club of v lunteersnewsletter n.11 december 2011

Editors Julina Canga and Silvia García - Design by Silvia García

club.of.volunteers@gmail.com, http://club-of-volunteers.blogspot.com

club of v lunteers

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club of v lunteers

CONTACT: Zavod Voluntariat - SCI Slovenia,

Cigaletova 9, 1000 Ljubljana, www.zavod-voluntariat.si

newsletter n.11 - december 2011Zavod Voluntariat - SCI Slovenia

editorial

Hello everyone!Welcome to the next edition of Club of Volunteers’ newsletter. In our 11th edition you will have the chance to read about Christmas all over the world. You will find out how is Christmas celebrated in Slovenia and in other countries like Spain, Finland, England, etc. In this newsletter you will have an overview of Global Christmas. Also you will have the chance to read the experience of our volunteers who went to Ghana and of Silvia and Julina, who will leave Slovenia soon. What do they think about volunteering in Ghana? What do EVS volunteers say about their experience? Find out about these and other activities that Club of Volunteers has been doing during this time. If you would like to share any of your ideas don’t hesitate to contact with Club of volunteers and the new volunteers from Poland, Macedonia and Italy that will be with us in the next weeks. Enjoy Christmas time, enjoy reading and stay positive!

, December 2011

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Staff and collaborators

Urška

Hartman Maruša Vukelič

Julina Canga

Katja Celin

Silvia García

Urban

Presker

Workcamps 2011

photos were made

by Tomaž Zajelšnik,

http://www.filofoto.si

Tomaž Zajelšnik

Marko Orel

Sanni Nieminen

Ausma Viesmane Stuart

Riddle

Erika Prijatelj Maja Isakovič

Ana Marija Kerner

index

Global Christmas

Božično novoletni prazniki¡Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo!Christmas in AlbaniaHyvää Joulua! - Merry Christmas!My English ChristmasChristmas time in Latvia

Club of Volunteers

Zamejanj žur! - Clothing exchange party!Child’s rights workshopsGLEN? Join us at Club of Volunteers!

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Editorial & welcome

Staff and contributors

Index

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Our volunteers

EVS Ghana 2011Akwaaba!Ana Plamenita workcampInterview with the EVS

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Global Christmas

It’s December and we can’t forget that Christmas is here! As the month enters, in all over the world you can hear people talking about presents, Christmas trees, music, lights, traditions and celebrations. You can’t forget about this because decorations around the city will remind you again and again that: It’s Christmas time! We all wonder how this atmosphere is in other countries, so here you have a few articles about how Christmas is celebrated in some countries. Do you want to know how are these big days celebrated in Slovenia, Spain, Albania, Finland, England and Latvia? Take your time and enjoy the following readings!

photo by Tomaž Zajelšnik

Božično novoletni praznikiKako boste pa vi proslavljali prihajajoče praznične dni? Si boste nadeli maske in se odpravili tulit okoli hiše ter odganjati zle duhove? Naaah, po vsej verjetnosti ne. Bolj verjetno se mi zdi, da se boste, tako kot nešteto drugih, odpravili na ljubljansko obrobje po kupe takšnih in drugačnih dobrin, ki jih vi in vaši bližnji vsekakor potrebujejo, jih skodranih živcev ter z zadnjimi močmi pritovorili domov in jih lično zapakirane postavili pod novoletno drevo in se po spokojni božični večerji nestrpno veselili njih vsebine. Nekaj dni kasneje boste morda vrgli kako petardo, dve in se veselili ob pogledu na raznobarvne rakete ter z vriski pozdravljali mlado leto, ki prihaja. Seveda obstaja tudi možnost, da boste praznovali čisto drugače ali pa sploh ne. Kljub vsemu pa je zgoraj omenjeni vzorec preživljanja božično – novoletnih praznikov dandanes prevladujoč, pri čemer pa ima tako obdarovanje kot pokanje petard in raket jedro nekje globje kot v modernem potrošniškem kapitalizmu.

Božično-novoletni čas je umeščen v najtemnejši del leta, ko tema zaradi pojemajoče moči sonca skorajda premaga svetlobo. Vse to je ljudem od nekdaj dajalo občutek skrivnostnosti in hkrati strahu, da sonce nikdar več ne bo vzšlo. Po poganskih verovanjih čas zimskega solsticija izkoriščajo temne sile, demoni in duhovi prednikov, ki iz kaotičnega sveta mrtvih začno prodirati v urejeni svet živih. Ljudje so jih na prenekateri način skušali s sveta živih pregnati nazaj pod zemljo v svet kaosa in teme, si natikali maske in jih s hrupom preganjali. Te pretekle načine pokanja in razgrajanja naokoli z namenom odganjanja temnih sil lahko enačimo z današnjim spuščanjem raket in pokanjem precej osovraženih petard in podobnim truščem. Medtem ko so soncu včasih pomagali s toploto in svetlobo ognja, kurjenjem kresov, so za današnji čas značilnejše lučke na jelkah ter živopisana mestna razsvetljava; če ste se v teh dneh kaj potikali po centru prestolnice veste, o čem govorim. Prav tako je bila danes mnogim najpomembnejša značilnost prazničnega časa – obdarovanje -prisotna že mnogo pred uveljavitvijo nam poznanega Miklavža, Božička in Dedka mraza. Darila so pogosto služila za odkup temnim silam, dobili pa so jih otroci, ki naj bi bili posredniki med spodnjim in zgornjim svetom. Obdarovani pa so bili tudi koledniki, ki so s truščem hodili po vasi, odganjali zimske demone in k hiši prinašali srečo, zdravje in dobro letino, v znak hvaležnosti pa odnesli kak dar. Po ljudskem verovanju so vsi poskusi prizadevanja odgnati temne sile na koncu le padli na plodna tla. Soncu nekaj dni pred Božičem z

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zadnjimi močmi uspe premagati temo, v času zimskega solsticija se nanovo rodi, začne vstajati in pridobivati na moči, svet teme pa je tako dokončno premagan. 25. december je bil v predkrščanskem obdobju praznik nepremagljivega sonca, dan rojstva boga sonca, imenovan božič. Ta pomemben dan je nekoliko kasneje uspešno uporabila tudi krščanska cerkev in nanj umestila svoj veliki dogodek, Kristusovo rojstvo, torej rojstvo božjega sina. Danes, po mnogih stoletjih močnega krščanstva, je božič veliko bolj v znamenju praznovanja Kristusovega rojstva, na rojstvo sina poganskega sončevega boga Svarožiča pa se je bolj ali manj pozabilo. Kljub temu pa so se ohranili razni poganski običaji, ki jih je zaradi njihove močne vsidranosti v vsakdan ljudi po svoje sprejela tudi cerkev, še bolj pa jih je vzljubilo moderno potrošništvo, ki jim je nadelo novo preobleko.

