"Hemispheres" - Observe, query, and understand, before acting: intelligent training on international solidarity

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Three weeks of training to observe the realities of the south, question the methods of mobilization, understand the interdependencies between hemispheres, then ACT! For this is the main objective of this training scheme : these young people will return to their countries and set up events and activities to raise public awareness of international solidarity and the fight against poverty.

Throughout the three weeks of training, participants were asked to work autonomously, to organise an event which they would be responsible for, either singly or in pairs. For Alexandra Polleau, program leader, the unique nature of this hands-on training is due to its « intelligent»format. The participants were asked to evaluate themselves constantly, and the program was adapted day-by-day to their needs and demands. Participants filled out daily reports on the courses, workshops and guest speakers, which they published regularly on their blog http://blog.fdh.org/hemispheres/; this blog served as a resumé of the skills and knowledge that had been assimilated. For Alexandra Polleau, the forum allowed participants to«create results and products out of raw materials, and to share these with others» The challenge was also to « step out of the bubble of fixed ideas»by creating local events to raise awareness in new people.

These public events will be held in the summer of 2009, beginning in June. They are quite varied: a theatrical production and an art expo in Italy, a “Message Carriers” workshop in the streets of Tallinn, posting of notice boards in schools and universities in France, Italy and Estonia, a local community festival in a French village, educational workshops for Spanish children … and more. Katrin of Estonia has already decided to organise in a few weeks a “Freeze Mob” in the 3 biggest shopping centers of Tallinn and Tartu, to provoke a debate on the issue of overconsumption. The preparation and carrying out of these events will be actively followed and supported by the associations who participate in “Hemispheres”.

 Two young participants of the first session of "Hemispheres".
Two young participants of the first session of "Hemispheres".

If you want more information on “Hemispheres” contact us at

This project is conducted with funding from the European Union.

Update: Tuesday 18 August 2009

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