aiming Germany travelled to Berlin to show how diverse rural to improve the social influencing youth in Germany is and left marks, when they sho - possibilities of young people in wed their common love for rural youth. rural areas. Kick-off was with a Skype connection, when they got to know each England: Drive it Home: other and made promises to each other and the Saving Lives on Rural Roads environment. The main events were then two camps In this project NFYFC campaig - in Finland and France, when the youth got experien - ned for a reduction of car insu - ce about natural preservation and volunteering. Now rance costs. Therefor they aimed after the project the youth is still in contact with each to convince insurance compa - other. nies that they are save drivers. Together with a road safety cam - Wales YFC: International Youth paigner NFYFC provided training Volunteering Project courses for young farmers and educated them to In August 2012, seven Welsh became a “Drive it Home Champions”. Whit their Young Farmers took volunteered skills, the champions were then multiplier in local rural 10 days at Camphill Community road safety sessions, where they train others about on an organic farm which is cen - how to react in dangerous situations and motivate tral for create a safe and secure them to behave save on rural roads to evade acci - home for people with mental dents. disabilities. Together with Czech volunteers they did construction and renovation work Latvia: Step 2012 which was, after a substantial flood, essential for the During three days Latvian YFC community. The group learned to communicate organised the rural youth deve - through language barriers and were able to exchan - lopment seminar “Step 2012” for ge cultural knowledge, discuss various ways of living its member and other interested and educate each other. youth. Invited experts gave lectu - res about different innovative Wales YFC: Food on the Wye agricultural sectors and entrepre - With “Food on the Wye” Wales neurship skills. After the lectures the youth deepe - YFC developed a food festival ned their knowledge in workshops and debated that gives local producer a plat - about the different topics. In the evenings the atten - form to promote and sell their dees actively used the time for informally discussions products to the local community. and exchanged a lot of knowledge and experience. During the festival Wales YFC organised a number of different Germany: Strong for Rural Areas activities, such as demonstrations, workshops and With “Strong for Rural Areas” competitions, all related to food. These activities and German Rural youth wanted to the stalls of the producer with a wide variety of all sort identify the needs of young peo - of homemade products, made the festival to a cosy ple who see their centre of life in family event that brought the young people of Wales rural areas. Society, experts and YFC and the community of Rhayader together. 9 | INTERVIEW www.ruralyoutheurope.com

Where are they now?

In previous editions we have interviewed some of our past chairpersons to find out where they are now. In this edition of INFO magazine, we’ll introduce you to one more past chair and ask what his highlights on the board where and what is he doing today. Luuk Geurts

I have been on the board of ECYF4H-clubs as the name was at sations and who tried to understand what democracy means on that time. First one year as a representative for the group of the European level. Finding ways to cooperate together to influence Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. I was elected to the EU, and to understand that Europe is bigger than EU. I lear - the board at the general assembly in Austria in the summer of ned about all these different ways that organisations are organi - 1990. One year later I was elected as a vice chairman for 2 sed and runned. Learned to understand the European dimen - years and after that Chairman for 2 years. sion of things etc. and developed abilities to understand some of all these different "types" of English that Europeans – and I joined the board in the turbulent years when Helga Stark had even people from the British Isles – speak. taken over the secretariat (from Bob mcGregor who had runned it for several decades), and the secretariat had moved to Bonn. Now 23 years later I live in Oslo, Norway. I left all my roots in the The Berlin wall had fallen and we tried to find ways to include Netherlands and found out how universal a technical job is. I'm east European rural youth organisations into our organisation. working now as a mechanical engineer on development of We invited them to rallys and seminars at the youth centre in seismological equipment to be used in sea. I have put all my Strasbourg to get to know each other more. We tried to find engagement in voluntary work at rest when I left the Netherlands. ways how they could make money to pay their membership fee. I have, together with my wife, renovated a hundred years old wooden house and enjoy cross-country skiing and chopping We had reforms in the group representation system and also a firewood at my cabin in the mountains. membership fee reform. At that time the Netherlands decided to leave our organisation in favour of MIJARC, as they could not If you asked me, would you do it again then it is very easy to say afford to be a member of 2 European umbrella organisations. yes. It is not always easy to take on so much responsibility, but During my last year Helga resigned as secretary general and we you get so much back. I work now for an international company had to find a successor. Luckily we were able to hire and have colleagues from all over the world. Trying to under - Sandra Lont. So I can for sure say that my period at stand each other and finding ways to bridge different the board was all but boring. ways of thinking is a daily challenge. I enjoy working in this environment. I have great advantage of the During my first year we started the magazine experience and knowledge I gained during my and I was the first responsible board member re work on the board. Whenever I travel around in for the magazine. Being a board member Whe Europe I can meet friends and enjoy their com - opened the doors of Europe for me. I repres - pany over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. ented our organisation in several other orga - ey nisations like Youth Forum and European re th Keep up the good work. Youth clubs are the Coordination Buro. I got the possibility to meet a basis of democracy and enjoy every small step youth who all were very engaged in their organi - now? in understanding each other! www.ruralyoutheurope.com FINLAND | 10