Maruša Vukelić, Slovenija

¡Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo!We could say that Christmas is quite religious holiday in Spain and that official holiday days for children and students, last around two weeks, from 24th of December till 6th of January. Christmas season officially begins 8th of December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. After this day, the streets are decorated with lights, Christmas trees, candles, all kind of hand-made decoration and “Nacimiento” or “Portal de Belén”(Nativity scenes), little figures that recreate Belén (Bethlehem) the village where Jesus borned.

Something curious it’s that every 22nd of December is celebrated one of the most popular lottery draws in Spain: “El sorteo de Navidad” (Christmas draw). The top price is called “El Gordo” (The Fat), which has the value of 300,000 euros for ticket. There is a summer campaign dedicated to buy a lottery ticket where people have gone for the holidays. During the draw, you can’t help listening to the radio or TV everywhere. Everyone is expecting to listen which one is the lucky number. “Que la suerte te acompañe” (Let luck on your side) is the slogan of this campaign, is related with money and it’s difficult to win but everyone during this day is full of hope and expectation.

Christmas Eve is known as “Nochebuena” (the Good Night). It’s a time for family members to gather

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together, having dinner, enjoying traditional sweets as “turrón, mazapán y polvorones”, singing Christmas carols, playing tambourines and “zambombas” and

maybe going to church to “la misa del gallo” (the mass of the rooster), receiving with it on Christmas day as the commemoration of Jesus’ birth. This mass is usually uncommon celebration cause is extremely happy, full of music and songs and also balloons are throw up in the middle of the church. This is at least a nice and personal childhood memory. The celebration continues through the wee hours of the morning with your family or going somewhere out with your friends. Don’t forget to grab you tambourine or any kind thing to make noise and sing in all your way back home or from bar to bar.

New Year’s Eve is called “Nochevieja” (The Old Night). One special tradition is that you eat the “12 lucky grapes” with the 12 strokes of the clock on December 31st at 00:00. Each grape represents a month of the coming year, so if you eat the twelve grapes, you are said to be lucky in the next year. The clock situated in “La Puerta del Sol” in Madrid, is usually the reference point for millions of Spanish people, watching it on TV and eating the 12 grapes at the same time. You can also find people from all over

The Day of the Innocents (28th of December) is an episode of Christianity: the killing of all children under two years born in Bethlehem, ordered by King Herod to get rid of the newborn Jesus of Nazareth. In Latin America and Spain all kind of jokes are perform during this day. The media (TV, newspapers...) make jokes cause is a freedom “gift” to media to indulge their sense of humour, an opportunity that only have once a year. In Spain the most popular joke is to put or stick a white rag doll in the back of the people.

the world coming to Madrid just to enjoy this magical moment live in this square and then to continue the party until next morning.

The Spanish Christmas continues until the Eve of Epiphany, January 5th. Epiphany celebrates when the Three Wise Men (“Los tres Reyes Magos” = The three Magic Kings) brought gifts to the baby Jesus. So, it is not Santa who comes to Spain bearing gifts, but the Three Wise Men. Previously children have to write letters to the Kings asking for toys and presents. Children place their shoes under the Christmas tree, but also they prepare some sweets for the Kings and a bucket with water is left for the camels that bring the Kings (they are hungry and thirsty after the hard work during the whole night leaving presents in every house) and in the secret of the night, the Three Wise Men pass leaving gifts. If the children have been bad, the Kings will leave pieces of coal made out of sugar.

A special cake called “Roscón de Reyes” is eaten at Epiphany. This cake is decorated with candied fruit, can be filled with cream or chocolate and contain a little gift and a dry bean. The person who finds the gift

will have luck during the new year. The person who has the pea must pay the cake next year.

I have to add also that Spain is quite big country full of many Spanish people (we are everywhere but even in Spain :), so in every different region or city you could find a lot of different traditions, foods, parades, curious religiuos celebration...

Enjoy Christmas time wherever you are, but don’t forget to eat your “12 lucky grapes” ;)

¡Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo 2012!

Silvia García, Spain

¡Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo!

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Christmas in AlbaniaAs a general description Christmas is celebrated across the world with great glory Christmas in Albania is really worth watching because they are different and celebrated among everyone.. The birth anniversary of Lord Jesus is an event celebrated for the Albanians too. The population of Albania is mixed with Moslems and Christians. But the best part is that both the religious communities celebrate this occasion with the same fervor. This is how this event is celebrated is unique in the aspect that are very different comparing on the other part of the world. We share this event between family members, relatives and friends. The traditional rituals like attending the midnight mass on 24th night and going to the church in the morning is religiously followed by all the Christians of Albania. Christmas is one of the most popular festivals of the nation. Gifts are exchanged on this auspicious occasion. The gift giving tradition is going on for a long time. All the households of the country cook their conventional Christmas meals on that day. Dining together is a must for all. Stuffed Turkey and delectable desserts form the most important part of Christian meals. Several tasty side dishes are also prepared. The famous dessert called Baklava which is known as Baklavas in American is the specialty of Albanian Christmas dinner. It is actually a pie which is very difficult to prepare. This is one of the most lip smacking dishes of Christmas. The Christmas Tree is a prominent feature of Albania Christmas. The capital city of Tirana is decorated with a huge Christmas tree.According my personal experience for the Christmas I don’t know if I know a lot about this event. As far as I am coming from a Muslim family we do not celebrate the tradition Christmas but we decorate the Christmas tree which is more concerning the New Year. Anyhow even if we have such a peaceful situation between religions so we wish each-other this day and especially to the friends which are Christian. For example last year two friends of mine they invited us for the Christmas dinner which was a nice evening. After it as not so much into the tradition schedule we went in a Karaoke night and some other friends went in the church at 12:00 PM. We were staying until late enjoying the music and than a walk around the city under the Christmas decorations. I would say for a part of our society which are not strictly religious Christmas means a holiday and an extra day in the calendar to celebrate.

Julina Canga, Albania

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Hyvää Joulua! - Merry Christmas!In Finland Christmas is usually family celebration. People travel to see their families and sometimes the Christmas can be one of the only times in the year when some family members see each other if they are living in the different parts of the country. Finns start to celebrate Christmas already before actual Christmas. Although Finland is not Catholic country and Finns don’t celebrate Saints they are celebrating 13th of December which is St. Lucia’s day: many schools and workplaces choose Lucia, usually blond young women to be the leader for “Christmas light” group. The group is usually singing some Christmas songs in kindergardens, schools and nursery homes in the area. The celebration came originally from Sweden to Finland and for most Finns it’s just reminding about the Christmas which is so close and give some light in the middle of darkest time of the year. Christmas Eve is (at least for the children) the most important day: in the evening people get and give presents, they eat Christmas dinner and go to sauna. Christmas day is for relaxing, eating the food from Christmas Eve, watching tv, going out for a walk and talk with your family.Some traditional things that Finns are doing in the Christmas are sauna, traditional Christmas meal and Santa Claus. Sauna is all the year really important for most of the Finns but Christmas sauna is maybe the most important time for sauna. Some old traditions say that people should be quiet in the Christmas sauna.

