Topics discussed during the training included understanding the values of different cultures and how to reach conflict resolution between majorities and minorities. As a result of the program, the project succeeded in raising awareness of young people from six countries of the need to prevent discrimination and cross-cultural conflict, to break stereotypes in relation to national minorities and, most importantly - motivate 24 youth leaders to act with similar initiatives in their own communities.

The comments and stories of those who attended the program will be included in brochures that raise awareness of discrimination and why it is important to resolve the issue with understanding and acceptance so that conflict and violence do not occur.

During the promotional events, participants drew Prague residents' attention using the “flashmob” technique (participants made shirts with slogans and pictures and posed wearing them to celebrate European Voluntary Service). This drew the attention of passersby to the "live sculpture" who handed out information sheets to the public and answered their questions about EVS. Examples of slogans on the shirts designed by the participants were «Be cool - be EVS», «Sex, Volunteerism and Rock-&-Roll», «Just do it», "I am doing it - EVS" and others. In a crowded area of Prague, the young shirt designers photographed themselves wearing masks of famous people that they would later put on their FaceBook. It was gratifying that the locals enjoyed the antics of the participants, as well as learning a lot about the purpose of the EVS program.

Partners:

• CEI, Sumy, Ukraine;
• Foundation «Happy Childhood», Lublin, Poland.

 As every year, the workshops began on the 7th of August. The first three days were devoted to the active integration and getting to know each other by means of different games. We got lucky with the weather and the group could try their hands at kayaking and canoeing on the lake not far from the camp. This gave the participants a unique opportunity not only to have a look at the place where they were to spend the next 10 days, but to get acquainted and befriend one another.

To the integration program also belonged the trip to Berlin. Young people had the opportunity to see numerous historical and cultural memorials. Same as last year, the organizers decided to split the participants into two groups: those who have already been to this unforgettable city and those who were yet to have their first meeting with it. That is why there were two absolutely different excursion programs: the first one was more traditional (a walk around the Regierungszentrum of Berlin), the second one included more common places, where Berliners themselves hang out.

So, the first three days helped the participants to get to know each other and to get ready for the bright Ukrainian-Polish national evening, where young people presented their history, customs and traditions of their countries to the German public. After that there was a little buffet, where the guests had the opportunity to try some national dishes from Poland and Ukraine.

This year there were 8 workshops presented. Among them:

• Orchestra \ music Band;
• Graphics;
• Digital Photography;
• Analog Photography; 
• Doll making;
• Light objects ( the making of lamps);
• Theatre;
• Dance theatre.

Every participant got a chance to try one’s hand at this or that workshop, share one’s experience and learn from the German professionals. The workshop classes ended on the 13th of August with fantastic presentations. One cannot name the best presentation; they all impressed the audience with their originality and professional approach.

We didn’t even have the opportunity to start missing home but it was time to come back. With tears in our eyes we said good bye to the organizers and participants of the exchange, but we want to believe that it’s only until next year.

The goals of the training course are:

• increase the awareness on the necessity of preventing discrimination and prejudice of intercultural conflicts among youth from 6 countries;
• train youth workers from 6 countries in method of intercultural facilitation that will contribute to the use and dissemination of this technique in the future;
• break stereotypes, improve attitude towards national minorities through initiatives conducted by the project participants in their communities;
• establish communication and further cooperation between representatives of organizations from the project countries, planning future projects.

The main method which will be used at the training course is intercultural facilitation. The activities will be based on non-formal learning and active participation principles including some tools developed by the CoE in the field of Human Rights. Within the training programmes there will be such elements as methods of facilitation, the role of facilitator in an intercultural conflict, effective intercultural communication and facilitation, conflict-free communication, simulation activities of minorities and majorities cooperation, roots and types of intercultural conflicts, barriers and ways of conflict resolution, language of conflict resolution, future initiatives development.

Requirements to participants:

• age: 18-30 years old;
• youth workers and youth leaders;
• having possibility to multiply gained knowledge;
• having great motivation and enthusiasm;
• experience in NGO field, management, managing initiative groups;
• English language Skills – intermediate.

The organizers cover accommodation, food and 70% of the travel costs for the participants of the training course (within the limited budget for every country participating in the training course).

The participation fee in the training course is 15 EUR. To take part in the training course, please, fill in the online application form.

Deadline for submitting of application forms: 5 September 2011.

If you need help, have questions or need further information please contact: Julia Sakunova (Center for European Initiatives, www.eu.sumy.ua), phone: +38 099 641 41 85 (mobile), e-mail: j.sakunova.cei@gmail.com.

More information about training course >>

The International Summer School on European integration has allowed participants to get, not only a solid theoretical knowledge, but the opportunity to try to apply them in practice as well. In particular, young people received practical skills in developing and writing proposals and applying European interactive training techniques. In addition, CEI’s Julia Sakunova led participants in role-play activities to motivate and empower youth for a united Europe.

The International Summer School "European Integration: Theory and Practice" is the first project that SNAU organized within the network of science universities in Central and Southeastern Europe (CASEE).