Would you jump into an icy lake?

In February 29 young people gathered in Pori, Finland. And yes, after sauna they did jump into an icy lake.

This Gather2Gether winter edition was a part of a series of seminars. The first one was held in Austria last summer and there are two more coming: in Spain next summer and in Slovenia spring 2014. The idea for these exchanges was developed in Rural Youth Europe spring seminar 2011 in Strasbourg, France. The pro - ject in Finland was funded by the Youth in Action programme.

The aim of the week was to give the participants a chance to experience Finnish winter, to understand the effect of winter on Finnish economy, culture and way of living. Also we discussed about the challenges and possibilities of winter. Each country also had a presentation about the winter in their country.

The location of a study visit was city of Pori. The participants got to know the city and its people by doing different tasks during a race around the city.

During the week we also spent a lot of time outside, playing games and doing some tra - ditional winter sports. And we even created 11 | FINLAND www.ruralyoutheurope.com

Would you jump into an icy lake?

new ones! In the end of the week we had winter Olympics and the partici - pants had a chance to try ‘tandem skiing’ which means skiing with many people on the same skiis. The partici - pants were introduced also to Nordic Walking, one of our national sports.

It was an amazing experience to be this time in the prep team. Organising such an event teaches so much and you really learn to appreciate all work that has been done when having seminars abroad, for example. Clear, blue sky, full moon and the bonfire. New friends and memories that will last forever. Once again one unforgettable week was behind.

ANNIKA SAVILUOTO & MIKKO VÄLITALO Finnish 4H www.ruralyoutheurope.com IFYE | 12

IFYE Exchange a friendship catcher and life long experience

Did you have a great week at the European Rally or on your IFYE exchange trip? Do you want to experience the fun, friendship, and fantastic experiences all over again, and again, and again? Do you want to make the last day of the European Rally or your exchange trip just the start, not the end, of your career as an international globe-trotter and friend maker?

Read on to find out a little about the International Farm/4H Youth are twenty and they offer various exchanges from 6 weeks to 6 Exchange (IFYE) programme and about what the European months to such places as New Zealand; Australia, USA, Canada, International Farm/4H Youth Exchange Alumni (EIFYEA) group can Costa Rica Kenya and Taiwan as well as within Europe. You stay offer you! in host families and have a unique chance to learn about the cul - ture and life in a country from the inside. Participants on the After World War II in 1948 the IFYE exchange programme started, exchange programmes are known as ‘exchangees’, and after with the intention of rebuilding personal relations between youth their exchange they have the opportunity to join their country’s from the USA and countries all over alumni group. In addition, the exchangees can become a mem - the world. The participants ber of EIFYEA and most importantly attend the annual conferen - had such fabulous expe - ce! riences that they wan - ted to meet up again The exchange programme is organized differently in different to relive and discuss countries. Make contact with your national organization that sent their adventures you to the Rally or your national 4H/ Landjugend/ Young Farmers with like-minded people. The first meeting/reunion, when 15 IFYE’s representing seven European countries, met at the World Exhibition in Brussels in 1958, was the start of the European IFYE Alumni group. They had such a fantastic time that they decided to meet again the following year in a different coun - try, and hence the EIFYEA annual conference commenced and continued to this day.