If people speak, there will be a lot of mosquitoes next summer. In old times people also believed that small elves and spirits were living with them in the houses, protecting the house from the bad. If people spoke in the Christmas sauna these elves got angry and didn’t protect the house anymore. If it’s possible, some Finns also want to go out from the sauna, lie and roll on snow and go back to sauna (sauna is usually around 80 to 110 degrees).

Santa Claus is important in Finnish Christmas traditions because Finns believe Santa Claus is living in Finland’s Lappland, place called “Korvatunturi”. Every year many tourist all over the world travels to Korvatunturi to see real Santa Claus. Actually they have so many visitors nowadays in Lappland that they had own “Santa Claus’ little helper” school: studying for one year you could become officially Santa Claus’ little helper, having a knowledge about tourism in Lappland and special knowledge about working in Korvatunturi.

One of the most important moments in the Christmas (after sauna) is eating together with the family the Christmas meal. Because Finland is northern country and in old times they didn’t have so much fresh food in the middle of the winter you can still see effect about this in traditional Finnish Christmas meal.

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Usually the Christmas meal includes Christmas ham with mustard (nowadays some families prefer turkey), freshly salted salmon, carrot-, potato-, rotabaga and liver casseroles, boiled potatoes, betroot salad, different sauces, fish, sweet Christmas bread, rice porridge, Christmas cookies and mulled wine or “glögg”. Finns use a lot of different vegetables in their Christmas meals and they also like to eat a lot of fish in their meals.

Hyvää Joulua! - Merry Christmas!

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One important thing for Finns in Christmas is also snow – “dark Christmas”, like they call Christmas if there isn’t any snow, is horrible and elder people can still remember dark Christmases after decades because snow is one of the things which makes Finnish Christmas spirit.

Sanni Nieminen, Finland

My English ChristmasAs long as I remember, preparations Christmas have begun as early as September, in a vain effort by shops and restaurants to squeeze every last penny out of you. However, if you’re not especially well-off, Christmas is a rare opportunity for the pretence of happiness and so making the preparations last makes a lotof sense. As a result, come December, I’d be the first to send out hoards or cheap tacky Christmas cards to random people I’ve not even said hello to throughout the year, I’d be first to nag my Mum to drag in the vast Christmas tree that had been growing in the garden since last year and decorate it so excessively that its identity is almost completely lost, I’d be the first to circle all the Christmas specials and repeated old movies in the TV listings magazine to ensure not a moment was missed, I’d also be out there searching endlessly for days, desperate for that ‘uniquely’ joy-giving gift for each member of my family - ultimately giving up and giving them the same old rubbish as last year! I loved this annual farce.The day itself however was generally quite disappointing.Like any family, our Christmas was about being together as a family. I was moved in with my brother for a few days so that my paternal grandfather could stay over. Meanwhile, my maternal grandparents made every effort possible to avoid us until after the big day – usually successfully. They were desperate to avoid the surfacing of old family issues that have a habit of popping up at this time of year.Christmas presents in England are opened on the morning of the 25th. The night before, across England parents are sharing stories of how father Christmas working so hard to deliver presents that he and his reindeer will only come them if they’ve been extremely good boys and girls. A sherry and a mince pie are left out for Santaand a carrot for Rudolph, so that they are thanked for delivering the presents. In our house, I’m afraid the magic was lacking, though we were very big consumers of mince pies. These are small super-sweet dessert pies filled with sugar, fruits and spices that have been boiled down for a long time; and they’re delicious! My brother and I were always up before my parents on Christmas morning and we were allowed to open a single present before breakfast. Inevitably the Christmas morning breakfast was the longest of the year and present opening was painfully delayed by my father’s masochism. Finally, we’d dive into the mountain of presents. In our family we were all about quantity rather than quality; amazing for an hour and then so thoroughly heart-breaking when the joy had faded and you’re sat, again, with a pile of chocolate, a few music cassettes and a mini keyboard that you’ll only ever play twice – waiting desperately for the next

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364 days to count down.Inevitably, my mother would spend the entire morning in the kitchen. My mum did not like cooking, but I know she was hugely grateful for not having to make ‘small talk’ with my grandfather - that would be my job! Mum would make huge amounts of food, it’s ‘tradition’ apparently! At exactly 12pmour Christmas dinner was served, identical every year. A sorrowful turkey the size of a lawnmower would sit with its legs apart in the centre of the table, we’d then have the ham joint that my grandfather would bring as an offering, roast potatoes, sage and onion stuffing (surprisingly tasty balls of herbs and fats which are cooked inside the turkey), pigs in blankets (mini sausages wrapped in bacon), broccoli, beans, carrots, bucket loads of gravy and of course Brussels sprouts and chestnuts; not fresh and skilfully prepared, but frozen and boiled to death. Actually I loved this meal, and always ate too much, but ultimately this is because I was greedy, growing and without a more desirable example to compare with.I’m lead to believe that Christmas day for my friends’ families was about going for walks in the woods, going to the local pub to meet friends, playing games as a family and generally indulging. Ours was about mindless disengagement and endless repeats on TV. Shame really, as we had a beautiful open fire in our lounge and the potential for glorious times was there. Sadly, we were all rubbish at communicating, and hadn’t really experienced what could be. More recently, going to see Carol concerts in historic chapels, ice-skating in grand public squares, visiting the German Christmas markets, even getting completely drunk with mates, have allprovided much more joyful and rejuvenating holiday activities, which, for me, now mark a Christmas to remember; a far cry from family stresses and the Doctor Who Christmas Special. I guess this is a tale of two stories which are true for all cultures; those who get through Christmas and those who embrace it. I’m now a strong advocate for embracing!

Stuart Riddle, England

Christmas time in Latvia Christmas time in Latvia is quiet and calm. It begins with the first advent when we lit the first candle in Advent wreath, and do that every Sunday until Christmas Eve. People who are religiously go to church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.Usually Christmas Eve is expected together in circle of family, but on Christmas day we are visiting relatives and closest friends. The special Latvian Christmas Eve meal is cooked brown peas with bacon sauce, it is necessary to eat all peas. If not the next year will be without any money and during next year there will be a lot of tears. On the table we must have 12 different dishes for a wealthy next year.For children the best part of Christmas of course is waiting for Santa Claus (in Latvian – Ziemassvētku vecītis) and preparing everything for that – decorating the Christmas tree and rooms with three-dimensional straw or reed ornaments which are usually made at home, but nowadays decorations can be purchased at store! And then when Ziemassvētku vecītis comes every child must know some Christmas poem and after he tells that, get a present, usually sweets and some toy! For young people in Latvia the best known and popular Christmas tradition is mumming (in Latvian – ekatas). The mummers are costumed and in different masks. The most common traditional masks are bears, horses, cranes, wolves, goats, haystacks, tall women, short men, death, fortune-tellers, and living corpses. Led by a “father”, the mummers travel from homestead to homestead or from village to village. In the past ancestry believed that mummers bring a home blessing, encourage fertility, and frighten away any evil spirits, but nowadays mumming is a good reason to visit all neighbors and friends without an invitation!Everywhere in big towns and small villages before Christmas are fairs where is possible to buy Gingerbread and Christmas decorations!Latvia also claims to be the home of the first Christmas Tree (In Latvian Ziemassvētku eglīte)! The first documented use of a evergreen tree at Christmas and New Year celebrations is in town square of Riga, the capital of Latvia, in the year 1510! In Latvian Happy/Merry Christmas is Priecīgus Ziemassvētkus!

