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EUROPEAN UNION FEDERATION OF YOUTH HOSTEL ASSOCIATIONS |
EUFED e-bulletin
We are pleased to send you the new edition of the EUFED e-bulletin, with latest information from the Federation, a summary of relevant EU developments and a selection of news items from our member Associations.
Mario Mohr, Operating Director
Michèle Obert, Coordinator
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The last EUFED Executive Committee meeting took place in Brussels on 2nd August 2007. The main issues were the preparation for the EUFED General Assembly and European Regional Youth Hostel Conference, taking place in Zurich Youth Hostel (Switzerland) from 23rd to 25th November, and the assessment of the Papers of the 3 Task Groups on Third Way Strategy, Harmonization/Membership/Preferred access and Marketing/Co-operation.
In 2003, the young French photographer Agostinho Pereira was assisted by EUFED and the Youth Hostel Associations of England & Wales, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain in his photo project "Linking Europa", an artistic and innovative project about European cultural diversity. As a result, Agostinho met many young Europeans (and young global travellers) who saw their travels as part of their personal development through exploring other cultures and consequently discovering themselves. What struck him was the attitude towards discovery they were all extolling.
"Travelling Generation" is a documentary project aiming to draw a portrait of this border-crossing generation which discover new cultures and finds its place in the world. The goal of "Travelling Generation" is to let the travellers talk about their own feelings and experiences. Agostinho started his project in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf Youth Hostel where he received warm support and he is now heading to the Algarve (Portugal) supported by MOVIJOVEM the Portuguese Youth Hostel Association. Videos on line...
InterRailNet.com has launched RailDance Express, an online game for aspiring InterRailers to experience the freedom of exploring different countries across Europe.
To coincide with the game, the online television channel Europocket.tv, supported by the European parliament, is broadcasting a show every weekday throughout August featuring two of their reporters on an InterRail trip. Accommodated in hostels across EUFED network, the reporters will visit a variety of destinations and will interview Rails Of Peace project participants in Vienna. The daily shows can be seen on the web sites www.europocket.tv and the InterRail weblog www.interrail-station.eu.
EUFED Project Assistant attends the European Youth and Sport Forum 2007
From 17th to 22nd June, Carolin Hee, EUFED Project Assistant, represented EUFED at the European Youth and Sport Forum 2007 which took place in Bonn (Germany). The Forum brought together 50 young people from 22 European countries to discuss and exchange ideas about intercultural communication, discrimination, diversity and social inclusion in sport. The motivation and engagement of the delegates during the different forum workshops resulted in a Declaration written by the participants. The Declaration consists of recommendations and actions about the development of societal and sport policies in Europe. To read the Declaration...
ManagEnergy is an initiative of the European Commission Directorate-General for Energy and Transport, which aims to support the work of actors working on energy efficiency and renewable energies at the local and regional level. This website includes a partner search system with some 3500 organisations, including 380 energy agencies, which can provide valuable expertise and partnerships on energy activities at local and regional levels. More information: http://www.managenergy.net/
This year the European Union is launching a new set of programmes amounting to € 975 billion over a seven-year period. These new funds will be easier to access, more transparent and better accounted for than in the past thanks to the reform of the EU financial management rules. For more information in English, French or German...
Leader+ is one of four initiatives financed by EU structural funds and is designed to help rural bodies consider the long-term potential of their local region. Encouraging the implementation of integrated, high-quality and original strategies for sustainable development, it has a strong focus on partnership and networks of exchange of experience.
The "partner search tool", using simple keywords, let's you look for LAGs (Local Action Groups) and interesting projects in specified Member States. You can search by themes and also combine with other options. You can also advertise your project to find suitable partners. More information...
To acknowledge the increasing social and economic role of sport in the European Union, the European Commission decided to prepare a White Paper on Sport. Based on extensive consultations, the White Paper gives an overview of the current state of play and provides strategic orientation on the role of sport in the European Union. Link...
The European Commission has just published draft application guidelines for the 2007 call for proposals under the LIFE+ programme : http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm
The 6th European Tourism Forum will be held at the Arade Pavilion, Algarve, in collaboration with the Portuguese Presidency from 25th to 27th October.