Over the years, the IFYE exchange programme expanded; by 1964 there were ten European countries participating, now there 13 | IFYE www.ruralyoutheurope.com

IFYE Exchange a friendship catcher and life long experience

and ask as for the IFYE programme. They are looking for candi - On Wednesday, there were various trips to choose including; a dates age between 18 -30 to send out. visit to a mushroom farm where they literally grew before our eyes! On Thursday the traditional midsummer, celebrations were relived In 2012, the conference was hosted by Sweden, this year it will – several weeks late! We created our own floral garlands; learned be held in Wales and next year in Germany, it is a great way to to dance; built a maypole; played traditional games; ate seven see around Europe! The ‘conference’ (it is actually a social event) cakes (a tradition!) and concluded the day with a barbecue. attracts approximately 140 – 200 exchangees. Some have just Exchangees did what we do best: participated, laughed, partied returned from their trip in 2012 and others traveled 50 years ago! and enjoyed! Friday was relaxing: canoeing, massages, visiting the coast were options prior to dressing up for the formal farewell In 2012 the 54th EIFYEA conference was held in Kungälv, dinner in the evening. Many stay up all night before departing for Sweden from the 21st – 28th July. 150 members from 16 diffe - home on Saturday and starting their count-down for the next con - rent countries attended and experienced much of Nordic life. ference! See a 6 minutes resume of an IFYE conference on : http://youtu.be/VCKJByREyg8 The venue, Nordic Folk High School, overlooked a medieval Bohus fortress, and a river – fantastic. The group attended a This year you could be there too! The conference will be held in medieval festival in the fortress - including a display of medieval Monmouthshire, Wales from 25 July - 1 August and there are games on horseback! The west coast of Sweden is rugged, some places left. See the European section of www.ifye.org for undulating and rocky – on Monday, we had the opportunity to more information. We hope to see you in Wales in July or at anot - explore the coastal towns, villages and islands to experience life her EIFYEA event in the future. on the coast. On Tuesday we split into teams and traveled by boat, tram, train, bus and on foot in Gothenburg on a treasure hunt. In the evening the fancy dress theme was ‘EIFYEA goes SALLY YOUNG & HILDE W. RISER Royal’, Princes’, Princesses, and Elvis ‘The King’ attended!’ www.ruralyoutheurope.com LIFE3 | 14

A step into the unknown

I will never forget the moment in the favela of Sao Paulo, Brazil, when the little girl taught my Norwegian colleague and me how to play the tambourine. We did not speak the same language, but she was very strict about our errors and she had us practicing again and again until we did it well enough to join the whole orchestra to play on the street.

Our projects in South America and Asia As Secretary General at Rural Youth ve funding also in the new youth pro - are not about European helping the Europe my field is mainly Europe, but gram of the European Commission star - poor. They are about equal respect and youth work is my passion and on my free ting in 2014. Here follow my advice exchange in all directions. We can learn time the projects reaches until China, about project management of interconti - something new all the time if we are Nepal, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela, nental youth projects: open to what is around us. Uruguay and Brazil. The project of 2013, • It is a big advantage to know the part - Live Innovation For Environment, ners personally in advance and you Entrepreneurship and Employment can meet them for instance on global (LIFE3) is the third intercontinental project youth congresses. I coordinate. As the name says, it is • Start planning the application several about innovative and sustainable wor - months before the application deadli - king opportunities. In the previous two ne to develop the best possible appli - we worked on equality between ethnic cation and to get all partner docu - groups and on non-formal education. ments in original from the partners in time. What these projects have in common is • Keep up the contact all the time with the aspect of community development the partners to act in time if changes and that the target group is youth in rural come up. areas and suburbs –so a lot similar like • Have a preparation meeting in the what Rural Youth Europe does. These beginning of the project to together are multi-task projects which consists of decide on program of activities and several seminar, volunteer projects, job common rules, and to clarify technical shadowings and meetings which all are procedures. taken place during one year. The con - • Give responsibility to the partners for cept that has given the most to our par - the activities they host – it might not be ticipants is to “live another reality”. This exactly like you as coordinator had mean that we take off all luxury of fancy planned, but often it might even be hotels and tourist sightseen and con - better than you could imagine. centrate on living the everyday life in Anyway, be prepared to give support another culture by using homestays as or step in when needed. accommodation and keeping short term • Do risk assessment together with the volunteer project as the main activity. partners – take into account every - This is the concept that has given thou - thing from airline strikes and politic sands of young people unforgettable elections to poisonous snakes and moments and the inspiration to do seve - earthquakes. ral long-term follow-up activities. • A common working language make the management easier, but for the sake of These intercontinental projects are main - inclusion it should not be required. It is ly funded by the Youth in Action sub- possible to be creative regarding the At the volunteer projects we often work action Youth in the world and it is expec - language, but expect translation/com - with children in the local communities. ted that this kind of activities could recei - munication to take time. 15 | POSTCARDS www.ruralyoutheurope.com