Ausma Viesmane, Latvia

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Our volunteers

In the previous newsletter we were talking about the summer workcamps, but volunteers don’t notice the different seasons. They are always here and there. Some of them are back from Ghana and others who were volunteering in Slovenia will finish soon their volunteering programs. Reading the voices of experience it’s a great chance. You can learn from all the volunteers who were in Africa and also from EVS people. Are you still thinking to be a volunteer abroad but you don’t know where or how? The following experiences will help you to take a decision.

EVS Ghana 2011I was not planning to go to Ghana and being heartbroken, but that is exactly what happened.

I spent an amazing 6 weeks with my co-volunteers, coordinator and mentor, the local community and last but not least my wonderful kids, that made my time even worthwhile, otherwise my EVS would seem too much like a holiday, with the sandy beach, sunny weather, great company and wonderful food of Busua Ghana. I had a group of about 20 kids in Azani primary school, 3. and 4. grade and i was teaching them new styles of dancing. well, they all know how to dance, so maybe those are not the right words. i was teaching them jazz ballet, because i wanted them to think about the movements they were doing, not just repeat what i do. and it was obvious they had never come in to contact with this kind of dance and they were struggling, but it payed off in the end. we had a perfect presentation at the end of our project, when all the school came to see us and their parents and friends came too. what can be more rewarding after 5 weeks of hard work but everyone seeing it.my first plan was to do contemporary dance with them, but i realised the first day i came to Azani, communication will be a big issue, so i changed my plans.

EVS was a wonderful experience, I loved the way i was really involved in the local community, in ordinary travelling this is much harder to achieve.

Maja Isakovič

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Akwaaba!Pomeni dobrodošli in popotnik se res tako počuti ko obišče Gano, zahodnoafriško državo. Ob prihodu v Gano me je objel vlažen tropski zrak in čar noči je kot s pajčelanom spretno zakrival novo okolje. Jutro v Akri. Mešanica občutkov, čustev, ki so me prevzemali, so se mi vsrkali v vsak kotiček mojega telesa. Utrip okolja in njegov vrvež sta me objela kot kača svoj plen. Pozabila sem na svojo bit. Samo oči so tiste, ki zaznavajo, opazujejo, ko pa nekajkrat globok požirek sline počasi spolzi po tvojem grlu se zaveš svojega celotnega bitja, svoje narave. Boleči mehanizem se dotakne tvoje duše in njene umeščenosti v ta svet. Pa saj to bi lahko bil moj prvi kulturni šok. Proces navajanja v novo kulturo počasi premika svoje kolesje. Tako se je začela moja pot iz Akre, glavnega mesta Gane, do Busue, vasice ob morju Atlantika. Akra. Vlaga mi mehča kožo, ko se odpravim na ulico. Gneča, vročina, prah, avtomobili in predvsem veliko hupanja ter jaz z dvema kovčkoma ob sebi. Ganci so lahko med pogovorom zelo glasni zato lahko hitro pomisliš, da gre za prepir, vendar temu ni tako. Zanimiva je slednja anekdota o tem, da je njihovo glasno in strastno govorjenje povezano z ribištvom, kjer na morju okoliščine onemogočajo zmerno glasno govorjenje. Slišim vzklike iz okolja, gruča otrok se hihita in mi vztrajno maha z malimi ročicami dokler ne pogledam, Obruni, Obruni!! Beseda označuje belega človeka in ni slabšalnega pomena. Želim si, da je res tako. Na ulici se prebijam skozi živahno množico ljudi in ozke ulice s stojnicami, kjer je ponudba raznovrstna. Slasten ananas, papaja, banane, ki so sicer manjše od teh v naših trgovinah, posušeni kuščarji, živi polži, krvavi kosi rib in tropica muh naokoli. Še vedno slišim vzklike Obruni, Obruni! Da, zelo pogosto se zgodi, da domačini na srečanje z belim človekom reagirajo na glas. Počutim se tako bela.

Na poti do avtobusnega postajališča hrupni vrvež preglasi moški glas, ki vzklika Takoradi, Takoradi!! Da, tja sem jaz namenjena. Poleg avtobusa je že gruča glasnih prodajalcev, ki potnikom ponujajo svoje izdelke. Prav neverjetno je, kako prenašajo svoj težek prodajni tovor kar na glavi. In to predvsem

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ženske ter s kakšno eleganco in spretnostjo se gibajo v mestnem vrvežu z desetimi platoji jajc na glavi. Otroci niso izjema, prav nasprotno, komaj čakajo, da se naučijo te spretnosti nošnje tovora na glavi. In pogosto jih vidiš med uličnimi prodajalci, ki se borijo za vsakdanje preživetje. Voznega reda Ganci ne poznajo in odhod avtobusa se zgodi, ko je le ta poln. Vožnjo nam je popestril pridigar z glasnim govorom o spolnih boleznih sicer pa je peturna vožnja v klimatiziranem avtobusu minila kot bi trenil. Malce sem bila zaskrbljena kako prenašati dva težka kovčka vendar so bile moje skrbi odveč. Ljudje so res prijazni in pripravljeni pomagati brez pričakovanj. Bila sem začudena nad močjo moškega, ki je moj veliki kovček prenesel kar na glavi in ga položil v tro tro, hitri minibus, na katerem je bila že gneča. Tro tro ima poleg voznika tudi sprevodnika, ki skrbi za red in plačilo potnikov. Vožnja je cenovno zelo ugodna, vendar lahko povzroči pretres kosti, saj je že na pol razpadel in škripajoč tro tro v svoji vožnji zelo suveren.

