You never
know where life brings you in 2 years or even in 2 days.
It was my
first time in France.
At 2-6
October 2013 I've got a chance to take part in Seminar at Strasbourg. We were
invited to the greatest place – European Youth Center which located in the
district of European institutions at the city.
Youth
center is very smart and multi functional building, cause it can accommodate
about 90 people in double or single rooms, has a lot of plenary and training
rooms, technical equipment, staff support, canteen, even sauna. I really liked
the idea that many countries presented some rooms or stuff, for example you can
find there art-objects from Sweden or German furniture, Belgian Bar of Austrian
room and etc. There are also Informational Center with methodical materials and
base of European Youth Foundation, which
support every day local or international project and about 300 projects a year. On the last floor there is the Directorate of
Democratic Citizenship and Participation of the Council of Europe and beautiful
terrace where you can relax during sunny days.
The target
group was – Russian-speaking youth 18-30 which live in Europe. Where were
students, youth workers and leaders originally from Russia or Post-soviet
countries moved to Europe cause of different reasons.
Program of
Seminar was quite full and we talked about our experience of living in Europe,
about our work at organizations, problems and prospective of projects which
connect Russian-speaking youth in Europe and Funding possibilities. Also we
discussed the ways to rise up Youth Participation and connect us in Europe. As
a result of our work together were ideas of cooperation in different projects
in Europe, for example, Educational
course of Human Rights for Russian-speaking students in Paris, Political
Debates in Latvia and etc. Also we created Network and database in Facebook and
will cooperate in future there. Organizers provided us methodological
materials, books, leaflets with knowledge of Youth project management.
Personally
I was inspired by people I’ve met. At first they mostly Russians and second –
they’re working so hard to make positive view of Russia and love their home
country and believe in her bright future. They are members of different
Associations and NGO which organize many cultural activities in Europe inspired
by Russian culture, history and traditions. They help to Russian-speaking
people in Europe not to forget their culture and language, help and consulate
them in case of problems, or celebrate the events together.
One of the
best part of program were visits to Palace of Europe (Residence of Council of
Europe), PACE (Parliamentary Assemble of
Council of Europe), European Court of Human Rights, Municipality of city
Strasbourg, General Council of Russian federation in Strasbourg . So
we had great chance to meet local and Russian politicians, ask them
questions about Russian policy and Youth policy в частности. We
could see the life of European Police from inside and watch debates at
Parliamentary Sessions, get to know about European Justice at Court and meet
Russian Council.
Part of
leisure time and cultural program were walking in the city and visit of French (Alsac) and Russian restaurants. City
of Strasbourg is unique. During history it changed the Nationality about 4
times from French to German and back. So because of that here you can feel
tolerance and friendship between nationalities and religions. Such a comfort
zone for everyone.
I saw
people who live in the tents next to European Court already about 2-3 years and
ask for permission to stay in France or their right to fair justice. I saw
musicians in the streets. I saw Rally which also was organized on city streets.
I’ve enjoyed beautiful architecture and many bridges, traditional food and
desserts, amazing Alsac white vine.
I want to
come back again…to explore “Small France” and travel by “Road of
Vine” at Alsac region.