"Sustainable Management of Tourism Destinations" is the main theme whilst 3 sustainability-related topics will be discussed:
- Management and Conservation of the Natural and Cultural Heritage
- Management of Resources and Waste
- Sustainable Management: Corporate Responsibility for Competitiveness and Job Creation
The European Commission has launched a competition open to all young people, to raise awareness among young Europeans of what the EU does to combat discrimination. The competition is open to young people aged between 12 and 18. The participants will have to design a poster illustrating the idea of non-discrimination in the European Union. For more information: www.europayouth.eu
Everything at a glance: training within the YOUTH IN ACTION Programme and beyond! Are you curious about what Europe has to offer by way of training in the field of youth and non-formal education? Would you like to contribute to the varied range to make it even more attractive? Search this online calendar for interesting international training and use it to promote your own training offers! www.salto-youth.netFollowing the successful conference on Social Tourism which took place in January 2006, the Tourism Unit organised two events in 2007: a stakeholders' conference within the context of the "European Year 2007 of Equal Opportunities for All" and a workshop for stakeholders on youth. More information: http://ec.europa.eu
AN ÓIGE (Irish Youth Hostel Association) - Errigal is now open!
The Errigal hostel opened its doors on 1st July to the groups who were lucky enough to be booked in for this very important day for An Óige. The 5 star hostel boasts 60 beds in rooms ranging in size from 4 twin/double rooms, 7 four-bedded rooms to 4 six-bedded rooms. Some of these rooms are built in a mezzanine style and most bedrooms are en-suite.
The hostel is situated overlooking the Poisoned Glen in Dunlewey and at the foot of Errigal Mountain, and will feature a restaurant, a self-catering kitchen, meeting room and internet access. The location is ideal for hillwalking, hiking or fishing. www.anoige.ie
This exciting project provides funded opportunities for primary school children to experience a range of leisure, recreational and lifelong learning activities in a fun and friendly environment of a residential youth hostel setting.
These trips bring young people together from different backgrounds for a 2 day residential break in any of An Óige’s hostels funded by Provident Financial.
The activity breaks are designed to encourage groups of young people to develop new ideas and skills and to build the confidence to tackle everyday situations. Please contact Elaine Moore at emoore@anoige.ie or 01 8822561 for more details
DJH (German Youth Hostel Association) - Trier – Roman buildings and new youth hostel
2.000 years ago the Romans lived in Trier and erected impressive buildings such as an amphitheatre and a triumphal arch. Nowadays, the oldest city in Germany has got one of the newest youth hostels.
The building, which provides 236 beds has been recently completely refurbished for a total cost of € 1.9 million, and offers now a new bistro, 5 conference rooms and a reception area. All of the 63 attractive rooms are ensuite. The youth hostel is situated on the banks of the river Moselle. The city centre of the town with its 2000 years of history is not far away and can be reached by a short walk. www.jugendherberge.de
"Mobil", the magazine of Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) is promoting youth hostels and has dedicated 7 pages to this subject in their August edition with a banner headline: "More than beds and bread rolls". 500.000 copies will be distributed on all long distance trains during August and one million Deutsche Bahn customers are expected to read the article. To read the article...
From 28th July to 11th August 2007, 22 young people from Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, the United States, Germany and France gathered at Hostelling International Rimel in Tunisia, the Learning Centre for Peace.
The program has been an intensive experience of living, sharing and learning together in an effort to bridge cultural divisions. The programme prioritised dialogue and learning opportunities to increase tolerance and respect amongst all participants who agreed the event had been successful. For more information, please contact Fanny Rouanet at fanny.rouanet@fuaj.org. www.fuaj.org
From 28th to 30th August 2007, students and Youth Associations from all over Europe will gather in Dunkerque to share their point of view on solidarity. Nowadays, our society is suffering from social, civic, cultural and educational fractures. The objectives of the forum are to raise awareness and to propose solutions to facilitate integration for all. FUAJ has been supporting AFEV for many years and this event is another opportunity for FUAJ to show its support to an active youth association involved in youth participation, in equality and in the promotion of non-discrimination. www.afev.org - www.fuaj.org
In order to promote and embark on European exchanges, FUAJ has signed a contract with Inter-Echanges, an association specializing in EVS (European Voluntary Service) projects. In this way, the youth hostel managers who wish to set up non-formal project in their hostel can welcome a young European to participate in the project. Further information will follow on the future of this collaboration. www.fuaj.org
In February, the Executive Director of the Vietnamese Youth Hostel Association visited FUAJ in order to gain a better understanding of the French network and to set up an agreement protocol between both Associations. Tuong Nguyen Minh met the staff at FUAJ headquarters and visited Youth Hostels in Brittany. On 22nd February 2007, Edith Arnoult-Brill, FUAJ General Secretary and Tuong Nguyen Minh signed an agreement protocol based on mutual actions. In this way, FUAJ will share its know-how and expertise in the development and professionalisation of the VHI network while supporting a new organization and promoting French speaking within the HI network. www.fuaj.org
The Portimão Youth Hostel was officially reopened on 6th July 2007, after being closed for a couple of years. This revamped Hostel now offers modern, comfortable and well-equipped facilities and accommodates 180 guests in a choice of 26 twin en-suite rooms (4 suitable for wheelchair users) and 32 four-bedded rooms.
