blog post

Dear Everyone!

We've just finished an absolutely amazing week. I'm personally more than satisfied with the work, the succes and the results. Usually when a project or a phase ends we hear that: "It isn't the end. This is just the begining." Well, in this case that's something even better and more powerful. This is the CONTINUATION. We started together something great and important almost a year ago. We established the basics, the ideas back in Hungary. Then we went to the UK, to Woodrow. I have no words for that week, for the inspiration I get there. We detected the wrost extremist problems in our own countries and decided that we are going to take actions. And we did. I think we exceeded our previous expectations.

I'd like to say thank you to everyone who made that happen. Everyone who worked at least a little bit on this should feel proud!! I'm very glad that I was chosen as the project manager for this conference. Usually I'm more scared or anxious when I'm facing this kind of responsability. But now I felt that with such an amazing group failing isn't an option. Thanks for all the groups, for all their leaders. I think it was very important that the 3 country groups were able to work together smoothly.

Some of you might know that on the very beginning of the week I lost someone close and important to me. The only thing that helped me was actually the group. I felt that I had to go on, but it wasn't something heroic to do. Looking back it was a true miracle that I could carry on. I can't be thankful enough to You all!!

However as the project manager I feel that I made a mistake at the evaluation. Insted of emphasizing the enormous great job I underlined one single, little 

thing I didn't agree with. You might remember that it was about a last minute decision during the conference. I focused on this thing without even mentioning the professionalism and values behind this decision. That's not okey! The reason why I'm writing this down is because I learned from this and it could be my story to share. I think when we see only one negative thing without realizing the positive ones then it is an excellent starting point for the extremism. So my message to EVERYONE is "Focus on the positive! Don't bury the things you can't agree with but talk about it! The discussion will be the solution!"

We set the bar quite high again! Let's jump it over next time too!

Take care, Guys!

Dávid (Daud)

Photo from YAE THESSALONIKI DECEMBER 2014

Robin & Saf from the UK delegation outside the venue for the YAE Conference…

Evaluation and follow-up

Calling all project participants! The evaluation survey for Thessaloniki is now live at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YAEgreece

EU Youthpass certificates will be issued to all participants who complete the survey.

YAE Thessaloniki project

I feel so lucky to have been part of the YAE project in Thessaloniki. Thanks to the project I got to meet so many inspiring people who strive to have an impact and make a difference. People who are able to see beyond the differences and connect with those who have the same passion and fire within them. I think we would all agree that the world needs more of these people in order to be a better and safer place for everyone.

I'd also like to thank you all for sharing your stories as these taught as a most invaluable lesson: Sometimes you simply have no control over the bad things that happen to you but what you do have is the freedom to respond to them any way you want. And this is what reveals your true self and defines who you are!

Keep up the amazing job everyone!

Love,

Theo

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Thinking about THE week.

Looking back at this amazing week I have only good things in my mind. I met so many beautiful people with so many strong and touching stories. With some of them we didn't even speak the same language but that did not make it dificult for us to communicate. Every night we would leave the hotel just for a night's sleep but every time we would hug and kiss just as we had a great friendship and knew each other for years.

With some of the guys there I became closer, with others not so much. But I know every single name and remember all the faces with the passionate eyes that looked straight to my soul. 

Then, there is that one person that I believe touched me the most and I will never forget those eyes looking at me the way they did. All the things I learned and heard from that person will always be in my mind and in my heart.

The past few days I gained a unique, unbelievable experience. But most of all I gained some true friends, people that I want in my life and deeply hope will stay in it.

I will miss every single one of them and wait to meet them again sometime. 

This is not the end. This is a new beggining.

 Love, Rhea

That's the end of my reporting folks...

As the week draws to a close and we head off in different directions I feel very privileged to be able to enter into the lives of so many inspiring young people. 

At this age young people are so full of ideologies and energy and their minds still not yet made up. I meet the ones who have joined a project because they want to do something.

