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2 editorial editorial All too soon, we are already in the second year since the last General Assembly in 2013 at Modra, Slovakia. How time flies. I hope we have not already forgotten our resolution to champion the Rights of the Child in the next three years. This year we would be talking about child labor, and I hope we are preparing feverishly to fight against child labor in our various countries and communities. Looking back at the time covered and forward to the coming year, and the fact another General Assembly will be here very soon, reminds me of the times when I always looked forward to the occasion of a camp at the end of a current one. A rally or jamboree, as it is called in my organization (CYO Ghana), is one activity that each member of the CYO looks forward to and never gets tired of, even when you have just returned from one. Camps afford young people the opportunity to come together at a place to stay together, leaving the comfort of their homes to share basic amenities and to engage in various activities that make the whole program fun. The European camps I read about are all organized during the summer season, but the ones I have experienced in Ghana are always during the long vacation, which is usually between August and October. Campers are sometimes hosted outdoors, sleeping in tents, or in camp houses which is common in Europe. In Ghana, we camp in schools. One thing I have learnt during my experience of camps is the co-habitation spirit about campers. The ability to live together in peace and harmony and to share amenities without any challenge. Camps can be used to instil the spirit of unity and peace. They can be a medium to educate young people to respect each other and to love one another no matter their race. As FIMCAP prepares for another World Camp, I hope that the candidates who will experience this wonderful program will not just participate but will come with experiences to share as well as learn about new cultures to share with their local organization on their return. I pray for a successful World Camp in Rwanda. Happy and joyous new year to all. Elizabeth Mademe, President FIMCAP Africa 2APRIL 2015 Link April 2015 Editors: Pascal Vonlanthen, Liese Vandenheede, Annette Wahle Translation: Ramon Canal, Celia Martín Andrade, Marleen Deblonde, Annette Leimer, Ludmila Taalman Layout: Jan Van Bostraeten, Valerie Van der Looy Contact: link@ fimcap.org, info@fimcap.org

3 CALENDAR FIMCAP Activities EuroCourse erko Nitra, Slovakia 8 12 April 2015 European WorldCamp preparation seminar ZAK Malta May 2015 WorldCamp Xaveri Rwanda 17 July 5 August 2015 EuroCamp Chiro Belgium 31 July 7 August 2015 FIMCAP Day FIMCAP everywhere 20 November 2015 World Youth Day FIMCAP Krakow, Poland August 2016 Member organisations and partners activities (open to international guests) Pilgrimage Katholische Jungschar Austria 2 8 August th anniversary of erko erko Slovkia 15 September 2015 Chiro Railways Chiro Flanders Europe August 2015 National Kick-off Day Chiro Flanders Brussels 12 September 2015 Ranfttreffen Jubla Switzerland December 2015 National Camp FDF Denmark 7-15 July 2016 : Editions 2015 (Send articles and photos to link@fimcap.org. Maximum length: 4000 characters) Edition Deadline for articles Send out 03/ May 2015 June / Sept 2015 October 2015 Camps CYO JAMBOREES IN GHANA Getting to the end of the last quarter of 2014, the CYO branch in Sekondi-Takoradi and Sunyani Dioceses organized camps also known as Jamborees for the CYO members of those Dioceses. Such camps are organised bi-annually on the Diocesan level and every three or four years on the national level of the organization. During the camp, quizzes were organized for the various sections of the organization, the Infant Jesus (6-12 years), Young Apostles (13-17 years) and Christian Soldiers (18 years and above). There were competitions in football, volleyball, tag of peace, athletics and various other field events. In the Secondi-Takoradi Diocese, there was a blood donation drive at the Sankrangwa Catholic Hospital with 67 crusaders donating. They also used the occasion to educate the young adults on courtship and marriage whiles the children were taught curtsey and etiquettes. They also embarked on a campaign on the malaria diseases, which included education on how to prevent getting the disease, free screen of people in the community and provision of drugs for those who tested positive with the disease. The Sunyani Diocese included a cultural competition with crusaders staging various performances of the 3APRIL 2015

