Sunday 13 October 2013

The City of Tolerance or Seminar for Russian-speaking youth in Europe


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.    












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