The project included a trip to Berlin and visits to the German Parliament buildings and the Reichstag museum. For them it was a real thrill for them to visit the place where German Chancellor Angela Merkel meets government. The evenings were spent in cultural surroundings and the enjoyment of intercultural communication. Participants from Sumy gave gifts of Ukrainian chocolates and the book, "Faces of the Sumy Region,” to their new foreign friends.

According to participants, the project was ten days of an intense and extremely interesting program in an atmosphere of creativity and beauty. The participants from Ukraine and Poland have decided to hold a similar project in a Polish city this October.

Leadership skills naturally emerged through involvement is sport and group activities as students stepped forward to lead and won acceptance in the role from other campers. Foreign language improved as workshops were led by the volunteers in the English language and individual Polish and German language workshops. A day trip into the city of Odessa was exciting for the students and deepened their knowledge of Ukrainian history, which included a tour of the catacombs. The salty air of the sea, the water sports and sunning on the beach, the making of new friends, and the opportunity to express their creativity and develop leadership skills made for an unforgettable experience that was both fun and rewarding in terms of gained confidence and motivation to pursue a fruitful life.

Testimonials from students:

"I am very grateful to the organizing team for a camp so interesting to study English. It was very interesting to work with volunteers from different countries and learn a lot from them."

"Last year I also went to the camp, but this year was more fun because of more interesting excursions and activities. I really liked the tour and Odessa catacombs ... "

"Probably everyone wants to get here. Camp is very interesting and instructive. I liked the work-shops, quests, various competitions and entertainment. And I liked our volunteers ... Next year I will visit this camp and will wait for new contests, quests and volunteers! "

"Classes for the entire period I really liked it, because we learned a lot. Now I can do tsehlovu hand, layers, multi-colored sand, I know a lot of new words in Polish. I am very thankful to the camp because it taught me! Different sports games lifted spirits, made us observant ... I thank you all for science! I hope that I remember those days forever. "

"Every day was painted by minute. And I had no time for sadness and boredom ... "

"I'm in the camp for the first time ... I learned a lot. If you honestly, I did not even suspect, how interesting "

"These holidays will remain a bright spot in my memory. It was fun, interesting and informative. Many children from the camp have become my friends."

"Most of all I liked very interesting activities with volunteers, as well as I vstrelila there are a lot of girlfriends and friends ... And if next year will be a possibility, I will definitely come here"

«It was amasing. First of all our volonteers. They are really great people. They gave us many interesting ideas about new games or new knowledge»

«From the first day we understood that it would be the best ten days in our life…I recommend this camp to all teens»

«Frankly speaking, it was one of the best rests in my life. Everything was great, cool, sometimes, I don’t have enough words to describe all my emotions and feelings… I like that we live here like a big friendly family. And if I had I chance, I would like to visit this camp again next year».

In April Euroclubs in Sumy participated in a drawing competition portraying individual perceptions of "I Share European Values,” the slogan for the May 28 “Day of Europe.” The slogan reflected the main purpose of the May 28 event, which was to encourage European integration and promote the study and awareness of European values.

Hundreds of Sumy citizens attended the May 28 celebration, held on a sunny day in a festive environment on Sumy’s Theater Square. Distinguished EU Ambassadors to Ukraine from Italy, Netherlands, Federal Republic of Germany, Finland, Hungary, Slovak Republic, Sweden, Belgium, and Britain mingled in the crowd after a formal reception. A colorful and lively contingent of young people carrying EU flags and wearing native EU costume paraded from city center to Theater Square.

The dignitaries from each EU country, along with the heads of regions and cities visited each tent representing an EU country. They talked earnestly with the kids about their country and were pleasantly surprised by the knowledge of Sum’s young citizens about the EU. Some diplomats even stayed in the tent to help students represent their country’s history, traditions, culture and language. Students manning the tents passed out small souvenirs or offered a taste of an EU country’s cuisine. A special tent, named the "Express School of European Languages,” offered mini-language courses in English, Polish, and German, and were conducted by native speakers who are volunteers with the Center for European Initiatives.

Additional tents included “Educational Opportunities in Europe” that were manned by those who had experience teaching in European nations and who offered information and gave advice on how to find and apply for education and training opportunities in the EU. The tent also acted as an information center for those wanting to know more general information about the European Union. An art tent was set up for those wishing to express themselves creatively. Volunteers also helped the tent visitors make souvenirs to hang on “The Tree of Desires” representing European values and themes. Special color to the day’s event was added by citizens who came to the event dressed in national costumes representing Poland, Germany, Greece, and other European countries.

Displayed at the event was a canvas depicting the European values of human rights, freedom, and democracy? People could their express their desire for these values by leaving an imprint of their hand on the canvas.

Another exciting part of the celebration was a mock battle between medieval knights as a reflection of European history. The knights’ duel gathered many spectators who cheered on the power, courage, and valor portrayed.

In addition to the activities, food, and festivities enjoyed by those attending the event, an unforgettable concert was presented. A combined children’s choir of over 400 beautiful young voices sang popular European folk songs, including those of Ukrainian origin. An orchestra accompanied the singers and also played classical music to everyone’s enjoyment.