rland! Switze s from ting iss ee e in Sw Gr ng her om ly spri I left fr ing ear mbly. enjoy l Asse ed I am Genera d land youth llinn an rural ees Ta . 5 degr Zurich the -1 egrees +15 d , almost ll town e sma cur- n a nic two ex I am i e had d here day w irst we An Yester ses’; f nkirch. usines r wood Neu local b lumbe to the oduces cond sions that pr the se farm gy and here saw a r ener tory w es it fo ss fac ning nd us e Rimu s. Eve a to th ee vine sit was ohol-fr ty. d but vi uce alc th par itzerlan y prod ral you l in Sw ainsa- the big ru up cal ting ch d with t wake expec ende s abou lready oomer I was a many r ty bin, heard n emp of have sed a inting. ☺ t half I they u isappo almos ll is time , bit d nal, as how a th owbells emotio A was and c e and this G many w’s ductiv ight of o saw nd pro y highl s. I als fast a rm. M ntative . s been they te eprese events GA ha nding aving r urope rd is e heir le outh E luck he boa nked t ural Y good t ns tha rent R e, and e regio m diffe ting m At the volunteer project in Peru we have th ces fro for invi iliar fa Youth showed youth in the slums how to install fam Rural Swiss . solar light bulbs and become entrepre - eli and ornelia you U man C Thank hairwo neurs on the field. new c for the INGAS TOOM KADRI • Prepare the participants well before Chair departing for the activities. • Do the documentation of costs Gr eetings carefully. from • Read all details about rules for visa, Vienn immigration and flights. a! • Follow up and support the individual learning process of both participants and leaders, it is equally important. • Let the participants eat and sleep enough, then all other challenges are easier to solve. • In the end you are just the coordinator, so the content should come from the Yo ur boa partners, partners and communities. V rd held ienna, the fir Trust in them, be flexible and expect Austri st boa of Lan a. We rd me djugen met th eting f the unexpected –it is no use of a pro - Durin d Aust e very or this g the ria ove nice year i ject coordinator in panic. The meetin r brea repres n y told g we kfast i entativ h us abo discus n a fan es ow the ut wh sed th cy caf ir orga at they eir cur é. If you have further questions about appli - the ac nisatio are d rent si tual bo n is do oing in tuation cation procedures or project manage - next ard m ing at Austr . three y eeting the m ia and your ears w the de oment ment of intercontinental projects, don´t organ as dis velopm . Durin ha isation cussed ent pl g hesitate to contact the Rural Youth ve in it s to s . Now an for A . uggest it’s up the ll in al what to yo Europe office! l we ha you wo u and Now w d an in uld like e are w tensive to Gener orking but pr al Ass on wh oducti you embly at nee ve me there? in Irela ds to eting. PIA NURMIO-PERÄLÄ nd in A be don ugust e until Secretary General EM . Mayb the MA S e we s B ILÉN ee oard m ember w w w . r u r CALENDAR 2013 a l y o B a M E T S T 1 " A M 3 “ R T 2 “ S T 2 " " w o t v b r T s t t T i h b i n n e o o i G I G G C e e t h h h h h i n r u u n t p n n i u

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