4 Ghanaian culture ranging from dance to ceremonies. They also competed in singing competitions. Frank Stephens & Veronica Ampofowaa, CYO Ghana 4 LOVE IN OUR CAMP! During my years as an adolescent, young person, leader and priest, I took part in many camps and each time was an amazing and unique experience. The enthusiasm, eagerness and the sense of exploration characterises the motivation to go to the camp. It is a great time of fun to be with others. The children and young people, who make up the group and grow together, desire to explore this togetherness by growing in their friendships and the sense of community. The development of the relationships with themselves, other people, nature and God, who revealed himself to us as unconditional love, is a journey which is an adventure and involves a lot of energy. In fact, this development of the whole human person is an important characteristic of the Christian perspective of human development. When we believe that God became a human person in Jesus, we understand how important the growth of a person's relationships as a whole including the physical, spiritual, psychological, sociological and political aspects. As youth leaders, it is so important that we reflect on the characteristics of the different stages of this journey that is both personal and as a group, so that we can facilitate the educational process in the appropriate way by using the right means to reach the goal. Camps are a privileged space where we can spend time together for a substantive amount of time. It is different from our regular meetings when we meet for a short time rushing through our busy schedule. This time is more dedicated to the people we are with and so it is important that the focus of our activities is on the growth of the relationships, rather than the efficiency or the spectacular aspect. The experience of being together is a powerful experience for children and young people. It is an opportunity where the person can open oneself to other people and accept others in one's life. For example, a child or young person can be used to having all their possessions for themselves, and this experience can be the opportunity to respect diversity and share with others. During camp, one lives many different experiences that and through these, the person can grow in important values. The 13 FIMCAP values come to my mind, especially those of responsibility, peace, solidarity and respect. As leaders, we must make our best to facilitate a positive learning experience, particularly by helping the participants to process and internalise the different stories that happen. This development in the relationships is not only something physical or emotional but it is deeply spiritual. When we decide to make space for others and make more meaningful experiences, we grow in our intimate and interior aspect of our life that is spiritual. This spirituality is not something individualistic or just a good feeling element in us or between us. Our relationship with God, who is the source of all life and holiness, is a journey where God looks for us and walks with us in our life. Jesus showed us this by living and teaching it. His love was lived until it was given to us completely by giving his life for all creation. His love saved us all. The camps are therefore a celebration of this great love and that we are happy to be alive. This positive energy motivates us as leaders, and the participants, to continue to give more of our lives, to be of greater service and share the joy in our community. Every activity and aspect of our camps should be a celebration of life, especially when we have to stretch ourselves and die for our own opinions and desires for the greater good of the community. In our camps, there are many activities and every one shall continue to help us to achieve our goals to grow in our relationships, including that with God through different informal and formal activities. These might include the help of nature which itself inspires us to admire and praise God through one s beauty and harmony. An interesting opportunity I experienced in a Summer Camp and other moments were to create different and creative prayer spaces in a room or even a corridor, where

5 the young people can stop, reflect and pray. Different prayer spaces are like praying through the news, asking big questions to God, using a soluble solution to reflect on the mercy of God, and many others. You can find a number of resources on The response of the adolescents and young people was very good through the intense and deep expressions. It is a personal exercise but done in a communitarian spirit. All this helps us to grow in our togetherness with God, others and the environment. As Christians, we have the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist, the ultimate expression of God s love through the death and resurrection of Jesus. As Catholic Christians, we also believe in the permanence of the real presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. One is amazed by the experiences of groups of young people who had the opportunity to praise Jesus in the Eucharist during camps. The Eucharist is a powerful expression of togetherness and community in God. We can celebrate our values, which are the fruit of our relationships with God as love and others, during the Eucharist and also in the celebration of God s mercy through the sacrament of reconciliation. Creative participation of the young people should be promoted so that they feel more a sense of ownership. The Church allows us to adapt certain aspects of the celebration in these circumstances, so that the children and young people can understand and celebrate better the Eucharist. Our ministry and work with children and young people is a wonderful opportunity for us all to continue to grow and share our knowledge, attitudes and skills to the younger generations to empower them to be themselves active agents in society. «How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!» (Is 52.7) May, as blessed Mother Teresa used to say, through our camps «Together we can do something beautiful for God.» Reuben Gauci, FIMCAP Europe Chaplain Photo: Krinkel 2009 Chiro Vlaanderen 5APRIL 2015