The Youth Hostel of Portimão is one of the most popular among young people who want to experience, not only the beautiful beaches of the Algarve, but also its lively nightlife. Praia da Rocha is one of the most popular resorts in southern Portugal. Located by the mouth of the Arade river, this beach extends over a huge area of sand some 3 kilometres long, irregularly broken up by odd rock formations that the sea has been carving out throughout tens of thousands of years.
The Alfeizerão Youth Hostel–São Martinho do Porto is back in business after a four-year break. This refurbished Youth Hostel, which is located 8 km away from São Martinho do Porto beach in the centre west of Portugal, now offers modern, comfortable and well-equipped facilities, providing 62 beds in 3 twin en-suite rooms (1 suitable for wheelchair users), 7 four-bedded rooms, 3 six-bedded rooms and 2 eight-bedded rooms.
With about 3 km of sandy beach, São Martinho do Porto is a much appreciated summer resort. The calm sea has the perfect conditions for both children and nautical sports such as windsurfing, sailing and canoeing. The region presents also great historical and cultural interests, with two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça, an architectural masterpiece from the early Gothic architecture, and the monastery of Batalha, famous for its Manueline style and the amazing vaulted ceiling of its Chapter House (without any central support), it is one of the most daring examples in European Gothic architecture. www.pousadasjuventude.pt
An EU project, managed by young people from Germany and Austria, about the history of the Concentration Camp Mohringen and the Nazi period in the southern part of Austria (Carinthia), took place in the Youth Hostel Klopeiner See.
EUFED President, Peter Kaiser, together with the local Mayor, Thomas Krainz, welcomed the 34 “young history explorers” in the Youth Hostel and expressed their support for such important projects initiated by the EU.
On 20th July 2007, the new Youth Hostel POD VOGLOM joined the Slovenian network. The hostel offers 118 beds in single, 2, 3 and 4 bedded-rooms, some of them ensuite.
The hostel is located in the beautiful site of the Bohinj Lake and provides a private beach only 10 meters away. You can relax in the vast garden in the loungers or in the hammock. The hostel is also the starting point for a great variety of outdoor PAC-sports activities – rafting, canyoning, paragliding, high ropes course, mountain biking... Bikes, canoes or kayaks are available for rental at the hostel. www.hostel-podvoglom.com
The old convent of “San Francisco” was recently restored. Situated on the “Ruta de la Plata” (Roman route linking the South to the North of Spain), the Youth Hostel is located in the centre of Zafra, close to the old part of town which was declared to be of Historical and Cultural Interest in 1965 and where you can visit the “Alcazar” or Ducal palace, the Parish Church of the Candelaria, the Palace of “Marques de Solanda”…
Zafra offers extremely rich cultural aspects and is also the commercial centre of the region. Its excellent geographical situation makes it the dynamic centre for different activities (cycling, trekking, climbing, etc.) and travelling. Not far away from Zafra, you can visit Mérida (World Heritage Site) with its most important archaeological remains of the Roman Period. www.reaj.com
The Red Nest Youth Hostel joined the Spanish network 2 months ago and provides 141 beds in 2, 4, 6 and 10-bedded rooms with services such as 24 hours reception, 3 internet points, telephone and fax, washing machine and dryer, common kitchen, reading and relaxing area, TV, DVD and HiFi…
The Youth Hostel is located in downtown Valencia, in one of the most important streets for contemporary architecture, and the building is a good example of the 19th century art in Spain. www.nesthostelsvalencia.com
The Hostel opened its doors 2 months ago after a complete refurbishment and now offers 192 beds in 4, 6 and 8-bedded rooms together with modern facilities (air conditioning, elevator...), for an agreeable, comfortable and relaxed stay.
The cosmopolitan city of Valencia has a wide cultural and natural heritage: museums (Museum of the Science, Museum of Fine arts...), monuments (Towers of Highland), parks (Botanical garden, Monforte's gardens, gardens of the “Real”...).
The Valencia coast is bathed by the Mediterranean and offers beaches, nice weather and activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing or walking/cycling routes.
