Thursday was an exciting and interesting day at the summer camp. First we took part in several workshops that participants led themselves, on the following topics.
Workshops:
- Recycled art
Using milk cartons, string and other bits and pieces, we made wallets, decorations and other items. It was funny to see how ordinary waste products can be re-used to make useful everyday items.
- Social and community spaces
We discussed how we can build social and community spaces in our towns and cities, where people can socialise, organise events and create stronger communities.
- Media and communication skills
We discussed how activists can get our messages across in the media.
- Screen printing T-shirts
We made colourful patterns on T-shirts and bags using screen printing techniques, with a design celebrating Young Friends of the Earth Europe’s fifth birthday.
- Social media
We discussed the importance of social media in organising activist activities. Facebook, twitter, etc have been a big factor in many recent social movements and allow the possibility of co-ordination across continents, as seen in the occupy movements that emerged last year.
- Fundraising for activist groups
Raising money can be one of the most challenging parts of environmental justice activism. We discussed different and creative ways we can raise money for our activities. - Getting support from the Youth in Action programme
The Youth in Action programme is a brilliant way for activists to get funding for projects. We discussed how YFoE Europe has benefited from this in the past and how to use this program for future projects: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/youth/
- Living in an eco village
We saw what we need to make an eco village, and the benefits that an eco village can have for us; healthy food, community life, local renewable energy, permaculture and much more. We looked at the case of a real eco village, in Cloughjordan in Ireland.
- How to consume less
We discussed the effects of media and marketing on our consumption habits. Studies show that the feeling of loneliness makes people over-consume. Friends of the Earth Latvia are working on a reality show style TV program to educate people about these issues in a fun way.
- Building a rocket stove with clay bricks
We made a stove with bricks made from clay, and straw. After fifteen days the stove will be able to be used for cooking.
- Purification balls
We got a liquid composed of micro-organisms and water, and some clay. Using our hands we mixed the two together and when it had the right texture we made balls. These balls can be used for decontaminating rivers, and have been successful in Japan.
Cultural exchange and celebrations
For lunch we had gazpacho, a typical Spanish cold soup dish, and a tasty rice dish with dried fruit and tofu. We then celebrated the 5th birthday of YFoEE with two delicious cakes.
Afterwards, some of our local hosts performed an traditional Galician ceremony of the Queimada Conxuro. Using a Galician drink with coffee grains and fruit, we burned away evil spirits.
Later there was a presentation of different countries food & drink, and we had a party with sevillanas dancing. One of our group, Lily from Ireland was surprised with a birthday celebration, where everyone sang her Happy Birthday in each of their different languages.