By United Religions Worldwide Europe
The “Seeding the Peace” URIE Interfaith youth camp, held in The Hague, Netherlands, introduced collectively 20 younger members and 6 youth facilitators from throughout Europe for a novel five-day expertise (1-6 of August 2024). This camp aimed to foster multicultural friendships, discover interfaith dialogue, and promote ecological justice.
It was supported by URI Europe and co-organized by 4 URIE CCs Bridges from Bulgaria, Voem from Belgium, Udhetim-i.Lire from Albania and Colourful Segbroek from The Netherlands which hosted the camp within the metropolis of Peace and Justice, The Hague. Additionally, Sarah Oliver, URI International Youth and Studying Coordinator, has performed an necessary position in supporting and coaching youth facilitators.
Day 1: Constructing Friendships of Belief
The camp began with an official opening on the “Broeders van Sint-Jan Den Haag” Monastery, the place members from Bulgaria, Albania, Belgium, and the Netherlands gathered. Icebreaker video games helped the youth bond and launched the camp’s construction, dividing them into teams representing air, water, fireplace, and earth. These teams would take turns motivating their friends, sustaining order, and documenting their experiences.
Day 2: Creating Cultures of Interfaith Dialogue
On the second day, members visited the Peace Palace, the place they realized about its historical past and significance in selling peace and worldwide justice. This go to was adopted by a workshop on interfaith dialogue, centered across the Golden Rule: “Deal with others the best way you need to be handled.” By means of interactive video games, the members deepened their understanding of one another’s cultural and non secular backgrounds, setting the stage for significant interfaith discussions.
Day 3: Environmental and Social Justice
The third day was a mix of cultural exploration and environmental training. Members visited a Hindu temple, gaining insights into Hinduism’s wealthy cultural and non secular traditions. This was adopted by a workshop on environmental safety, the place they mentioned the significance of sustainability and sensible steps they might take to guard the surroundings. The day concluded with a self-reflective exercise the place members wrote postcards to their future selves, capturing their objectives and aspirations.
Day 4: Peace and the Arts
A day stuffed with power, members explored The Hague, visited well-known landmarks, and loved a enjoyable seaside exercise. The afternoon session was led by HRH Prince Boris of Bulgaria, who got here to help and to contribute to the concept of the cross-cultural and interfaith dialogue amongst younger individuals. Being on the identical age as youth facilitators. He accepted with nice pleasure an invite from Bridges CC to be a part of the main group and to ship a workshop. “Seeding the creativity” was the title chosen for the session. The concept of peace and eco-justice was superbly translated into an artwork piece made by all members beneath Prince’s steerage. The day ended with a vibrant cultural alternate evening, the place members shared their cultures by music, dance, and meals, creating lasting recollections and deepening their connections.
Day 5: Celebrating Peace in Motion
The final day of the camp was marked by a go to to a liberal synagogue, the place members engaged in a significant dialogue with the rabbi. The day continued with a inventive workshop titled “Specific Your Freedom,” led by Carola Goodwin. By means of portray, the youth expressed their understanding of freedom and human rights, culminating in a robust exhibition of their work. The camp concluded with a shared dinner, reflection on the experiences, discussions on future collaborations, and a certificates ceremony.
The “Seeding the Peace” youth camp was a transformative expertise, equipping younger individuals with the talents and information to be changemakers of their communities. The friendships shaped, the teachings realized, and the cultural exchanges that passed off will proceed to encourage these younger leaders as they work in the direction of a extra peaceable and simply world.
Picture: HRH Prince Boris of Bulgaria on the certificates ceremony