NEWS from the Overtures Network
14 March 2008- 16 March 2008
“The Overture Network encourages Guide and Scout associations in the Europe to open up the associations for young people originating from ethnic and other minority groups. Since the network is working for its members, both the members and the organisations of the members can benefit from the network. The Network is open to all European Scout and Guide associations. The Network wants to bring together the views and practices of those who are working in the field - leaders of branches or groups - that are able to give witness of their daily experience, but also those responsible on the national or regional level that can promote and multiply certain pedagogical or strategic policies. All activities of the network are developed by request of the members and therefore aim to constantly satisfy the current need of information, activities and leadership training within the overture issue. You will find the overture-networks website at www.overture-network.org”
The recent meeting was attended on behalf of the Europe Region WAGGGS by Evgenia Beliakova, member of the Europe Committee WAGGGS. Below Evgenia shares the weekend with you.
The recent meeting was attended on behalf of the Europe Region WAGGGS by Evgenia Beliakova, member of the Europe Committee WAGGGS. Below Evgenia shares the weekend with you.
“Our hosts, The Swedish Guide and Scout Council welcomed us in their offices at Stora Essingen where both meetings of the Overture and the North-South networks were held. This was the last time the two networks planned to meet together making it an even more significant event as we enjoyed shared time during breaks, meals and evenings.
It was good to see a lot of familiar faces as well as many new ones which gave the Overture a fresh boost. During the weekend we had the opportunity to hear about the new project “Inner City Scouting” of the Swedish Guide and Scout Council . This project is particularly aimed at developing Guiding/Scouting in the cities and recruiting new members as well as motivating existing groups to organize activities visible to the public. A workshop, led by Marzia Conte from the European Commission, highlighted opportunities available in the ‘Youth in Action” programme. A project for Guiding/Scouting for gay young people in Sweden was also introduced. The Organization “Clowns without borders”, invited by our hosts, presented the work they are doing to support children in conflict areas of the world. This gave us a chance to “put on a clown mask” and to have some fun during games.
A field visit to Fryshuset, an amazingly large youth centre in Stockholm, impressed us with the number of opportunities they have to offer young people and changed our idea of what a youth centre might be.
On Saturday evening both the Overture and North-South networks had a chance to meet for an informal dinner with some live music and dancing!!
As usual during the whole week-end the participants had opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas and projects.
The next Overture meeting will be held in October in Milan, Italy. We are looking forward to an Overture with an Italian flavour!”
