Together in Diversity

Youth work in the context of cultural and religious diversity.

Date:: 7th November 2010 – 13th November 2010″]
Place :: Budapest, Hungary

This seminar hopes to build your capacity of working in the context of cultural and religious diversity on local, regional and European level among young people, to raise awareness and understanding of the richness of this diversity.

During this study session we hope to answer these questions:

What is ecumenism and what’s the role and function of ecumenical movements, especially in youth work?
Cultural and religious diversity – a threat or richness for the society?
How to understand and explain different denominational and/or ethnic backgrounds (tools and thoughts)?
How can YMCA work in multi-cultural and multi-religious societies in a more inclusive and open way?
How can we strengthen active participation of young people through representation in ecumenical bodies?

During this study session you will work and live together as a multicultural group, communicate across linguistic and cultural divides and respect each other. We will share experiences, work together in group/team work, contribute to the dynamic program, have excursions, small groups, presentations from experts etc.

Profile of participants

The organizers and the facilitators’ team of this study session will select 30 youth workers or youth leaders (volunteers or staff members) who:

are between 18 and 30 years old, from different nationalities and denominational backgrounds
have an interest in ecumenism / togetherness on any level (European, local, personal,…).
are committed to their organization
are able to work in English
are motivated to actively participate, share experiences during the whole duration of the session and follow up afterwards.

Venue

The study session will take place in the European Youth Centre in Budapest
Zivatar utca 1-3.
H-1024 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Tel:+36 1 438 1060 (Reception)

Arrival and departure

The study session will take place from 7 – 13 November in the EYCB in Budapest, located approximately 2 hours travelling from the airport, 1 hour from the train stations. Participants should arrive on November 7th before 20.00 (8 p.m.). The program runs until November 13th in the morning.

Financial conditions

The participation fee for this session is 50 euro. Additional costs for board and lodging are provided and paid for by the hosting organization.

Travel expenses (cheapest mean of transportation) and visa fees (on presentation of the relevant receipts) will be reimbursed according to the rules of the Council of Europe, directorate of Youth and Sport . Only participants who have attended the entire study session can be reimbursed. Do not buy any ticket before the results of the selection process are known!

Application procedure

Apply for the last 2 places as soon as possible by using online registration below. Selected applicants will receive a confirmation letter and more detailed information after application.

Preparation team

This seminar is planned and prepared by:
Kyriaki Avtzi (Conference of European Churches, Churches in Dialogue Commission)
Hasmik Chakhalyan (YMCA Armenia)
Johanna Hippe (YMCA Europe)
Marius Ilut-Pop (YMCA Europe, Balkans)
Zara Lavchyan (Council of Europe) – educational advisor
Marloes Meijer (YMCA Europe, Christian Orientation Group) – course director

In case of any questions, contact Marloes Meijer: meijer.marloes@gmail.com