I spoke with home a few days ago and heard my wife and children had put up the xmas tree and we're watching a film and I felt very lonely at not being there with them. I thought my xmas had yet to start, but as I sit hear reflecting on this I realise I have received the greatest xmas present a father can receive and that is a present from the young people I'm with here and now, that present is a present called hope. Hope in creating a better, fairer future where people care for each other.

Thank you for this insight and present, I will hold it tightly in my heart for a very long time

Merry Xmas to all young people making a difference out there

Paul (paul@momentumworld.org)

Xxx

The solution to extremism

It's simple really....
As I said at the conference;

Words Kill Wars

Choose them wisely for they become your deeds & others will only judge you by your deeds...

More....

!!!!

Fly Away...

It's all out there for you to see, hear , touch, smell & Feel....

Reappear after me....

I Wonder....

I'm not a religious person, but I do wonder ....

Congratulations to the whole YAE team.

I wonder what else is possible....
I wonder what will be next...
I wonder how many of us will allow ourselves to think deeply, talk with depth and meaning and turn these all in to focussed, positive intention and then ACTION...

The world is yours for the taking...

Peace.

More Love.

Robin
XX

The last supper .. Prepare for so many tears later :-(

We are in one of Thessaloniki's top restaurants saying thank you to a wonderful group of activists, Paul, Andrew and Robin are very proud

Saff on a very old school camera in the restaurant

The artwork from the thoughts board

As the week progressed people added their comments to the thoughts board, here are some of the images

A very emotional last day

Our Hungarian Roma group headed off to visit a Greek Roma community today and it was a very special time for them, they met a very caring Priest who was doing life changing work. 

Meanwhile the Brits and Greek group did an in depth review of the week and this led to some emotional feedback. 

Huge progress made - more to follow ...

Sponge bob has landed!!!

Thank you to Christopher & Fari for their art today!!!

We wage Peace on you!!

Watch out world - there's a serious threat coming out of this youth against extremism conference in Thessaloniki. 

The Youth are about to Wage Peace on all warmongers!!!! 

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Thank you Paul, Andrew and Robin for inspiring us and giving us some amazing memories and a unique experience.

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We are almost at the end of our conference. It is not the end of the project though but a new beggining. We hope that we made a difference !!

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Now it's time from team Greece to get up on the stage and talk to us about their projects.

We are all speechless from Angelos Chatzinikolaou powerfull words.

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Aggelos Chatzinikolaou , teacher at Dendropotamos Roma Community is here with us. Thank you so much for being here just after you finish a 6 hour shift at the school. We really want to listen to what you have to say about the Romani in Thessaloniki.

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Dr. Fani Galatsopoulou is on the stage talking about traficking . Thank you Dr. Galatsopoulou for coming at our conference.

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Katerina Ioannou represents NGO Association of friends and volunteers society for the protection of minors in Thessaloniki.Thank you very much for your time Mrs Ioannou!!

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Amazing and really touching video team Hungary!!!

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Eva from team Hungary is giving a beautiful speech about Youth coming together against extremism.

Enough of the talking... TIME FOR ACTION

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Team Hungury will show us a video about the extreme right party Jobbik.

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Hakim and Voltaire from team UK answer audience's questions .

Real London Live on Stage

Qavi, Hakim & Voltaire delivering a powerful message on behalf of Real London. & YoungStars on the conference stage at Thessaloniki.
Well done to the whole crew !!!

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Watching the video that team UK produced, about young people getting envolved with gangs and how Young Stars and VPC wish to eliminate that form of extremism from the streets of London.

Real London being introduced...

Hakim introducing the Real London presentation.

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The second part of our conference is about to start. But firtst, watching a video about gangs in the UK.

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Stratos Kersanidis believes that Greek media face Roma people like criminals and do nothing for them other than blame them .Sad but true.

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The biggest problem that youth in Greece has to face is that they cannot pursue their dreams ...They face an inner conflict about what is important and what is worth fighting for. 

