[Euroscoutinfo-en] Euro.Scout.Info – Issue 69 – May 2009
Joy Morton
Educational Methods
Agora 2009
Twelve Rovers from different European Countries made the difference by being present and daring to be part of the European Rover Spirit.
The Planning Team worked hard to make this event a special moment of learning by doing, sharing Scouting and Rovering!
The theme was “Creating yourself, your Team, the World”, with everything in the event based on this. Participants started with self-discovery sessions, then they started working in teams and finally they started discovering the World!
The symbolic framework for this Agora was the “Agora Festival”, where Ancient Greeks celebrated all the knowledge and strengths they achieved during the journey, because they felt that it was time to go home and put into practice everything they had learned along the way. Such was the case with this Agora when everyone returned to their home countries to put into practice all they had found about Rovering!
All participants made a written commitment, which they’ll receive at homei, reminding what they proposed to do and what they dared to do!
Agora started it off, but nothing is finished! It’s time to celebrate the European Rover Spirit of the event, but first, it is time to re-create the National Rover Spirit in all countries around the World! Let’s start here, in Europe!
1st European Round table on Internet Systems
Members of IT teams from across Europe met at Buitenzorg Scout Centre in Baarn, Netherlands to share and exchange their ideas and experiences. Hosted by Team Internet from Scouting Netherland, MOs and NSOs were invited to give demonstrations and discuss different technical solutions used in their countries.
Marjolein Sluijters, WAGGGS International Commissioner for Scouting Netherland, welcomed 40 participants from 14 countries. They actively shared their knowledge during the 14 sessions, although passionate discussion carried on during the informal time. Hot topics and discussions included Content Management Systems, Membership Registration Systems, International Post-Box, Event Management Systems, Help Desks and User Access Permissions.
On Saturday afternoon participants explored the local area on a Dutch bike tour where they had the chance to see inside a windmill and visit a fisherman’s village.
The event was considered as a big success as participants have realised that they are facing similar challenges and can learn from the experience of others. Therefore they wish to establish an informal network and invite other IT team members from across the Region to join them. Also, there was a wish to meet again and hold a 2nd Round Table on topics of mutual interest.
It was agreed to continue communication between the participants of the emergent network using a web-based community. A core team was formed to ensure that work will continue across the Regions.
The event was also featured in a local Dutch newspaper. Expect to see more information from this informal network in the future.
Development and Support
PR Workshop in Croatia - Implementation of Tailored Support
4-5 April 2009 in Rijeka, Croatia
The TSU delivered another piece of support, this time to the Scouts of Croatia. One of the elements of the TSU agreement was to deliver training for leaders in PR and media training.
13 members of the Scout Association of Croatia (SIH) attended the PR Workshop. Philipp Pertl, spokesman from Pfadfinder und Pfadfinderinnen Österreichs, facilitated the workshop.
One of the participants in the workshop, Edi Peric, Chief Commissioner of SIH said; “The PR workshop was very successful and fun. I have to emphasise the satisfaction of all participants by Philipp's presentation style and knowledge that he transferred to us. We had a great time. Big thanks go to Tailored Support Unit who helped us organise this workshop. Philipp can be very valuable for any NSO in this kind of training.”
More information about the process of receiving Tailored Support, as well as possibilities for applying can be found at this link; http://www.scout.org/en/spotlight/europe/tailored_support or by contacting Jordan Bajraktarov, jbajra...@scout.org or Katrin Tauscher ktau...@scout.org.
Relationships and Funding
For a Better World, For a Better Europe - The Purple Manifesto
Over the last few years (2004-2009), the European Scout Region, with the support of National Scout Organisations, has been working with a network of Members of the European Parliament from various countries in order to ensure that the needs and expectations of Scouting are known and met.
We have addressed a number of key issues with this network such as Volunteering, Non-Formal Education, Africa and Employment of Young People. We have done this by looking from two perspectives: What the contribution of Scouting is and what Scouting is expecting from the European Parliament.
Citizens of the European Union will vote between 4 and 7 June 2009 for the next European Parliament. We believe that following the work achieved, the contribution of Scouting to Europe but also the needs of Scouting, it is time to make sure that our voice is heard. Therefore, we have launched ‘For a Better World, For a Better Europe’. Through this simple two-page Manifesto (below), we urge European policy makers to join us in working wholeheartedly to realise the following six goals in the upcoming legislative period. It addresses the following issues:
• Empower Volunteers
• Better Social Inclusion of Young People
• Strengthen Global Partnerships for Development
• Remove obstacles to Scouting
• Make employability of young people a priority in European Union (EC)
• Integrate young people in shaping Europe
The European Scout Region has addressed this Manifesto to all the current Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and received already a number of messages of support from them.
To maximise the impact, we count on everybody to send this Manifesto to all the candidates standing for elections in his/her country.
Contact person: Alix Masson, ama...@scout.org.
Life of the Movement
In Europe…
Relations continue to grow at the 8th Euro Arab meeting
6-10 May 2009 near Kristianstad, Sweden
Participants from 18 countries met in Sweden from 6 to 10 May to work on the relationship between the European and Arab Regions. The aim of the meeting was to share ideas, develop partnerships and increase understanding between the Regions.
Discussions were held on religion in Scouting, spirituality, peace projects and Scouting in society. It was the opportunity to learn more about how Scouting operates in other countries and exchange ideas on best practices. There was also a session on funding, specifically in relation to funding youth exchanges and projects between cooperating countries.
The meeting was held near the next World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) site near Kristianstad. The delegates had the opportunity to visit the jamboree site and partake in workshops with the WSJ organisers on some of the needs and expectations of groups going to the jamboree.
A day trip was also organised to Malmo, where delegates learned about minorities in Sweden, visited a mosque and interacted with local Scout and Rover groups.
