The 4th- 5th April 2009 committed youths got together at “Humanitetens hus” in Skien for the Telemark Youth Conference. There where people from all the local branches in Telemark; especially Skien/Porsgrunn, Nome and Kragerø. The first day, Saturday, after a good energizer (ice breaker), the Red Cross Youth president, Camilla Helgesen, guest of honor, began the conference with a speech welcoming every one.

New AU

All the members were mind-refreshed about legislations, laws and membership in general, and about election and recruitment in particular.

A new committee was elected:

Leder: Selma Kuko

Nestleder: Iren Christensen

Medlem:

- Ida Sofie K. Johansen
- Tonje Skofteland
- Bjørnar L. Møllen

Presentations

Iren Christensen talked about the twinning project between Telemark and South-Africa. She explained what was done so far, and showed pictures taken a month ago when they were down there.

Iren Christen is talking about the South-Africa project.

The youth delegates, talked about the youth delegate programme after a short presentation of Rwanda Red Cross Youth. We encouraged them to be active and gain experience they can use later to apply for the youth delegate post.

Then we showed the movie “Fra Telemark til Fajikunda, Gambia”. It is about Skien/Porsgrunn/Ulefoss youths’ recent trip to Gambia in the encouragement, strengthening, sustainability and follow-up of the twinning Telemark-Fajikunda project.

At the end of the day a sum-up was done; were we all shared a jovial and cheerful dinner and said good night to each other.

Sunday began with an ice breaker. Then we started the workshop with stands (På flukt, menneskehandel, Regler i krig, Aktivt valg). The participants were divided in four groups and each group had 10 to 15 minutes to visit each stand, get information or ask questions.

Jennifer is explaining about Human trafficking.

Then, the participants were gathered in groups according to their local branches, and received a task to discuss what would be their spring great activity that they’re organizing in their branches. Each group presented and explained it’s plan.

Kragerø presents their main activity they are planning for this Spring.

In conclusion, the Red Cross Youth President thanked everybody for their participation and encouraged them to work hard to improve their branches, not only to get new members, but also keep the ones they already have active. She reminded them of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, 8th of May, and the theme this year: neutrality.

Thanks Telemark Red Cross for the thought, the preparations and the good running of the Conference. Thanks to everyone who took part (participants or facilitators) and everyone who helped in one way or another. Thanks Camilla Helgesen; your advice and assistance were very important.