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After a small brake, we are back with some more speakers and an open discussion!

YAE livens up!!!

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So many students just walked in the conference room .So young but still so mature !! Say no to racism, we are all equals. We have the same obligations and same rights !!

Caution!!!! Artists at work....

Christopher & Feri from Hungary are working hard on the YAE artwork ...

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Maria Nomikou is presenting the " Life Skills" Program right now at our conference, via Skype. Thank you for your help!

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Anastasia Papadopoulou, highschool student is on stage to talk to us about her experiences taking part in many educational programs. Thank you Anastasia !!!

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Eleni Papakosta-Gaki, Psychologist on the stage right now talking about SEIRIOS, Centre for the prevention of addictions and promotion of psychosocial health. Thank you Dr. Papakosta-Gaki for being here.

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Working hard during the conference !!

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Stratos Kersanidis is talking about several forms of extremism in Europe and Greece. Gangs, Anarchy, Hooliganism , Facism ect.

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Journalist Stratos Kersanidis on stage right now at our conference . Thank you for coming!

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Christopher and Feri, our tallented artists !!

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More guest arrive at Thessaloniki City Hall. Thank you for supporting us !

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You can see what happens at the conference on Instagram under #youthagainstextremism.

Siobhan opening the YAE Conference

Siobhan owing the stage & welcoming the audience to the YOUTH AGAINST EXTREMISM conference in Thessaloniki.

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Prof. Alekos Georgopoulos has the word right now at our conference. Non Violence and NGO Antigone actions.

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We just starded!! Let's listen to what our team has to say !

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Prof.Alekos Georgopoulos, president of Antigone NGO and Journalist Stratos Kersanidis are here. Thank you for coming!!

Our team!

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Last minute preparations for our conference at Thessaloniki City Hall!! Be There!!

Youth Against Extremism...

The Greek, Hungarian and UK team of young people are ready!!

This is going to be an Extremely Professional Conference....
Thessaloniki - ARE YOU READY???

YAE DINNER AT SHEDIA STIN POLI (raft in the city)

THE YAE GROUP REALLY DESERVE THIS LAST SUPPER BEFORE THE YOUTH AGAINST EXTREMISM CONFERENCE IN THESSALONIKI TOMORROW!!!
Well done to all - hard work pays off....

Is this making you interested?

Conference day tomorrow - find out more

Lunch Break at the wonderful Sofis House

The most friendly staff and nice food at a great price, well done to the hard working  staff

Getting into conference teams

This morning we have explored all the roles associated with running a conference. The group then put their 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices down and the teams were agreed.

This afternoon we get into the hard work. The challenge is on, the guests invited and venue is booked. Tomorrow the young people run a conference on EXTREMISM!

Today's thought provoking image

No one is born racist

Visit 3 - YAE VASILIKI SOULTANI PRAKSIS PROJECT 9/12/14

Hello people! After the Monday's revealing personal stories of all of us, on Tuesday we had the opportunity to visit people and places where they struggle for a big change in the city of Thessaloniki. 

The organisation I'm about to make the review for is the PRAKSIS' welcome center for homeless. Thirteen of us entered the centre where we faced a recently established place (May 2014) where people that live in the fringe of society can get the proper support. So, we've met Mrs Nena who is in charge and we started our conversation. PRAKSIS centre is a place for homeless people  but also when it comes to the lack of electricity or water services in their houses. The average number of people that visit the centre is 60 per day and the first step of the process is to come in touch with an organisation's social worker. A list of priorities is getting created in order to fulfill his needs as soon as possible. Shower, food,  second hand clothing and sleep is provided during the time limit of 10:00 to 20:00. 

