// Project summary
The aim of this exchange was to involve young women and men in awareness-raising activities with the issue of gender- based discrimination in east and west Europe;
The project took place in the forest, more or less in the wildness of Georgia. Parts of the activties was changing the social role of men and women during everyday-life!
34 youngsters from Georgia, Armenia, Poland, Turkey, France and Austria exchanged cooking-experiences, opinions, games and a lot more...
// Georgiaaaaa (Culture)
hey people - even so most of you don´t know who I am ;) - but tell me more about Georgiaaaaaaa! I am really curious how you spent your time at this interesting project, in this interesting country!!
Greetz from Salzburg (Akzente office)
verena
posted by Verena Sommerauer on 21/08/2008
// Greetings (Culture)
Hello everybody...
hope to see you soon here on this page and maybe also some nice pictures!
KISSES from Austria
posted by christina blassnig on 12/08/2008
// PEACE (Culture)
PEACE FOR GEORGIA!
Hope all our friends in Georgia are okay and this war is over soon!!!
posted by christina blassnig on 12/08/2008
// Intercultural Experience (Culture)
The Youth Exchange offered the possibility to exchange different attitudes, opinions and traditions. Especially during the night various points of view were discussed. The beliefs of some participants were certainly enriched and understanding was promoted. Everyone was willing to listen to his counterpart inquisitively and intensive contact was cultivated. Ten days in Georgia, integrated in a large group, were like living in a strong family. Due to the peaceful coexistence and obvious acceptance liaisons developed that connected the nations in addition. The fluctuation of temperature between day and night affected the health of some of the participants but the Austrian group remained steadfast.
The offer to climb the top of a volcano was appreciated by the Austrian group, who did it with enthusiasm. All five reached the top after an exhausted climbing. A free sight, the amazing, indescribable and unforgettable views rewarded the effort. Internal struggle and sore legs were forgotten and the feeling of freedom and unlimited power remained.
One day a sheep was slaughtered but the Austrian group has not yet revealed its purpose.
The last few days the participants spent in Kobuleti at the sea. After numerous meetings and relaxing hours at the beach a great farewell on Saturday evening as well as the birthday of the French group leader was celebrated. The encounter brought an unconscious change and left a positive mark on each of us.
posted by Verena Sommerauer on 10/07/2008
// Camp (Culture)
At the very first day we celebrated all together until early morning. Some volunteers had to get up early at six o’clock in the morning and go to the mountains in advance in order to “check” the situation and set up the tents. The majority of the youth group arrived at the camp late in the afternoon. The camp, which is listed in a Georgian map as a camping area, consisted of a self-constructed toilet without any water and a plastic sheet extended between three trees which served as a kitchen. In addition, there were two water tanks that served as a water dispenser for provisional morning “shower”.
Because of exciting discussions at the campfire every night it was very lively and the noise level did not fall before sunrise next day when the last youth got into their tents. Many a vociferous debate prevented one or the other participant from catching enough sleep every night.
The nights were icy cold and the sun burned the faces of the young people during the day. The thorough daily hygiene could be made up by in the lake during the day. The lack of comfort was compensated by a fascinating ambiente and the profound communication with people from different roots and origin. Gradually, other people from Czech Republic who went hiking and camping appeared at the clearing. They got integrated into the group already at their first evening. All of them were very hospitable and shared their food resources with the Austrian participants. So in return we shared our give-aways with them.
posted by Verena Sommerauer on 06/07/2008
// Arrival (Event)
At the airport in Batumi, Georgia, the five young Austrians were warmly welcomed by one of the organizers and “put” into a Marschutka (a Georgian Ford Transit for 15 people including luggage), which was available for further transport to the final destination.
The following 6 hours the Austrian group and the Turkish participants spent on a poorly paved road to Bakuriani. The unknown land offered first impressions of an amazing landscape and also a remarkable way of life: Cows directly beside the road used to the “considerate” car drivers who had won their driving licence at the lottery. Numerous toilet breaks and stops at the countless small shops with nightly opening hours along the road made travelling enjoyable to the travellers. Although it was already well after midnight, when the "Marschutka" reached the hotel in Bakuriani the whole team was received by participants of Georgia, France, Turkey, Armenia, Poland. Numerous helping hands to bring all the luggage into the rooms. After a short night a rural and substantial breakfast buffet was served to the participants of the six-nations-youth-encounter.
posted by Verena Sommerauer on 05/07/2008