V dobre pol ure smo prispeli v Agono. Poiskati Taxi ni bilo težko, saj jih kar mrgoli, vendar ne vem natančno kako spretno se je v mojem znašel prijazni nosač mojih kovčkov. In tako me je kar med vožnjo do Busue zasnubil, zapisal svojo telefonsko številko na papir in mi jo navdušeno izročil. Predstavnice ženskega spola naj se ob obisku Gane pripravijo na številna dvorjenja, saj tamkajšnji moški brez okolišenja opevajo tvojo lepoto in mnogi razkrijejo svoja hrepenenja o poroki z belo žensko. Drveli smo po vijugasti cesti, vzdolž katere nas je spremljalo na stotine visokih zelenih palm. Končno smo prispeli na cilj. Busua, magična obmorska velika vasica, ki šteje okrog 2000 prebivalcev. Busua je res prava afriška idila. Neskončna peščena plaža, palme in mogočni ocean, ki z valovi vztrajno buči na obalo, ti enostavno vedno znova vzamejo dih. Nenavadno zame, budilke tu nisem potrebovala, saj so me ptičje petje, meketanje koz in ovc ter zvok oceana vsako jutro prijetno prebudili v nov dan. Če njim ni uspelo je

pa vsekakor glasni pernati živali, petelinu, ki se je na vrhu ograje s kikirikanjem šopiril. Sprehod po vaškem okolju mi je vedno popestrila živalska druščina, koze, ovce, kokošje družine, psi. Meni, ljubiteljici živali se je zdelo to prav zabavno. Da, vsi so bili del ulične parade. Seveda se mi je porodilo vprašanje ali imajo lastnike in kako jih le ti prepoznajo. Nekatere koze so sicer imele okrog noge prevezo iz blaga, večinoma pa ne. Vendar lastnik ve, katera koza je njegova in bolje, da si je nihče ne drzne prilastiti z mislijo, da pa ena koza med mnogimi ne bo ostala nepogrešana, le dan ali dva in tat bo razkrinkan.

Po nekaj dneh bivanja pod afriškim nebom je moja bit začutila polnost bivanja in se osvobodila vrtinca, ki ga ji je povzročil kulturni tornado. Pranje perila na roke pod žgočim tropskim soncem je gospodinjsko opravilo, ki me je približalo nazaj k naravi. Prav slednja ter stik z afriško prstjo me je popeljal v občutek domačnosti, saj sem se počutila kot prava afriška gospodinja, ko sem urejala rožice in zelenjavni vrt s paradižniki, paprikami in jajčevci. Graditev medsebojnosti z vaško skupnostjo se je v pozitivnem duhu spontano razvijala, namreč domačini ne skrivajo njihove radovednosti do novega obiskovalca. Wow je izkušnja ko sem večerjala v pristnem afriškem domu, kjer so mi postregli fufu. To je juha, v kateri postrežejo ribo ali drugo meso ter mehko zmešano maso, ki jo pridobijo ko s tolčenjem zmesijo jam ali kasavo (gomoljnici, ki sta podobni krompirju vendar ga v velikosti presegata)z banani podobno zelenjavo (angl. plantain). Pred obrokom ti postrežejo še milo, vodo in krpo, saj se jed uživa z roko. Z njo odtrgaš košček mesa (največkrat je to riba, npr. tuna, barakuda) in jo prežvečiš nato odtrgaš del mase, jo pomočiš v juho, položiš v usta in jo brez žvečenja pogoltneš. Masa je res izjemno mehka in pri požiranju nisem imela nobenih težav. Poleg so mi postregli vrečko vode, katere rob pregrizneš kar z zobmi in nadaljuješ s pitjem. Po jedi ponovno sledi umivanje rok. Hrana je na splošno zelo pekoča, ljubitelji eksotike pa bodo v Gani prav tako prišli na svoj račun. Jaz globine kulinaričnega doživetja nisem zajela v vsej njeni širini, saj se je moje telo obnašalo uf, zadržano. Razlog temu

je bil upor telesa po zaužitju kemoprofilakse malarije. Afrika ni speča lepotica, katere lepoto obiskovalec užije brezpogojno. Hladna realnost je odgovornost in zavedanje, da je malarija črni madež njene lepote na katerega se je dobro pripraviti. Malarija je najbolj razširjena na Afriškem kontinentu, subsaharska Afrika pa slovi kot najbolj ogroženo malarično področje. Malarija je še vedno smrtonosna okužba, ki pa se jo da preprečiti in zdraviti. Otroci, nosečnice in ljudje z nizkim imunskim sistemom pa veljajo kot najbolj rizična skupina. Prenašalka malarije je okužena samica komarja vrste Anopheles, ki se najpogosteje pojavlja ob mraku in zori, kjer preži na svoj potencialni vbod v žrtev, da bi na ta način poskrbela za svoje potomstvo. Malaria Foundation International navaja štiri malarijske parazite, ki jih samica prenaša, od tega sta dva najpogostejša. Plazmodij falciparum, ki je najpogostejši v Afriki, je potencialno smrtonosen in plazmodij vivax, najbolj razširjen tudi v Afriki in pa Aziji, Srednjem Vzhodu, Oceaniji, Ameriki, ponovno se pa pojavlja tudi v Vzhodni Evropi in redko predstavlja smrtno ogroženost. Zaskrbljujoče je, da je odpornost plazmodija na preventivne ukrepe vedno višja in načina kako popolnoma kljubovati malariji še ni. Enocelični parazit s štirinajstimi kromosomi in več kot pet tisoč geni predstavlja zloglasnega ubijalskega komarja, kateremu znanstveniki želijo spremeniti DNK in na ta način zmanjšati število obolelih za malarijo. Popolnoma ubežati komarjevim pikom je nemogoče, čeprav je smrdeči repelent postal moj stalni spremljevalec. Po klepetu z domačini izvem, da izkusijo približno pet epizod malarije na leto, odvisno od posameznika in njegove imunosti. Pomemben je takojšnji ukrep v boj zoper okužbo, to pomeni obisk zdravnika in zdravljenje z zdravili. Oh da, ob vrnitvi v Evropo in zavedanju, da sem zapustila malarično področje sem se oddahnila ob dejstvu, da name preži nesramno mali leteči insekt.

Moralni vakuum sodobnega sveta duši mojo dušo, ki pa obenem hrepeni po presežnosti človeškega bivanja, katerega omogoča le sobivanje. Kako razpreti krila in poleteti ne da jih potolče duh materializma? Sledila sem svojemu notranjemu glasu

Akwaaba!

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in ta me je popeljal na darmično pot v Gano. Kako pokloniti del sebe. Otroci. Mali navihančki. Želela sem jih spoznati, se jim pridružiti v njihov svet. Skupaj smo preživeli en mesec, družili pa smo se v knjižnici. Naše aktivnosti so bile branje, pisanje, sestavljanje puzzlov, učenje angleščine, najbolj so bili pa veseli ko smo risali. Skupinica je štela do petnajst otrok, odvisno od dneva in njihove prisotnosti. Šola je okolje, kjer veljajo stroga pravila , dejavnosti v knjižnici pa so sprejemali v bolj sproščenem duhu. Zanimiv je bil dogodek, na dan, ko so bili res živahni. Skakali so naokoli, se valjali pod mizo. Nato pa me eden izmed učencev preseneti, ko mi v roke potisne kratko šibo, ostali pa le radovedno gledajo kaj bom z njo storila. Namreč v šoli se večkrat zgodi, da jih dobijo po riti in to ne samo enkrat, pa tudi šiba ni tako majhna kot je bila ta. Angleščina je uradni jezik vendar Ganci govorijo več kot petdeset lokalnih jezikov. Znanje angleščine je pri otrocih zelo slabo, razlog za to pa je tudi zelo nizka kultura učenja v sami skupnosti. Okoljevarstvo prav tako kliče po akciji. Naj poudarim plastične vrečke, v katerih prodajajo vodo in se dobesedno bohotijo vsepovsod po tleh, verjetno pa ne bomo našli izjem, ki ne onesnažujejo, saj lahko s prstom za tako razdejanje pokažemo na vaškega prvošolčka ali pa na cerkvenega pastorja. Ganci dihajo z vero, z Bogom. Največji delež vernikov predstavljajo kristjani. Mnogo je bilo noči, ko sem v polsnu slišala prepevanje, nagovarjanje Boga v melodiji vse dokler se ni zgodilo rojstvo jutranje zore. Obisk cerkvenega obreda je nepozabna izkušnja, ki bi se verjetno dotaknila tudi nevernika. Pastorka je pridigo vodila delno tudi v angleškem jeziku, da bi

