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International Volunteer Camp “Culture of Peace 2007“ – August 1-7, 2007, Ukraine, Slavske
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The “Culture of Peace 2007” International Volunteer Camp organized by IRFF Ukraine in cooperation with Sun Culture Center under the theme “Steps toward Achieving the Millennium Development Goals” was held during August 1-7, 2007 in the Carpathian Mountains, Slavs’ke. Participants from all over Ukraine, USA, Japan, Korea, Kyrgistan and Moldova have joined this colorful and unforgettable summer camp.
We listened to interactive presentations in English on Millennium Development Goals, NGO development, volunteer work, consequences of the sexual revolution, etc. We also had numerous excursions to beautiful natural sceneries and museums like: the top of Mount Trostyan with its gorgeous view which gives you a feeling that the whole region is on your palm; the Dovbush rocks – which have a “Robin Hood” like legend behind; a ride to the mountains on horses – which made even those who were scared because they never had the experience of relating to horses before, gain an amazing experience of reaching harmony in communicating with these mysterious creatures that are able to read your mind; the historical museum located in Slavs’ke which helped us touch history and feel the brave heart of our ancestors living in this region. All these experiences were enjoyable, helped us relax and learn much more about Ukraine’s history. We didn’t feel bored even for one second. During the seven days of our stay there was not even one similar day in terms of weather or mountains’ mood. Every single day the Carpathian Mountains showed their different character: they were cold and severe, bright and sunny, foggy and cloudy, rainy and fresh, cold and dull. We were simply thrilled with happiness from watching their magnificence and diversity.
We did plenty of sports: ping-pong, volleyball, badminton, swimming, billiard and hiking and also had a special concert program at which we presented the culture of each participating country: traditional costumes, cuisine, family traditions, dance, etc.
Here are some excerpts from the participants’ impressions:
- It’s great that we could meet foreigners and become friends. It’s also good that we could present our country’s culture to each other.
- I found out plenty of useful information through the lectures. The trainings have taught me how to work in a team and understand that I’m not always the leader and shouldn’t always lead. Sometimes it’s better to simply do what I can do best so that the whole team can achieve better results. I learned how to understand people better and it’s now getting easier to communicate with others. As our characters are different, we need to work hand in hand. The camp has charged me with plenty of energy and optimism which I would like to orient in the proper direction. Therefore I plan to work as a volunteer upon arrival to Kiev.
- The 1-day leadership training program organized together with the UNDP trainer helped me gain a better understanding of what leadership means, what should a leader be like, which qualities he should have, how he should relate with people in a team and what stand in life he should have.
We had also organized a service project in the school of “Tuhlya” town. This way we showed the locals our readiness and desire to work together with them for improving their well-being. It helped everyone understand that one’s own life and well-being is in one’s own hands.
The camp participants appreciated the staff’s work as simply great!
We’ve spent only 7 days in the Carpathians but our impressions and feelings were as if we had spent more than one month there. On the other hand time flew so quickly… Meanwhile the participants became close like one single family.
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After Climbing Mount Trostyan |
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Cultural Program |
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Cultural Program Leadership Training |
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Leadership Training |
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Origami |
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Service Project in Tuhlya School |
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Sports |
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Teamwork |
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Here are some excerpts from the participants’ impressions:
- It’s great that we could meet foreigners and become friends. It’s also good that we could present our country’s culture to each other.
- I found out plenty of useful information through the lectures. The trainings have taught me how to work in a team and understand that I’m not always the leader and shouldn’t always lead. Sometimes it’s better to simply do what I can do best so that the whole team can achieve better results. I learned how to understand people better and it’s now getting easier to communicate with others. As our characters are different, we need to work hand in hand. The camp has charged me with plenty of energy and optimism which I would like to orient in the proper direction. Therefore I plan to work as a volunteer upon arrival to Kiev.
- The 1-day leadership training program organized together with the UNDP trainer helped me gain a better understanding of what leadership means, what should a leader be like, which qualities he should have, how he should relate with people in a team and what stand in life he should have.
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