Successful Ubuntu Conference in Brussels
In the framework of the Ubuntu project, AVSO organised a Conference entitled “International Voluntary Service as a tool for Development Education”, which was held at the European Economic and Social Committee, Brussels, last 25th of June.
The Conference, facilitated by Agnes Uhereczky, Director of AVSO and Helene Perold, Executive Director of VOSESA, was aimed at finding the links between the International Voluntary Service and the awareness on development issues among young people.
The conference’s panel was composed by Ian Barber – the Head of Unit, DG Development, European Commission; Karin Lopatta-Loilb – Youth Policy Unit, DG Education and Culture, European Commission; Laura Fuesers – Welwartz Programme, Germany; Magnus Anclair – Sweedish Centre for International Youth, Sweeden; Deline Van Boom – Cape Town Volunteer Centre, South Africa; MacBain Mkandawire – Yoneco, Malawi, Frida Soderberg,
Ubuntu Jury Member.
The members of the panel, with added input from facilitators and the audience, stressed the role of international volunteering in raising the understanding of development issues and of cultural diversity among the young volunteers and their environment; furthermore the main conclusion reached was the need for more qualitative and quantitative research in order to estimate the number of young international volunteers, their impact on the hosting community and the impact international voluntary service makes on their life as citizens and as young people.
Minutes of the conference are available to download.
The next Ubuntu Conference will take place in Johannesburg, and will focus on the question of international youth voluntary service as a tool for development.
