1-8 May 2005 Manisa, TURKEY

The Action 1 exchange was organized from Manisa Youth Centre between 1-8th of May 2005 in Manisa – Turkey.

There were invited young people between the ages 18-25 who were interested in the subject “Immigrants – who are they?”

The exchange was to give some answers while talking about immigrants` problems, breaking the stereotypes, overcoming the prejudice. We talked about the people who had to immigrate from their homelands because of some political, ethnical or other reasons, moreover their children who were born in the new country.

“Immigrands don`t feel themselves belonged to the new country while they aren`t a part of their homelands.”

We spoke about their fears, hopes and expectations.

The main objectives of the exchange were:

1. To bring young people together in order to create new ideas
2. To get known common European cultural variety
3. To help young people explaining their feelings free, to support the studies against racism
4. To create atmosphere of common understanding between people representing different cultures, working styles, etc.

The exchange programme was about the following themes and activities:

1. “Getting acquainted”
   Introduction to the topics. Why are we here? Are there any immigrants here? Do they have problems and what are they? Reasons for cultural degenerations.
2. “Immigrants – who are they?”
   Introducing our project to the local people and pres handing out the documents prepared to the people 3.“I have got a present for you. Would you accept it?
3. We prepared leaflets with the names of all participants. Each one of us had to choose one leafleton the principle of lottery. Nobody was supposed to know the name of the others` sicret friends. The aim was everyone to leave sicret messages or small presents to `his` or `her` sicret`s friend door in the way `he` or `she` to recognize `him` or `her` till the end of the exchange.
4. “Preparation and presentation of the participant countries` national nights”
   Each national group had to present its country – culture, traditions, national dances, food and drinks - throughout these seven nights stay.
5. “Visits to the local governments and social public comities and getting information”
6. “A trip to the places where the immigrants in Manisa live with the participation of the local press.” We visited The Macedonian Association in Manisa, where we met with immigrants from first to third generation. They shared different stories of their life in there and pointed out the reasons for leaving Macedonia. The people treated us to a good dinner and it came as a surprise to all of us when they gave special performance with national dances. 7.“Culture lab.”
7. “Sporting activities and pool activities”
   We enjoied fine weather in conjuction with soft tack and a lot of fun around the swimming pool. Back at Youth Center – interactive teaching of national dances and songs. 9.“Go sight -seeing ”
   Trips to `Ephesus Ruins`, `Mother Mary and a village`, `Cemse-Pahsa Harbour`, then we made our friendship wet at Koshadasa beach.
8. “Visit to a mosque”
   Different sensation, different atmosphere. Journey to Izmir – very beautiful town situated near the sea. We had free time for shoping and walk. 11.“Evaluation meeting”
   `When and where is our next meeting?` We said goodbye to our friends from Romania, Italy, Spain, Estonia and Turkey.

 The project “Immigrants – who are they?” was born from the neccessity to talk about people who took the road of immigrants.

 People who had to change not only their life but those of their children. Many of them had a rough time in order to help their families live better in a new country. They had to solve problems connected with getting legal papers, finding a well-paid job and at last but not least receiving a good education. We had a lot of discussions about immigrants and their faith outside homelands and it turned out that those were the main steps for an immigrant to do when settled in a foreign country.

We spent a great time in Manisa. Everything was perfect – the organization, the people, the hotel, the conditions, the food.

We had fun and work together. Our hosts from Manisa Youth Centre did their utmost in order to make us happy and comfortable. FRIENDS, THANK YOU for these wonderful 8 days full of surprises and emotions. THANK YOU for your professionalism, friendship and love. WE LOVE YOU TOO.