Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? October, 13th-21st 2012 Issoire, France Youth Exchange : Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? Issoire, France October, 13th – 21st 2012

Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? October, 13th-21st 2012 Issoire, France Project summary This project was aimed at bringing together young people from Ukraine, Moldova, Italy and France around a common reflection on this topic and at making them share their experience and conception of the place of ethnical and religious minorities in their respective countries. The objectives were to develop participants’ knowledge and skills through non-formal education methodology, to encourage intercultural exchange and behaviours and to foster cooperation for a more stable world. Through different workshops (work in groups, role-playing games, plenary sessions…) and visits to local communities (Roma people, Muslims, Jewish people), the participants experienced collective exploration and production in suggesting means to fight against racism and exclusion. In a context of economical crisis, triggering behaviours of reject and reluctance towards integration as well as the fear of some religions, namely Islam and communities, namely Roma people and Travellers, it is necessary to raise young people awareness on the topic of minorities, discriminations and exclusion. Jeunesse et Reconstruction wanted to bring together within this project youngsters from different realities to enrich the exchange and to enable the participants to better understand the interdependency between EU countries and neighbour countries : France and Italy had former colonial empires which shaped the migration movements after the colonies got independent; Ukraine and Moldova were former countries of USSR, and their history has also shaped the place of the different communities in these new countries.

Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? October, 13th-21st 2012 Issoire, France 2 French participants involved in logistics, preparing the arrival of the group. The venue: Issoire municipal camping

Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? October, 13th-21st 2012 Issoire, France Motivation, expectations & fears Introduction to the Youth Pass Learning diaries… Presentation of the YiA program

Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? October, 13th-21st 2012 Issoire, France Presentation of the situation of minorities in the different represented countries

Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? October, 13th-21st 2012 Issoire, France Visit to the Jewish Cultural Centre Jules Isaac in Clermont-Ferrand

Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? October, 13th-21st 2012 Issoire, France Visit to the Mosque of Clermont- Ferrand… … ending with mint tea and traditional pastries!

Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? October, 13th-21st 2012 Issoire, France Meeting youngsters at Issoire Youth Centre

Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? October, 13th-21st 2012 Issoire, France Excursion at the Volcano Park Exhibition on the Algerian war at the cityhall of Picherande Meeting with former soldiers

Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? October, 13th-21st 2012 Issoire, France Debriefing after role-playing games on discriminations & exclusion Visit to the Abbey Chruch of Issoire

Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? October, 13th-21st 2012 Issoire, France Public exhibition at the « Maison des Associations » of Issoire : sharing the experience with the locals The mayor of Issoire made a little speech to thank the participants and encourage youth active citizenship

Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? October, 13th-21st 2012 Issoire, France Youngsters from the Youth Centre closed the event with a hip-hop showcase Participants being interviewed by youngsters from the Youth Centre

Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? October, 13th-21st 2012 Issoire, France Intercultural nights French « Blanquette de Veau » Ukrainian food and dances

Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? October, 13th-21st 2012 Issoire, France Intercultural night: Italy Food, games, songs and learn how to become a real « Italian lover »

Ethnic and religious minorities: what perspectives for Europe? October, 13th-21st 2012 Issoire, France Many thanks to all the participants, the local partners and the Youth in Action Program!