bila razumljiva tudi meni. V spremljavi bobnov smo glasno peli, ploskali in plesali. Naš prostor, tako nabit s čustvi me je kar posrkal v drugo dimenzijo in tako je bilo moje nedeljsko dopoldne zaznamovano v duhu Božje besede.Doživetje praznične Gane sem občutila v duhu Kwama Nkrumaha, ki je leta 1960 postal prvi ganski predsednik, črni zvezdi afrike, saj se je pod njegovim vodstvom kot prva država osamosvojila leta 1957. Praznik Dan ustanovitelja se praznuje 21. septembra, to je na njegov rojstni dan in na ta dan je dela prost dan, v Busui pa smo imeli organiziran tudi kulturni dogodek. Kmalu sem ugotovila, da ženske posvečajo veliko pozornosti svoji pričeski in te lepote ni bilo mogoče kar prezreti. Pletene kitke so tradicionalna oblika pričeske, le ta pa je lahko oblikovana na sto in en način. Pletilke kit so prave umetnice, saj poleg različnih stilov oblikovanja kitk v lase dodajajo tudi lasne vložke, različnih barv in dolžin. Moja nova prijateljica Jennifer, mi je uredila obisk pri lokalni pletilki kitk in Sara je pričela z oblikovanjem moje nove pričeske na njenem domačem dvorišču. Proces pletenja kitk se je spremenil v pravi ženski žur, z vsemi sočnimi vsebinami in smehom, ki jih ženske premoremo. Več urno že nestrpno sedenje pa ni bilo zaman, nova pričeska z afriškim pridihom je krasila moj obraz, njegova lepota pa je samo približek pristni lepoti afriških žensk. Čokoladna polt, polne ustnice in globina črnih oči me vedno znova osupnejo, doumevanje njihove lepote prevzame moj duh, tako naravna in pristna se mi zdi.Rokovanje je v Gani najbolj pogost način pozdrava, posebna zabavna različica le tega pa je rokovanje

Akwaaba!

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med katerim udeleženca zaključita stik z rokami s tem ko prstna sredinca tleskneta med seboj. Sprehod po ulici večkrat vzame več časa kot pa običajno, saj mimoidoči želijo izvedeti kdo sem, iz kje prihajam, kam grem…V Busui ljudje živijo predvsem od kmetovanja, nekaj je tudi ribištva predvsem se pa od ostalih krajev razlikuje po tem, da turistično cveti. Obisk sosednjih vasi me je vznemiril z različnimi občutki in posebnim doživetjem, saj je vsaka po svoje edinstvena. V Dixcovu je vonj po surovih ribah takoj nasičil moje nosne brbončice, v malem pristaniškem zalivu se pisane ribiške ladje kar gnetejo ena ob drugi. Dixcove je ribiška vas, nad katero kraljuje bela trdnjava Fort Metal Cross, ki so ga evropejci zgradili ob koncu 16. stoletja, v njem pa so trgovali z zlatom, slonovino, začimbami in sužnji. Z Jennifer sva bili namenjeni na ogled bolnišnice in na poti skozi vas sem gručo otrok vznemirila s svojo zahodnjaško pojavo. Obruni, Obruni!! Zavedanje, da moje telo pokriva bela koža je predramilo mojo pozornost, medtem ko so z otroško vznesenostjo tekali naokrog mene, se me hoteli dotikati, v tem pa jih je Jennifer z vzkliki pomirila. Druga vasica, ki objema Busuo je Butre. Majhna ribiška vasica s peščeno plažo, kot v pravljici. Tu sem imela občutek, da je to kraj na koncu sveta, kamor lahko zbežiš in te nihče nikoli ne najde. Magično. Tu lahko prespiš v mali hiški na količkih, v kateri je postelja in ventilator. Ko se pa zjutraj prebudiš in povzpneš navzdol ti ne preostane drugega kot, da začutiš mivko med prsti, pogled se ti ustavi v neskončnem modrem obrisu, v drugem trenutku pa sledi obvezen dotik telesa z morjem. Na plaži srečam osamelo popotnico, sedela je na majhnem lesenem stolčku s knjigo v roki, zraven pa speč afriški pes, daleč naokoli pa ni živi duše. Izza zelenega grmičevja se pojavijo redki mimoidoči, ženska na glavi prenaša veliko polno košaro, kmalu za njo pa stopicljata še dva malčka, oba z malim tovorom na glavi sledita mami. Tretja malčica, zavita v ruto na materinem hrbtu se pozibava v ritmu njene hoje in kmalu za njimi ostanejo le še sledi v zlati peščeni sipini. Vsakodnevni prizor kot je nošnja malčkov na hrbtu matere privabi moje razmišljanje o tem, kako ta praktična oblika stika njunih teles, otroku nudi materinsko zavetje v svoji najčistejši obliki.Ob pomisli, da se moj čas na afriškem kontinentu izteka, si spet zaželim srečanja s seboj na zlati sipini, kjer ocean priliva in odliva črno skalovje. Kjer moj pogled v oddaljenih meglicah obale zasanjano obtiči v lepoti narave. Lepota je pot v našo zavest in njeno širitev, govori Platon. Lepota ima moč, ki nas popelje v osebno in nadosebno rast. Sega od ravni materialnega pa vse do subtilne ravni izkušnje, ki presega fizično lepoto in se skriva v naši notranjosti.

Pogled sem osredotočila na gladino morja in uzrla v širno obzorje Atlantika. Z vizualizacijo sem segla onkraj morskega obzorja, zatem pa me je pogled popeljal okrog zemeljske oble s posvetitvijo pozitivne energije in ljubezni vsem živim bitjem. Koliko materialnih in duhovnih različnosti najdemo med nami, naj nam te služijo v preoblikovanje naših misli in odnosa do sebe, odnosa do vseh čutečih bitij. Človek lahko s svojimi sebičnimi stališči odvrača svoj um od možnosti spremembe, tako je zazrt v lasten jaz, da se ga pogosto loti strah pred različnostjo. V strahu poskušam zaupati, svojo bolečino pa posredovati v obliki sočutja. Izkušnja bivanja v Gani se v meni še nadaljuje, čeprav so vroči tropski žarki le spomin v hladni belini prihajajoče zime. Christoph Ransmayr, pisatelj, razmišlja o človeku in pravi, da je vsak posameznik vezni člen med preteklostjo in prihodnostjo. Torej tu in zdaj lahko pričnem z dobrimi namerami. Nantseyie!