According to the Press Officer of the European Commission in Ukraine, David Stulik, the delegation of Ambassadors to Ukraine from EU countries that attended the celebration were very impressed with the level of organization of the Day of Europe celebration in Sumy and especially enjoyed the motivation and interest of young people in celebrating this holiday.

The Day of Europe celebration extended the next day with Schools № 21 and № 23, last year's winners of the European foot-quest, organizing this year’s foot-quest in Kozhudeba Park. It was attended by 15 teams from various schools in the city and region who came to the finish line after 20 stops. This time fortune smiled on pupils from School № 25 who became the first with the gold prize. School № 9 won second with silver prize, and secondary School № 1 received bronze for coming in third. Schools No. 25 and 9 will prepare the European foot-quest in 2012.

A 31 May - 1 June meeting of Euroclub representatives met at a campground to evaluate the year’s activities and programs and plan for the next year, with the aim to promote integration of European clubs from different regions and establish an extended network of cooperation.

The Roma problem stays actual in all regions of Ukraine, nowadays. Roma have been living in Ukraine for 500 years. According to the census of 2001 there are 48 000 Roma officially registered in Ukraine. But for the last years the Roma population has increased considerably due to forced return of the “illegal” immigrants from Western Europe. Such situation provoked discontent from the side of local communities. Especially it concerns Zacarpatia region.

Roma differ from other people, first of all, by the isolation of their communities from other local groups. In Sumy they live on the suburbs of the city, hereby they are not integrated with the rest of society. Notwithstanding that Roma have been living settled in Sumy for a long time, citizens treat them still with suspicion. As a result, discrimination of Roma is widely spread in employment, education, healthcare, trials. For the majority of citizens Roma are associated with market sellers, fortune-tellers, beggars and cheaters.

During my interview with the representatives of Roma community in Sumy, we brought up the topic of Roma discrimination in Ukraine. One of the men commented that it is not only the guilty of the local community they (Roma) also realize that an equal responsibility for being integrated lies on them. “A huge part of Roma lives on the fringes of civilization as a lot of them still live as nomads moving from one place to another. They create the wall of stereotypes about Roma for other people. But those who settled down, they want to have their children educated and integrated into the society.”

Among Roma there are those who made a lot for the community, Ukraine and by their actions they break the wall of stereotypes and generalization about Roma.

A striking example of such Roma people is the Demydenko family. Farther of the family, Yurij Demedenko, is the President of the Tae Kwan Do Federation Sumy Department, the judge of national level. Additionally, he is also actively engaged in public activities, ran for Sumy city Council. Being a trainer and as a President of the Tae Kwan Do Federation in Sumy, he helps youth achieve success in the world of sport.

His daughters Rada and Rubina Demydenky have big awards in the world of sport. The girls first started to go in for circus studio, and after they decided to turn in to the world of sport. Karate was at first. Rada became the regional champion in Karate in 2 months, and Rubina repeated her elder sister’s success in 6 months.

As karate is not the Olympic type of sport, the girls made up their mind to go in for tae kwan do. Today Rada is four times champion of Ukraine, five times owner of the Cup of Ukraine, took 5th place on the championship of Europe in 2004. Rubina is five times champion of Ukraine, 2 dan, black belt. From 2000 to 2006 the girls were a part of Ukrainian national Olympic team in tae kwan do. At their 26 and 23, Rada and Rubina are masters of sport, trainers and instructors in tae kwan do.

During the interview I asked if there is a difference for youth who come for girls’ trainings which nationality they are. Their farther replied that now there is no difference, parents and children are interested in the professionalism of trainers.

But was it always like this … When the girls started their sport career they were treated with disrespect and not serious, as their farther commented “look, gypsies arrived”. Nobody helped them, though their farther asked for it more than once when the girls needed to go for competitions to represent either region or country. To have an opportunity to send Rada nd Rubina for competitions he had to sell his car. The girls received support only when they represented National Olympic team. Yurij Demydenko always has with him all copies of certificates, diplomas, and all necessary papers proving girls’ achievements.

Such achievements for Roma girls are unusual. First of all, to go in for martial arts for girls in Roma culture is a shame. As the Demydenko family’s friend, who was present at the interview, explained, “It is forbidden for Roma girls to have their legs opened, only long skirts, that is why parents do not think about putting their daughters into such sport. And here they dared, and were not afraid. They were laughed 100 % at the beginning …”.

The girls want to open their Tae Kwan Do school for Roma and Ukrainian youth. They turned to the head of the school where they studied to give them the gym for trainings with youth. This school is situated in that part of the city where the girls and most of Roma live. But they were denied. From Yuriy Demydenko’s words, the head of the school worried that after Rada and Rubina start to train children in the school there will be “gypsies hanging around all the time” and it can bring to the breach of order. So, the girls train on the other end of the city and they have a lot of students.

Thanks to their achievements, today they are respected among sportsmen and trainers not only in Ukraine but abroad. Though they still have to show all their awards, prove and wait that finally somebody will pay attention to the talented sportswomen.