6 Intercontinental PREPARATION VISIT WORLDCAMP From the 1 to 13 December 2014, Annette and I, FIMCAP presidents, went to Rwanda to prepare the Worldcamp This will take place from 17 July to 5 August logo and anything else wants need to organize a Worldcamp. We met with the preparation team, we met some host families and we visited the project. Together with Xaveri Rwanda, who is hosting this Worldcamp, we took decisions and did a lot of planning. Luckily, Xaveri Rwanda prepared well in advance so we had fruitful meetings. Many enthusiastic volunteers are there to prepare the Worldcamp! Our visit consisted of meetings concerning the budget, the program, the social projects, the lodging, the theme, the Besides all the meetings there was still time to see some of Rwanda s beauty and history.we also got a glance of Xaveri Rwanda in action. After this preparation weekend, I am very much looking forward to the Worldcamp this summer, because a very enthusiastic team of Xaveri Rwanda is waiting to host us. Liese Vandenheede, FIMCAP president Upon our arrival, we received a very warm welcome by Xaveri Rwanda! Meeting time, lots of planning to do! Meet the preparation teams The venue, where the common days of the Worldcamp will take place; it is the national office of Xaveri Rwanda in Kigali. During the year they host a restaurant, carpentry, a factory that makes tents, a sewing workshop and young girls with difficulties and problems can find here a shelter. Visit to the project in the South, for this family in Gisagara a water collector will be build, which will also be used by other families. A gathering of Xaveri after mass on Sunday 6 Taking part in an activity, on 3 December, the day of Saint Francis Xavier, some Xaveri members took their oath. We were guests in the parish of Congo Nil.

7 A beer a day keeps the doctor away, sharing a beer (or a soft drink) is a social issue in Rwanda. XAVERI MARKS 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM Africa With the increasing trend of child abuse being reported in South Africa, Xaveri South Africa undertook activities to mark 16 Days of Activism, a campaign that aims to help increase awareness on child abuse and neglect. Although South Africa is the most developed country in Africa, it also has one of the highest numbers of orphans and neglected children because of the high prevalence of HIV/Aids. It is estimated that 19% of the child population in South Africa has lost one or both parents. Some of Rwanda s beauty and culture. This was a five-day program (from 1-5 December) with children from Sunnyside area, an area mostly inhabited by refugees. The topics of discussion included: child abuse/trafficking and HIV/ AIDS. The program provided an opportunity to raise awareness on the situation in South Africa, particularly regarding HIV/Aids, child abuse and child trafficking. The program brought together 56 children from both refugees and South Africans (locals) communities. Xaveri is dedicated to building healthy relationships, families and communities free from any form of violence and/or neglect. The 16 Days of Activism campaign, which is endorsed by the United Nations, took place from 25 November, international day of no violence against women, to international human rights day on 10 December. In Rwanda there a many fruits to be eaten, besides fruits matoke (sort of banana) is a very popular dish and Annette s favourite. Xaveri celebrates FIMCAP & Children s Day We planted four trees for the wellbeing of the Worldcamp. I am curious to see them in July! We gave some explanation about FIMCAP. Xaveri South Africa marked the FIMCAP and Children s Day on 22 November. The event brought together Xaveri children, youths and parents. On the same day, Xaveri unveiled its Children s Ambassador. Meet Xaveri Children s Ambassador Charlotte Mokoka (22 years) has been a member of Xaveri Movement since She is one of the most committed members, and has represented Xaveri in various initiatives. Here is her motivation as Children Ambassador: 7

