Four of Europe’s oldest cultural traditions are Belarusian, Latvian, German and Ukrainian. Over 70 Red Cross youth volunteers from these four countries came together for this year’s International Red Cross Youth Camp in Eschede, Germany. This event offered young people the opportunity to reflect on the rich history and intrinsic links between their cultures, and as a chance to share experiences. They were also the able to discuss the important issue of HIV and AIDS, as well as first aid education. Part of the importance of this event is that it allows an increasing number of young Red Cross members to acquire cross-cultural skills, along with gaining experience for their personal and professional development.
Throughout ten days of the camp, the work is challenging but fun. The participants had an opportunity to discuss and share their ideas about relevant issues, travel around the country, visiting historical sites, such as the symbol of the city of Eschede – a monument to victims of the world’s worst high-speed train disaster. The site was used by organizers as an educational tool. There, more than ever before, participants could realize the necessity of local community first aid training and provision local level.
Intercultural activities were organized using different techniques and methods linked to communication tools such as languages, arts forms, food, and traditions, as well as using the five senses. The participants could get acquainted with traditional dances, plays, jokes and food of all the four countries during their presentation days.
“We were delighted to have the chance to provide an insight to Ukrainian wedding traditions through our presentation”, says Margarita – youth leader from Ivano-Frankovsk in Western Ukraine, while serving traditional dish – “vareniks” to other participants of the camp on the occasion of the Ukraine Independence day.
Each group worked hard on its own topic, which was based on the four cultures and current humanitarian challenges in Europe. Participants needed to research their topic, how it was in the past, and had to prepare and organize one active performance to illustrate their discoveries to the other participants. All youth people involved had a lot of fun, and gained a lot of new experiences and memories. When asked the question, “How would you express your impressions in one sentence,” answered simultaneously: “Ten magnificent days!”
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| Margarita (left) shares the traditional Ukrainian dish "vareniks," with other participants at the camp / Ukrainian Red Cross |
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| Ukrainian delegation during Ukrainian Independance day / Ukrainian Red Cross |
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| During the activities, the participants had the chance to meet and learn from the the rescue service of the German Red Cross / Ukrainian Red Cross |
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| Volunteers also had the opportunity to try some more extreme activities at the camp / Ukrainian Red Cross |
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