New mountain biking trails at Balblair and Carbisdale Woods are now open to the public. The long awaited trails aim to attract thousands of additional visitors to central Sutherland each
year making the northern region of Scotland a haven for mountain bike enthusiasts. The new 10.5 mile trails have been designed by Rik Allsop from Dumfries, who is one of Scotland’s most experienced mountain bike trail designers. The trails consist of challenging and exhilarating black routes with easier blue routes for the beginner.
Carbisdale Castle is excellently placed for mountain bikers and provides excellent accommodation including self catering facilities, family and private rooms. The castle is also open to non residents and provides shower and toilet facilities for mountain bikers as well as light refreshments, snacks and main dishes. Mountain bikes can be hired on site. For those staying in the castle there is a bike shed available. To find out more information about Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel: www.syha.org.uk
"Give Us A Break" is an exciting project which provides funded opportunities for those most at risk of disadvantage in society to experience the benefits of participating in educational, social, cultural .jpg)
and recreational activities within the fun and friendly environment of a Youth Hostel setting.
"Give Us a Break" project is funded by Provident Financial and organised by Scottish Youth Hostels. The project aims to introduce young people to new environments, activities and experiences and to tackle social exclusion. The project covers all costs including transport, food, accommodation and activities.
If you wish to find out more, please visit: www.guab.org.uk
The ProEtnica Festival - Days of the Ethnic Communities in Romania - will take place for the 7th time in Sighisoara from 17th to 25th August 2007.
This Festival, organized under the "Unity in Diversity" motto, is the most important national project of the "Interethnic Educational Youth Center Association " and Burg Youth Hostel in Sighisoara. More information...
The last few weeks have seen yet more excited children embark on the adventure of a lifetime with YHA’s Do it 4 Real summer camps. The sell-out camps have been every bit as successful as the last two years, with even more activities and locations on offer to children aged 10-17.
Around 1 700 young people have taken part each week in activities ranging from extreme water sports to staring in a pop video. Thanks to a grant of £ 5.5 million from the Big Lottery Fund, disadvantaged children were again able to benefit from heavily discounted places, some for as little as £ 25.
YHA Sales and Marketing Director Alan Hopley said: “We know from experience that Do it 4 Real can make a big difference to children’s lives, particularly those who have never tried the activities we offer before, or have never stayed away from home. These camps break down barriers between children from different backgrounds, build confidence and encourage them to lead active lives.” www.doit4real.co.uk
YHA is overhauling its coffee and wine supplies to provide guests with the highest quality food and drink. All wine sold in licensed YHA locations across England and Wales will be exclusively organic by the end of this month. Instant coffee will also be a thing of the past come September, and guests can expect nothing less than Fair Trade freshly ground, organic coffee or beans from Café Direct at all locations.
“This move demonstrates a real commitment to organic production and represents a substantial step up in both quality and taste” said Col Rich, YHA Food and Beverage Manager. “We are continuing on a journey to change the face of our food and beverage offering and that means improving quality without compromising on value. Guests will be spoilt for choice with the new wine list, which will encompass around 40 organic wines. The majority are produced in Europe to cut down on ‘wine miles’, the carbon footprint of wine, and further contribute to the ethos of organic produce. Even more YHA locations will be able to offer this extensive range by the end of the year as the number of licensed properties is set to rise to almost 170, with wine sales predicted to treble in the next two years." www.yha.org.uk
YHA Guests can now stay in the heart of Monmouthshire surrounded by mountains and history thanks to a new property joining the network in Abergavenny. The Georgian manor was once part of St Michael’s Convent and is already an established environmental study centre. Sights such as Hereford Cathedral or Cardiff Castle are also within easy reach, while Llanthony Abbey or Raglan Castle is only a few minutes away.
YHA Abergavenny is a great base for outdoor activities with everything from walking and cycling to horse riding or paragliding close by.
The centre sleeps up to 76 people in small, private rooms and guests can enjoy its large private gardens and woodland. It also houses communal lounges, classrooms, conference facilities and a 2,500-volume environmental studies library. YHA Abergavenny enjoys a Visit Britain three star rating and has been short listed for the Visit Wales Award for its superior accommodation and dining standards.
Freshly cooked food is available from the restaurant, or guests can take advantage of the barbecue area. Packed lunches can be arranged, and special diets are catered for. www.yha.org.uk
With support from the General Budget
of the European Communities
The information contained in this publication does not necessarily reflect the position
or opinion of the European Commission
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