Youthwork Realities in Belarus

Retrospective, episode 1. Remembering May...

As you know, my trip home didn't do my studies any good. I wasn't reinstated and I didn't finish the thesis. But on my return I was awaited by something, to my mind, grand. A study visit to Belarus from EU in the framework of "Youth in Action" program.

To my knowledge this event - "Youthwork realities in Belarus" - was in preparation for a long time. Reaching agreements with SALTO and local authorities... But it really happened - youth workers from EU, representatives of european NGOs, EU governmental structures and structures of "Youth in Action" for 5 days could enjoy to the fullest that, which I see every day.

This event gathered participants from Poland, Belgium, France, Lithuania, Denmark, Austria, Portugal, Switzerland, Great Britain... It was pretty much all of EU.

5.05.09
Day 1

The program was pretty intense. The first day was dedicated to arrivals, hotel check-ins and getting to know each other


6.05.09
Day 2

The second day started with a visit to Department of Youth Affairs. To my mind, the view of 30 foreigners going up the square by the House of Officers is already a magnificent sight.


At the round table with synchronized translation participants had the opportunity to hear the department's representatives and ask questions.


Second part of the day was devoted to meetings with NGOs of Minsk, who also could present their activities and answer questions.


The evening was an intercultural dinner, open to guests from different organizations, where participants and social activists of Minsk could socialize in non-formal atmosphere.

7.05.09
Day 3

The next day delegations set out to visit Hospice, SOS-kinderdorf and other organizations active in work with children and youth.


8.05.09
Day 4

Was a trip to Hrodno, meeting with local activists and relaxation with non-formal communication.


9.05.09
Day 5

Summing up.


CDs with photos.


Free day and a dinner together.


And going home.

From my side I can say this was an out of the ordinary event, which gave a real opportunity for NGO-workers from Belarus and EU to communicate and get to know at least something about each other. Whether it will bear fruit only time will tell, but I'm glad I could be a part of this.