Following the Athens decisions, where youth representatives strongly stated that “Continuity is our key the Centre for the Cooperation in the Mediterranean (Barcelona) co-organized the “Atlantis III” youth camp with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. The youth camp brought together 74 youth volunteers from 16 different National Societies from 29 July to 5 August. This was the third edition of the Atlantis camp, and the first time it has been held in Syria.
The main objectives of the camp included sharing knowledge and information about youth activities in the Mediterranean, to promote positive practical action, and to discuss diverse issues, such as humanitarian problems in the region, how to tackle vulnerabilities in local communities, and a practical approach to the Fundamental Principles. The camp was also an important opportunity for young people from the region to get to know new people and learn about the cultures and humanitarian challenges in neighbouring countries.
The Syrian Minister of Interior and the President of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent took part at the open ceremony. Also, Dr. Massimo Barra, President of Italian Red Cross and Chairman of International Federation Development Commission, visited the camp, and met with participants in groups of about twenty, to share ideas and to answer questions related to youth, development and drugs.
Participants had the chance to take part in one of five different workshops during the week long camp. The workshops were designed to be as interesting and as “hands-on” as possible, by combining practical exercises and knowledge with fun activities during the week.
Leadership and management
It is obvious that there can be no development without strong leadership. Although the youth policy of the International Federation recommends that all National Societies involve youth in their decision making processes, not all societies have implemented this. The goal of this workshop was focused on giving youth more of the relevant skills in managing youth structure and activities.
Addictions
The addiction workshop was an initiative of the Rome Consensus 2007 to promote the health and well being of young people by providing education, counselling and support on key issues around addiction, particularly those related to the discrimination and stigmatisation of drug users worldwide. The resulting outcome of this workshop was that participants had a clear idea on what to do in order to reduce the vulnerability of the people and communities affected by the drug problems and addictions, as well as increasing their capacity to cope with this problem.
Migrants
Migration is increasing in the Mediterranean area in the last years, and now even more attention and efforts are required by National Societies in the region. The goal of the workshop was to provide participants with the opportunity to enhance their understanding of the global migration phenomenon and its future development, analyzing the migration context at national level as well as identifying, understanding and exploring the concept of diversity. The participants also discussed the current increase in xenophobia and how to combat it.
Road Safety
This workshop was organized with one specific aim: to improve the awareness and understanding of the correct precautionary techniques in order to reduce in a visible way the number of accidents on the streets and also to increase first aid level making it possible to decrease in the number of deaths and severe consequences of car accidents.
Disaster Management
The workshop was designed to give a general overview of disaster management. Using the updated International Federation guidelines, the sessions gave participants a summary of the basic principles of disaster preparedness and response. There was also sessions on the main services provided to the victims in disaster cases, such as sheltering, health care, water and sanitation and Sphere standard in these fields, in addition to some related topics like, site planning in camps, assessment and media in disasters.
We are sure that because of this camp youth are better prepared to become the connection between different cultures and traditions, and create a strong bridge for dialogue between countries both in the Mediterranean region and beyond. This bridge is a progressive development for the humanitarian action of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in the Mediterranean region.
For more information you can visit Mediterranean Red Cross Red Crescent website or contact the CCM – Youth Desk.
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| The camp was an important opportunity for young people from the region to get to know new people and learn about the cultures and humanitarian challenges in neighbouring countries / Syrian Arab Red Crescent |
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| A space to develop Red Cross Red Crescent young humanity / Centre for cooperation in the Mediterranean |
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| The youth camp brought together 74 youth volunteers from 16 different National Societies / Syrian Arab Red Crescent |
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| Participants had the chance to take part in one of five different workshops during the week long camp / Syrian Arab Red Crescent |
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| We are sure that because of this camp youth are better prepared to become the connection between different cultures and traditions / Syrian Arab Red Crescent |
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