The second step of the process is to clarify any health problems or the possibility of a pension that someone might be able to get.  The centre's specialised staff includes a consultant, a doctor and two nurses. Besides all the basic needs  that are getting fulfilled they also aim to get those people back to society by offering them phychological support and any kind of advice.  Useful information to take into consideration is that, firstly medication is not provided until it's been arranged with both sides and also it is a place strictly focused on adults, not children. Whichever socially vulnerable team cannot be treated on their facilities is being sent on another organisation or NGO that can take care of them and help them any further. PRAKSIS coorporates with ARSIS and the Municipality of Thessaloniki and the icreasing number of homeless people and the crisis that occured in the Middle east demands the continuance of that project or similar ones. In a nutshell, the staff in PRAKSIS' centre reminded to all of us something very simple but extraordinary at the same time, the value of generosity and how priceless the help to people in need can be. 

Find more information: http://www.praksis.gr/en/ 

Visit 2 - YOUTH AGAINST EXTREMISM - REVIEW OF THE DAY 9/12- VASSILINA

"So today we spent our day visiting four NGOs here in Thessaloniki. The last one was "Antigone" an Information and Documentation Center on Racism, Ecology, Peace and Non Violence non profit organisation which was first established in Thessaloniki in 1993. Even though I already knew "Antigone" as a non profit organisation in Thessaloniki, I did not know so much about its action. 

Today we had the chance to attend a wonderful presentation of "Antigone's" action by one member of the organisation, Andromachi. As a result we learnt that they help immigrant or refugees in Thessaloniki to lead a better life by providing them with any kind of help. "Antigone" also develops activities on anti-racism and non-discrimination, human rights, social ecology, peace, non violent conflict resolution and cooperates with many other NGOs in the city.

After the presentation of our work and "Antigone's" action, we started some games in the team in order to know each other better which were quite fun! For instance, we played a game in order to learn the names of all the members of the project. After that, we had even more games where we cooperate with each other and make ourselves feel comfortable. We laughed a lot!!!!

As far as my feelings are concerned about this visit, I have to admit that are quite mixed. On in one hand, we learnt so many new things about "Antigone" and actions undertaken in our city and which actually help people in need. On the other hand, I felt a bit dissapointed by the fact that even though there are many motivated young people who battle against racism and are active members of NGOs like "Antigone", the targets and missions cannot be accomplished fully in the terrible terms of economic crisis in Greece today.

Within the team, this last visit in "Antigone" gave us the chance to form an opinion on how the economic support of the authorities can determine the actions of NGOs in Greece. By contrast, we realised that even through difficulties there are people who still dream of a better world and seek for equality in the society. That's not only optimistic but also a motive for us to continue battle for our beliefs and taking even further action to change discriminative behaviours towards our peers!!!!"

Reported by 

Vassilina

Greece

Unesco Youth Club of Thessaloniki

Visit 1 - Family and Child organization

Today we had the chance to visit a non-profit organization "Οικογένεια και Παιδί" (Family and Child) that constitutes a perfect example of what selflessness & dedication can achieve. 

The organization was founded in August 2012 and its primary aim is to assist people in need by providing them with economic, social and psychological support. Their role is particularly important especially if one takes into account that in the crisis-stricken Greece more and more people face unemployment and live on the edge of poverty. However, we must not assume that "Family and Child" only targets unemployed people; the services that the organization has to offer benefit all kinds of individuals ranging from refugees to single parents.  There is in other words, no discrimination and the workers there really strive to help our fellow citizens any way that they can. What I personally saw in our visit to the organization was a bunch of active individuals who are committed to their cause and above all invest their mind & soul in what they do.

John Lennon — 'A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.'

A day of visits

Despite a very wet day in Thessaloniki the team have been out visiting exciting NGO's - reports to follow...

YOUTH AGAINST EXTREMISM- Polly's Story

Polly's story:

"I am Polly and I live in Hungary. When I was in the kindergarden I had some racist attacks from my classmates. They were asking me why my skin was darker than theirs or if I was just dirty. They even asked me if I was sick. They thought that we -the gypsies- are loud and angry people without having a knowledge about this. They just said so. It is a truth that we might have some different cultures or that we wear colourful dresses but this does not mean that we are not like other humans."

