FICE International events in Kenya - 25 March to 2 April 2017
FICE International
carried out Federal Council meeting, Conference and Professional Exchange visit in Kenya
In the period from 26 March to 2 April FICE International carried out Federal Council meeting, Conference, Professional Exchange visit and Study Visits in Kenya. The events were organized by FICE Kenya in cooperation with FICE International and FICE Austria.On 26 and 27 March professionals from FICE National Sections in Austria, the Netherlands, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria and Australia, as well as a representative of the partner organization RELAF from Argentina, took part in a professional exchange with local organizations. They had a chance to observe the daily activites and work of these organizations. Each of the participating professionals spent the evening and night with the family of their Kenyan counterparts, which allowed them to immerse fuly in the atmosphere of this lovely country, to gain understanding about the life of the Kenyan family and community. They were warmly welcomed and shared moments of friendliness, mutual understanding and acceptance, cultural exchange.
28 March was the day of the Federal Council meeting of FICE International. Delegates from Austria, the Netherlands, Serbia, Bulgaria, Australia, South Africa, Zambia, Scotland, as well as the representative of RELAF. Representatives of membership applicants from Croatia and Bangladesh were also present at the meeting. The Federal Council accpted four new associate members: FICE Croatia, FICE Denmark, FICE Bangladesh and SOS Children’s villages International. The meeting began with a short memorial of Carol Kelly, who passed away a short time before the events in Kenya. All of the delegates who knew her shared memories and experiences that they had with her throughout the years.
A conference on the topic “Child and youth care in a developing world - global perspectives” took place on 29 March. Distinguished experts from Africa, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia shared different points of view on the topic, related to the specific problems in their region. Each of the panels was followed by a heated professional discussions.
After the conference, the participants enjoyed together traditional food, music and dances during the “Cultural night”. It contributed to their full immersion in the atmosphere and traditions of Kenya. After the long and tiring day everyone was eager to take part in this celebration of African culture. The programme continued with a short theatre, prepared by a group of talented young people. Using acting and comedy, the youth presented a very serious problem, that professionals in kenya are facing, namely early pregnancies.
Afterwards the participants had the chance to visit one of the most famous landmarks of Kisumu - “Kit Mikayi” and to watch the sunset over the Lake Victoria.
EndFragmentThe next days presented a real adventure for the participants - a safari in the National Game Resort “Masai Mara”. The delegates had a chance to enjoy the beutiful nature and to observe various animals in their natural environment. The meeting with the Masai tribe also contributed to the full immersion of the participants in the traditions of Kenya. They were warmly welcomed and learned interesting stories about the tribe’s way of living, which has been preserved throughout the years and still follows the traditions of their ancestors.
Undoubtedly, this was an extraordinary experience both on the professional and cultural point of view.
Reports of the participants:
Report by Gitta Griffioen and Hanne Peerenboom from the Netherlands (in Dutch)
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