In order to facilitate the exchange of information, a Projects Fair was held, where many associations made presentations on different projects in their countries. Participants gained an understanding and appreciation of different methods of Scouting. They were also given ideas about and opportunities to begin exchanges or working together on different projects.
Special guests for the event included Essia Fathallah and Finna Sigurdardottir, from the Arab and Europe WAGGGS Committees and Samia Djacta, from ISESCO – Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The Declaration, adopted by the 8th Euro-Arab Meeting was unanimously approved by acclamation.
Significantly, at the same time, European youth organisations gathered in Brussels committed to principles for Europe-Arab Cooperation proposed by WOSM. Inspired by the principles laid down in the Marrakech Charter, European youth organisations declared that in “today’s world there is a need for the young generation to join their efforts in building bridges of understanding and to empower young women and men to act in partnership for a world “without borders” in the name of justice, solidarity and peace”. The framework for Europe-Arab Youth Cooperation endorsed by the European Youth Forum is intended to become a reference document also for Governments and International Organisations in Europe and the Arab Region, thus providing a good tool to anchor Scout partnerships as part of wider accepted international youth policy.
The theme of the 11th Centre Manager’s Conference (CMC) is ‘Connect, Inspire and Grow’
22-25 October 2009, in Lochgoilhead, Scotland, UK
The aim of the Conference is to strengthen and develop co-operation among Guide/Scout Centres and to facilitate strong working relations between the staff of those Centres.
During the Conference, we also ask for active participation from all participants so that we can learn from each other. We also aim to be able to set-up and facilitate a network of interest groups to provide a forum for continued communication past the CMC.
Sunneblick: A “New” building at KISC
Unexpectedly, in the fall of 2008, the Centre received notification that the Sunneblick chalet, adjacent to the Main Chalet, was on the market.
Originally, the Sunneblick was an accommodation building for workers on the train tunnel (same as the Old Chalet) but in the nearby village of Frutigen. In the first quarter of the 20th century, Sunneblick was moved from Frutigen to Kandersteg (same as the Kander-Lodge in 2008) and became the direct neighbour of the Old Chalet.
Considering its unique location and the one time opportunity to create a unity in the buildings area, together with a financially interesting situation, KISC decided to pursue the purchase, provided the finances were guaranteed. Thanks to a generous gift, on May 1st 2009, KISC became the owner of the Sunneblick. This chalet has 47 beds in different rooms, a dinning/play/meeting/room, a fully equipped kitchen and a sitting room. The Sunneblick is available for use by a single group at a time or can be rented as individual rooms. More information:
www.kisc.ch/stay-at-kisc/accommodation/the-sunneblick/
Staff Opportunities at KISC: Autumn 2009
Have you been thinking about doing something different this autumn? What about joining the international team of volunteers at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland? It is an experience of a lifetime! We guarantee three amazing months in the Swiss Alps to any Scout or Guide who can communicate in English, minimum age 18, and willing to be a part of an International team that works running B.-P.'s dream of a Permanent Mini Jamboree!
11th FOSE Gathering
8-11 October 2009 in Kotor, Montenegro
As every year, The Friends of Scouting in Europe invite all the Friends of the ESF to attend their Annual Gathering. An interesting programme has been developed. Feel free to sign up and get further detailed information from the organiser, René Karla at this email address: rene....@chello.at
FOSE Meeting in Cyprus
In May, the FOSE of Cyprus gathered at the University of Nicosia, to welcome new Cypriot friends and a new French Friend. Further National gatherings are planned in 2009; mid-June in Riga, Latvia, 17 July at the Danish Blå Sommer National Camp, 29 August near Kristianstad, Sweden (venue of the 2011 World Scout Jamboree) and 5 September at the Gilwell Reunion, London, UK.
For further information please feel free to contact: europefo...@scout.org
Around the world…
The 12th International Youth Gathering for Cultural Exchange
20-30 July 2009 in Cairo, Giza and south Sinai, Egypt
Due to the success of previous Gatherings, it was agreed to hold the event in partnership with ISESCO in the following governorates; Cairo, Giza and South Sinai. These venues are very famous for their historical, cultural, religious, archaeological and natural sites. In this regard, we would like to take the opportunity to invite representatives from your NSO to participate in this unforgettable and important event.
The organisers will cover all accommodation for 20 to 30 July 2009, though the participants must cover extra days before and after these dates. The participant or their NSO will cover his/her tickets to and from Egypt.
If you would like to receive the invitation letter and application form, please contact the WSB - Arab Regional Office at wo...@arabscout.org. Applications will be accepted till 15 June 2009, so you need to act fast!
Reminders and Deadlines
11th European Guide & Scout Centre Manager’s Conference
21-25 October 2009 at the Lochgoilhead National Scout Activity Centre situated in Argyll, Scotland
Deadline: 31 May 2009
Appying for European Voluntary Service
NSAs/NSOs in Europe
Deadline: 01 June 2009
Work at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre
Autumn Staff applications
Deadline: 15 June 2009
Useful Information
• Europak
www.europak-online.net
Stay in contact
World Scout Bureau
European Regional Office (s)
P.O. Box 327
Rue Henri-Christiné 5
CH-1211 Geneva – 4
Switzerland
Tel: (+41 22) 705 11 00
Fax: (+41 22) 705 11 09
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Avenue de la Porte de Hal 38
BE-1060 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: (+32 2) 534 33 15
Fax: (+32 2) 534 16 54
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Cvijiceva 85/13
RS-11000 Belgrade
Serbia
Tel: (+381 11) 275 93 04
Fax: (+381 11) 275 41 75
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Email: eur...@scout.org
Web: www.scout.org/europe