Erika Prijatelj

Viri: Ghana Westcoast. http://www.ghanawestcoast.com/gwc/index.phpTettey S. S. (2011). Malaria control in Ghana; challenges and opportunities. http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=208399Rebolj S. Soutripanje: Lepota – trenutek, ko se zavest razširi. www.cdk.si/soutripanje/st48/lepota.htmVrbnjak E., Pogledi.si. (2011): Ransmayr C.: Ne rodimo se kot tabula rasa. http://www.pogledi.si/ljudje/ne-rodimo-se-kot-tabula-rasaMalaria International Foundation. http://www.malaria.org/

Akwaaba!

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Ana Plamenita workcampFestival of fire - Ana the Flames, which was placed in Ljubljana - lovely capital of Slovenia, was my second work camp. The name of it sounded interesting to me and so I applied and I was accepted luckily! I had no expectations or assumptions what should I do on that camp or anything; I just wanted to escape from my ordinary student life – at least temporary, because this camp lasted only one week. And what a “escape” was that! Half of us volunteers stayed in Ljubljana after camp finished. I didn’t want to go home at all. Ljubljana was pleasant change for me, with all it’s foggy streets fulfilled with autumn. Our group of volunteers was really worldwide. There were participants from Hungary, Finland, Russia, Italy, USA, Belgium, two of us from Croatia and our camp leader was Spanish. Occasionally there were also few Slovenian volunteer people to jump in and help us. We worked together with the people from Ana Monro Theatre, who were the organizers of the whole festival; and with the group of artists from Belgium. First we had a brainstorming where everybody talked about his ideas for the festival, what could we do, what could be interesting for the visitors and that kind of stuff. It was really fruitful. Suddenly we had a lot of ideas to put into practice, and that was it – we started to do it with joint forces. We were busy with doing that whole week, but for the weekend we were ready to install all creations into location, which was new for this festival. It was next to the small river Gradaščica. The festival went great. There were many visitors and the atmosphere was really magical. Not only because of the fairy and water nymph, who walked around mystically - it was just because of that connection of the fire and the night. With so many sparkles in the air, you could easily fall in love. Work-hours were good. We were starting in 10am, so it wasn’t too hard to be there on time, although you were out last night till who knows what time. I didn’t mention that our accommodation was in hostel Celica, which is in Metelkova street - that explains everything I think. So we had surprisingly nice accommodation (at least for me). I liked my bed in Celica. After leaving it, few next nights I fantasized that I’m in it before I fall asleep. Breakfasts in Celica were also nice, especially coffee machine. Ok, that’s probably already too much details about Celica, but still I have to mention great kitchen on the second floor. Actually that’s a place for hanging out, it had a good contribution in building team spirit, I think. Maybe that kitchen was the reason of a good atmosphere in the camp, who knows. The atmosphere in the camp was pleasant and cheerful, not only between us volunteers, also between Ana Monro theatre people; and our camp leader was very special. She helped us with everything, directed us in charms of Ljubljana and she was a real friend to us.

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In the end, this experience was very unforgettable for me. Being part of this made me happy.

Ana Marija Kerner

photos by Tomaž Zajelšnik

Interview with the EVSJulina and Silvia have been the EVS volunteers during 2011 in Zavod Voluntariat. Silvia, from Spain, arrived in the end of January and finally Julina, from Albania, joined us at the end of March, she came directly for spring ;) The project in which they were working is named “Volunteers for volunteers 2011” and the main aim of this project was to coordinate the “Club of volunteers”, direct and propose new activities, workshops, events but also they were connected with the workcamps that Voluntariat-SCI Slovenia organized during the year.In this interview you can have a general overview of how they feel after their experience: the country, the work at Voluntariat, the knowledge adquire during this time and also some recommendations for future EVS.

Coordinator (Urban Presker): You have been staying almost one year in Slovenia as EVS volunteers. Firstly I would like to ask you about the closing of your project. Do you think that has achieved all the aims and goals?

Julina: Yes its true I have been staying here 9 months almost one year. In the begining I had it hard to understand what I was supposed to do but now that my project is finishing I think I understood my role and my responsabilities. I think that the project is ending succesufully and a lot of events were good organized.

Silvia: Yes, now I have a general overview of the whole year, what were the expectations when I applied for the project, how it started and all the activities we’ve done, so I can say again “yes”, we finished the project with high marks.

Coordinator: After this experience what do you suggest to the other volunteers that would like to do EVS but they are still undecided?

Julina: Definitely yes! I am so glad that I finished until the end my EVS experience even with some thoughts to quit in the meanwhile. Are some “EVS crisis” that you can not understand if you are not part of the EVS family. Also this big family has so many great things to share! New people all the time and from each of them you can learn something new. If you are still wondering to do EVS or not don’t waste your time wondering ….just start it :)

Silvia: I would suggest them to think carefully about what they want: long or short term project, if they

want to live in total unknown culture or not, what kind of work they would like to do, learn new things or share what they already know, if they are ready to live in a new environment and if they are really capable to respect the others, not just the culture and traditions “stuff” but respect the person as a person, not as someone different than you.

Coordinator: What did you gain from your EVS experience?

Julina: Where should I start it? :) For me each moment gave me something to gain. During my job I learned new things, I have been trained to work independently and also in enjoying working in groups. Expected the things that I have been learning during my work time the rest of time has been worthy too. I learned how to cook! :)

Silvia: I improved my capacity of how to deal with people. I’m less shy and less afraid of doing new things. I learned how to be objective with people and if I have to be critic, how to be fair and with some basis. I opened my mind and I learn a lot about many countries in the world, general culture, that can be very useful for your everyday life. Of course that I gained some friends, thank you guys for some great moments!

Coordinator: After all, what can you say about the relation between the country and the project? Are you glad that you choose Slovenia?

Julina: I don’t see the project related to the country. Most of the cases when volunteers ask me what to choose between the project or the country I usually say that the project has a lot of the importance but also the country. I would suggest a country which you

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Interview with the EVSknow the language a bit before coming because it could be easier. Anyway there are no formula-s about that. Well if I am glad that Slovenia chooses me, I would say yes as far as I haven’t tried to do the EVS somewhere else. :)

Silvia: I think the country is really important because of the ways of living and the character of the people, this can be a huge influence to the project. You are working with people, contacting them, talking with them, so of course this project would have been totally different if is taking place in Turkey, Netherlands or Spain. I’m glad to have been living in Slovenia, cause before I had my doubts of where exactly was situated on the map. I learned about the culture, the language, etc. but also I spread what I learned to Spain, and my family and friends know a little bit more about Slovenia.

Coordinator: Do you have something to say for the new EVS that are coming to replace in Voluntariat?

Julina: I would like to say to them: take it easy, learn and enjoy your EVS!