8 Being a Xaveri member has been a learning and wonderful journey for I am continuously discovering myself. I have always wanted to, and I had a passion to work with children within the community, and through Xaveri, I have been able to realize my dream. I am motivated by the stories I hear, mostly the challenges some of the children in my community face. This makes me wake up every morning, go out to the people and together come up with a plan on how we can address some of the issues. Working with my Xaveri group has challenges too. Not every person who is in Xaveri has the same vision as the rest of the members, and this at times brings conflict when issues arise, but at the end of the day, we all come together in a dialogue and work our way forward as a team. SIXTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITY ON YOUTH AND DEVELOPMENT: «YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED» The Sixth African University on Youth and Development (AUYD) 2015 was held in Nairobi from 25 January to 1 February 2015, and brought together almost 80 participants. There were three main activities within the AUYD: the tenth Africa- Europe Training Course for Youth Organizations (AETC), Network of International Youth Organizations in Africa (NIYOA) AGM, and the Africa-Europe Youth Platform (AEYP). The sixth edition of AUYD brought together around 80 participants mainly from Africa and Europe, who had the chance to live and learn during one week. The AETC course provided an opportunity to strengthen the role of youth leaders and youth workers from Europe and Africa, to empower and promote their capacity to organize, network, take action and foster their social, economic, religious or political participation in Africa, Europe or global youth work. Development Goals (SDG) and Africa Union Agenda 2063, by a monitoring framework that is visible and tangible to have young people involved in monitoring the implementation of SDGs within their continent or their respective countries; to start social media campaigns; have regular reviews and frequent training on good leadership; and governance within the network. The third meeting of the AEYP brought together close to 30 delegates from Africa and Europe. During the sessions, various good practices from Europe and Africa on youth entrepreneurship were showcased. The organizations were encouraged to create platforms for the youths whereby they can harness their capabilities. All AUYD participants had an opportunity to visit various grass-root youth initiatives in Nairobi. One such initiative is PAWA254, which is a workspace that offers workshops, trainings, forums and events for youth artists who create social impact in their various communities. In the NIYOA AGM, member organizations reaffirmed their commitment to advocate for youth organizations at the grass-root level. In doing so, NIYOA members committed to continue strengthening partnership in different member organizations at grass-root level, use networks and organizations in different countries to reach more people in the grass-root, and to make follow-ups with the governments so that various policies can be implemented. NIYOA committed itself to make an impact on the Sustainable FIMCAP Africa elected to NIYOA Board FIMCAP Africa, represented by Faith Wambura, was very involved in the preparation of the sixth AUYD. It is in this light that FIMCAP Africa was nominated, and ultimately elected, as a member in the NIYOA Board. Faith Wambura, Xaveri South Africa 8

9 WOMEN AND YOUTH ON PEACEBUILDING Christians and Muslims in Nigeria have continued to create a common ground for a more peaceful co-existence and support emerging developments. Rising from a four day capacity building workshop on «Increasing Women and Youth Participation in Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Ahead of the 2015 General Elections in Nigeria», which recently took place in the Federal Capital Territory, participants were equipped with the capacity to become agents of peace, unity and collaboration within their respective societies. The workshop, which was anchored by Religions for Peace, an interfaith Dialogue team, in partnership with KAICIID Dialogue Centre and the Nigeria Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, witnessed mind blowing and revealing presentations by intellectuals, clerics and peace practitioners. CYO Nigeria featured prominently at the workshop with her members drawn from all the nine provinces. Participants were from the leadership of various Christian and Muslim groups with a view to raise participants awareness on the gains of sustainable peace and unity before, during and after the 2015 general elections in Nigeria. Kingsley Onyeneke, CYO Nigeria 9APRIL 2015

