Dear friends and colleagues,
Last weekend (March 11-13), 70 participants from 17 different countries gathered at YMCA Netherlands venue "Ernst Sillem Hoeve" in Den Dolder and took part at the Conference "YMCA working with Refugees and Asylum Seekers"
This joint initiative YMCA Netherlands – YMCA Europe had the following objectives :
– Exchange of experiences. Identifying best practices, obstacles and training initiatives;
– Developing new initiatives and new co-operation in YMCA work with refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and internally displaced persons on all YMCA levels in Europe;
– Discussing follow-up actions in the framework of YMCA Europe;
The content of the Conference included : 14 presentations based on examples of best practices developed in this field, plus 6 different workshops followed by plenary sessions, testimonies and feedback from the participants.
One of the results of the Conference is the Statement (click here) that was agreed among all participants. We now share the Statement among all our European National Movements. It will also be sent to the World Alliance of YMCAs and the Area Organizations.
A detailed report about the Conference will be sent to all participants, all National Movements and our partners in this work within the next weeks.
During our General Assembly (Madrid, May 5-8) we will follow up on this work which becomes a key strategic focus for the European YMCA movement and YMCA Europe itself. I encourage you to send delegates to the GA. (more information here)
We want to sincerely appreciate all contributions to the Conference coming from European YMCAs, US , Canada and WAY. A very special note of gratitude to Ed Eggink, Chair of the Planning Team and YMCA Netherlands through its Secretary General Robert Faith and all volunteers involved. Thank you for your hospitality, vision and leadership!