Silvia: Just enjoy the country, the city, the new people you’ll meet, travel as much as you can and be creative!

Coordinator: Thanks for the interview girls. I wish you good luck in your future plans and that your EVS will help you!

Julina: Hvala. Enako! :)

Silvia: Thanks, and I expect to see you soon in Spain :)

Urban PreskerEVS coordinator

Hvala za vse!Thanks to all the people of Voluntariat and everyone we found on the road and to those who gave us the chance to join this adventure of EVS.Se vidimo v Sloveniji!

Silvia & Julina, EVS volunteers in Voluntariat “Volunteers for volunteers 2011”

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club of v lunteers

What has been Club of Volunteers doing all this time? We have been learning more about Spanish language in our regular weekly lessons and other activities that were going on. We had for the second time our “Clothing exchange party”. Do you wonder how it was? Take a look to a further description of the party. During this time regular workshops have been going on for child’s rights in different elementary schools. If you would like to be part of these activities or you want to develop new ideas you know where to find us!

Zamejanj žur! - Clothing exchange party

Mnogokrat si naslikamo spomine na minuli čas s prizori, kjer se vidimo v tisti rdeči majčki s smešnim ovratnikom ter rjavo jopico, ki je bila tako neizmerno mehka. Vse stvari nosijo zgodbe s sabo, zato jih raje - kot smeti razvrednotimo - podarimo in omogočimo, da dajejo veselje naprej. Zatose jev Klubu prostovoljcevspletla ideja o ponovi uporabi stvari, ki sicer s svojo zgodbo vedno znova ježijo kožo, vendar ne pridejo več med ljudi, ker nas tiščijo tu ter žulijo tam ali pa nam preprosto več niso všeč. Zato smo se odločili privabiti vas in vaše »zgodbe« ter jih razstavili pod žarometi luči Menze pri Koritu. ZAMENJAJ ŽUR v sklopu Revita dogodkov, se je zgodil 11.10. 2011. Dogodek je bil še posebej zanimiv, saj smo združili zabavo in »oživljanje« oblačil. Prišli ste lahko vsi, se odprli svetu domišljije in si izbrali kose oblačil, ki ste jih posvojili in jim omogočili, da vas s svojo pripovedjo odevajo in živi naprej. Da pa je bila čarovnija še večja, so poskrbeli za glasbeno atmosfero N’toko, DJ MAKIS in DJ KANTRIMAN.Kakor z oblačili, je podobno tudi z igračami, knjigami, video igricami ter še čem. Zato nameravamo v Klubu prostovoljcev organizirati več tovrstnih dogodkov – z namenom, da uporabne stvari krožijo med nami, saj se s tem podaljša uporaba in hkrati zmanjša potrošnja ter kopičenje neuporabljenih stvari – ki slej, ko prej postanejo smeti.

Miša Bakan

photos by Tomaž Zajelšnik

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Child’s rights workshopsThe idea for having workshops on human rights education came to my mind while i was reading compassito. Compassito for those who don’t know yet it’s a manual book on human rights education for children. Reading page after page i got to know with a lot of different methods how children can know about human rights. In my opinion it is really an amazing book because gives strong messages through simple games. In the first sight when you start reading one of the games you can be a bit skeptic how the game can give a message but the result is really effective. While getting to know more and more about the content of the book I was thinking that if I would be a child and someone would come to present these concepts would be really a different class at school.That’s how it started. I had advises how to contact schools, how to present myself there and to be really clear what I wanted to do. All this advises helped me lot while I was having meetings on the schools. First I started to check all the Slovene schools on internet but than my method changed a bit because I started to look for international schools in Slovenia. I think I choose the easiest way to work because in this way I could solve one of the barriers that I might face -the language. This is the reason that I started to look for the international schools in Slovenia because I would do this workshops easier with the kids that already have the lessons in English comparing the local ones who has only lessons in Slovene. After arranging some meetings with different schools I could take the permission for doing workshops in the French School, British School and Danila Kumar School.

I had the first workshop in the French School with the kids of 2-nd grade. As a beginning It was really nice experience. The workshop started by a short presentation who we are and then I did a game called Rabbit’s Rights(We have a right to be happy, safe and healthy!). The duration of the game was 30 minutes. Goal of the game was to introduce the main concepts of CRC (Convention on the Rights of Child)and to show to children that they are instinctively aware of children’s rights and also to connect human needs with human rights.After the game we discussed with the group about CRC. The aim of the discussion was to explain that this document states the things to which every child in the world has a right.I made a simple presentation of this convention to the children to let them know about the rights that are mentioned in the CRC. In the end of activity everyone was asked to come up with one action that she or he could undertake to promote human rights.In the same frame were also the other workshops but

concerning different topics like: Gender Stereotype; Rights and Needs etc.

Julina Canga

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Vključi se v nov cikel GLEN!POZIV MLADIM K NEFORMALNEMU GLOBALNEMU UČENJU Z IZKUŠNJO PROSTOVOLJSTVA V TUJINI - GLEN

Zavod Voluntariat zopet vabi mlade med 21. in 30. letom starosti k sodelovanju v mednarodnem programu promocijskih aktivnosti globalnega učenja GLEN.

Aktivnosti potekajo v okviru evropske mreže za globalno učenje GLEN (www.glen-europe.org), katere namen je prispevati k boljšemu razumevanju globalne soodvisnosti, trajnostnega razvoja in odgovorne razvojne politike. V mrežo je vključenih 10 organizacij držav članic EU, ki omogočajo neformalno učenje prek trimesečnega prostovoljskega dela v t. i. državah globalnega Juga, usposabljanj za delo v teh državah, zaključnih seminarjev in izvedbe lastnih aktivnosti.

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GLEN se ne osredotoča le na prostovoljsko delo v državah globalnega juga, temveč je pomemben del predvsem prenos pridobljenega znanja in osveščanje evropske javnosti o globalnih soodvisnostih v svetu in globalnih problemih (npr. okolje, pravična trgovina, klimatske spremembe, demokracija, človekove pravice itd.). Osebna izkušnja prostovoljcem omogoča vpogled v življenje v gostujoči državi in razvoj kritičnega mišljenja ter sposobnosti, ki jim služijo kot vodilo, kako predstaviti globalne probleme širši javnosti v Evropi.Od zainteresiranih se pričakuje enoletno zavezanost k programu, kolikor traja GLEN cikel. Cikel obsega udeležbo na dveh pripravljalnih seminarjih, trimesečno prostovoljsko delo v eni izmed držav t.i. globalnega juga, aktivno angažiranost smislu organiziranja aktivnosti, ki prispevajo k boljšemu razumevanju širše javnosti o globalnih soodvisnosti v svetu ter udeležbo na zaključnem seminarju.V letošnjem letu so za slovenske prostovoljce na voljo zanimivi projekti v Gani, Burkini Faso in Indiji. Razpis za sodelovanje v ciklu GLEN 2012 bo izšel v kratkem, tako da zainteresirani pozorno spremljajte naše naslednje novičke.

Maja Dolinar

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