10 Europe FIMCAP EUROPE STARTED THE YEAR WITH BUREAU MEETING On the last weekend of January, 30 January and 01 February, the delegates of FIMCAP Europe met for the Europe Bureau Meeting in Munich, discussed the latest news from all the member organisations and updated each other on the international exchanges. An official statement calling for diversity, peace and respect was released, demonstrating FIMCAP Europe s attitude to recent incidents of extremist and far right wing movements that were strengthened, refugees were harassed, and people attacked because of their religion. Through its international work, FIMCAP 10 wants to offer young people the chance to experience values such as diversity, peace and respect. In collaboration with the international platform «Religions for Peace», FIMCAP increases its exchange with members of different religions by fostering peace, not only among religious groups, but also by promoting it with their help. In order to contribute to a better collaboration and communication with our partners outside of Europe, FIMCAP Europe asks for increased youth mobility and improving visa requirements. FIMCAP started a digital and mailing campaign to raise awareness. This first action will take place in cooperation with the European Youth Forum and will address several hundred members of the European Parliament. FIMCAP Europe is proud to announce that a European course for leaders will take place in Slovakia. All work will focus on the theme «Enjoy your Freedom» and will educate the participants to become ambassadors for children s rights. On top of that, all European participants will meet before the event to get ready for the up-coming WorldCamp in Ruanda. Ann-Kathrin Koschlik

11 NOW MORE THAN EVER: TOGETHER FOR DIVERSITY, PEACE AND RESPECT At the last European Bureau Meeting (30 January to 1 February 2015) the delegates adopted a clear statement for diversity, peace and respect. The paper was proposed and prepared by the German member organization KjG and followed the new policy framework of FIMCAP Europe which had been adopted at the EuroConference in Switzerland and describes rules that shall guarantee a democratic and transparent decision-making process. With the paper, FIMCAP Europe reacted to the recent emergence of right wing and extremist movements in Europe and acts of violence by self-appointed «religious» terrorists worldwide. Through our international cooperation, FIMCAP wants to continue to give young people from all over the world the chance to experience how valuable diversity, peace and mutual respect are. Together with the interreligious platform «Religions for Peace», FIMCAP furthermore MASQUERADES Right after Christmas is the time when almost every town or village has its ball. Therefore, almost every parish has its masquerade! During local group meetings leaders help children to produce their own do-ityourself costumes. They paint or decorate them in many different ways. Traditionally leaders have their own costumes, too. wants to continue to work for a fruitful exchange between the different religions. Thereby FIMCAP not only wants to promote peace between religions but also wants religion to be an ambassador for peace and dignity for every human. Official statement of FIMCAP Europe (adopted at the BM FIMCAP Europe on 1/2/2015 in Munich): In the recent weeks, we have experienced terrifying and oppressive incidents in Europe and all over the world: extremist and far right wing movements have been strengthened, refugees have been harassed, people have been attacked due their religion or origin, and self-appointed «religious» fighters have committed violence in the name of their religion or ideology. As FIMCAP, an international union of youth organizations, we believe in the dignity and equality of every human being. Therefore, we cannot remain silent and strongly condemn all forms of violence, intolerance and discrimination. As a Christian youth organization, we stand for a human society based on mutual respect, solidarity, charity and diversity. Together with our partners from the interreligious youth platform «Religions for Peace», we work for a fruitful exchange between the different religions. We do not only promote peace between them but also want religion to be an ambassador for peace and dignity for all. As international umbrella of youth organizations we experience the value of diversity, live it together internationally as well as in our national member organizations and promote diversity within church and society. Therefore, we stand in for diversity, peace and respect - now more than ever! On one special day usually a Saturday or a Sunday everyone meets in the suitable place a hall or something similar decorated to resemble particular thing, either a large ship, tropical rainforest or historical situation, whatever the theme of the Masquerade is. That is when the fun starts! We dance, play, organize small competitions for children, and, of course, after the parade we announce the winner of The Most Beautiful Costume contest. 11