Concerning her reaction to these comments, she says that " I was always crying a lot and seeking for my mother's support. It was really sad for a small child to be treated like this. I could not say anything to protect myself."

However, she admits that "Now the situation is completely different. I have plenty of friends who do not care that I am a gypsy."

"Finally, I would like to point out that childrens reactions at kindergarden were a result of their parents beliefs against gypsies and the education they received within the family."

Reported by Vassilina Vassou

YOUTH AGAINST EXTREMISM- Siobhan's Story

I am Vassilina Vassou - trainee at Unesco Youth Club of Thessaloniki and I would like to present you the short stories two partishipants narrated me about two incidents of extremism they experienced.

Siobhan - London

" Two weeks ago in London we were walking home with my friend when we were attacked my two white extremist and racist guys. Initially, we noticed a car which was passing us driving to the opposite direction on the road. The two white guys in the car stared at us and suddenly they pulled the car over just next to us. They came out of the car starting shouting at my mixed colour friend, insulting him and screaming "We f*** hate niggas".

One of the guys went back to the car and took a knife so as to threaten us. I went in front of my friend so as to prevent them from hurting him but they managed to side me over and scratched my friend's face with the knife. I was calling for help, the neighbours got out in the windows but nobody was willing to interfere in such a dangerous incident."

"I strongly believe", said Siobhan that "They surely had no knowledge or education from neither their parents or society on how to deal with people who are different from us. We all deserve the equality. Apparently, they did not know what equality was, judging from their reaction.I think that these people should get a training of 10 or 20 or even more hours to learn about differencies and equality and stop reacting like this."

"Concerning my feelings at this time, I have to admit that I was so scared at first that I was shaking for some moments cause I was sure we both gonna die if they had a gun. Afterwards, I was and I am really sad about this incident because they really had no reason to be that racist against my friend. I felt really angry at them. It was just a horrible experience and for sure really extremist".

"It is widely known that the rates of extremism in UK have decreased a lot compared to the past. However, this does not mean that there are no racists who attack and battle against differencies in the society".

She also mentioned that " It was the first time for my friend of being attacked by racists. He was not as upset as I was and he thought everything happens for a reason."

Reported by Vassilina Vassou

Christopher fell asleep

After a few late nights Christopher from Hungary couldn't keep up with the pace and had to have an afternoon siesta, this gave other participants and chance to practice their art skills!

News from the world today...

http://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/dec/07/judge-resigns-racist-remark-about-victim-richard-hollingworth?CMP=fb_gu

Crack pot or Paul appreciating culture?

So yesterday we sent teams out on the Thessaloniki challenge - the aim was to get to know each other and learn about this historic city. It was also a chance to interview on camera local people in Greece about their experiences of extremism. 

As always we had some great results and  we saw some amazing sights, including this 2 metre Greek pot.

Later on in the day we saw two marches - young people expressing their right to a democratic voice. Watching the police antagonise the crowds I thought the police had a much more extremists agenda

Here are two video clips from the protests. 

Our team on the run!! Thesalonpest!!

This is Team "We love selfies" 

Humid thessaloniki in the morning

It started off wet but by the time the Thessaloniki challenge started the weather was very pleasant, blue skies and warm for December this was very unexpected but perfect for the activity. Thank you Greek weather for helping us make the day very enjoyable

Not my words. - but I love them

These wise words seemed apt...

Robin 

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

© Max Ehrmann 1927

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Sums it all up really....

I saw this and thought of YAE....

Thousands gather in Greece for fatal police shooting anniversary; clashes in Thessaloniki | Fox News

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/12/06/thousands-gather-in-greece-for-fatal-police-shooting-anniversary-clashes-in/#.VINloyOPE-o.mailto


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YAE Youngers

YAE YOUNGERS.....
Kids against extremism!!!

I ♥ chocolate

The Hungarian Team has already arrived to Greece, too! Let the experience begin! ;)

Travelling to Greece