12 Biblical sessions As the liturgical year goes on we approach Ash Wednesday and with the start of Lent in local groups, the Biblical sessions are introduced. If you want to get inspired, this is how we do it: For At the beginning of every meeting, we light a candle. 2. One person is responsible for running the whole meeting, he or she also prints the biblical texts corresponding with the following Sunday, one copy for each participant. 3. If people in the group don t know each other, there is a short introduction. 4. Introductory prayer. Short, but give everyone the possibility to talk. 5. Read the texts with optional speed and allowing the participants to comment. 6. Sharing. Sharing always starts with the group leader. He or she is prepared and does not only give all participants time to think but also encourages them to talk. 7. Closing prayer. 12 Useful tips: Keep it under 90 minutes and create a comfortable and encouraging atmosphere. All the participants should feel understood. Make it clear, that what we say in the group stays in the group. At some point a refreshment would be nice. For under 12 year-olds We do a simpler version. Draw pictures, use posters. This year erko prepared the central topic «Jesus teaches us to help» and all the leaders have access to prepared materials, ready to use during this kind of meetings with children. Veronika Báthoryová, erko Slovakia ( CONNACTION The project Lost in Creations came to an end on Sunday, 25 January, with the closing activity, ConnACTion. This project was funded by the EU Youth in Action programme and was organised by a group of young people from Tarxien, aged between sixteen and seventeen years. Lost in Creations helped to create more awareness on the importance of being creative and thinking differently. The project also aimed at stimulating the creativity skills of the people directly involved in the project. Apart from ConnACTion, the group organised other activities as part of the project. Since September 2013, the group were actively involved in the preparation and delivery of a set of skills sessions, which were held with approximately 100 young persons aged between 10 and 25 years. In March 2014, an artistic competition was launched. The submissions were exhibited during a weekend in June at the Cavalieri Art Hotel. In October 2014, another activity, called CreACTive Camp, was organised. Around 40 young people, aged between 16 and 18, participated in the activity. The main idea behind the CreACTive Camp was that the participants could experience different tasks and situations where they needed to

13 THE NEW PROJECT OF KJG: «KJG AND YOU!» be creative in order to solve problems and overcome the obstacles they faced. The mural was an essential part of the project. The plain wall was painted to represent the project, as well as the village of Tarxien, which includes the Church, the Neolithic temples, and the spiral designs. The idea behind the closing activity of ConnACTion was to create a space where different people can meet. The activity was organised in the President's Palace of Verdala and the participants had the opportunity to take part in different workshops, which helped stimulate creativity. The workshops were prepared and delivered by, among others, Breaking Limits, Delicious Corner, Ela's Creations, and Soap Café. Deborah Bonnici, ZAK Malta To get young children between 8 and 14 more involved in our youth organisation our structure requires giving opportunities to our parish-based groups and the diocesan levels. To reach the children and to make more projects that are special for them we will give the different structures in the KjG access to money prepared for projects with children. The diocesan level will encourage and assist the participating groups. These possibilities and assistance is called «KjG and You!» At the last General Assembly of KjG, in June 2014, KjG decided to start a project to encourage the youngest members in our organization. The project is organised federally, which means the different groups participate locally in their home places. Still the project is overseen by the national board of KjG and the organising team. There is also a map online, where the local participants see the other groups of the project. For further information, you can check out Roman Leicht, KjG Germany 13

14 FDF NATIONAL CAMP 2016 Would you and your group like to be a part of the 10-day long FDF national camp, which takes place in beautiful surroundings, gathering more than 10,000 national as well as international participants in one big camp? There will be lots of great activities, competitions, fun games, outdoor life and entertainment as well as thousands of new friends, just waiting for you to get to know them. In FDF, we value an international perspective and therefore invite members from our worldwide partnering organizations to join us at the national camp. Date: 7 to 15 July For more information contact FDF s International Secretary Christiane Rosenkjær or visit our website: Phone: christiane@fdf.dk Website:

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