Media
often reports on cultural, economic and social initiatives born
in the middle of the poorest areas of the world's major cities.
This informational function is important, since it is a well-known
fact that these numerous endeavours- creation of education centers
for all ages, recycling centers, social promotion for youth and
adults, and improvements in the quality of life- are important
for all to know. In our societies, too often dominated by high
technology and the arrogant success of some industries, these
projects vividly exemplify the hidden face of the richness of
poverty.
This
new issue of "Confluences - the WFUCA courrier", the
first one to be put on line after the pilot issue, continues the
policy of information followed continuously for about 15 years.
In it, you will still find the same sections as in the former
"paper" version, but now broadly illustrated in colour.
We hope that it fulfils its role in coordinating our network,
inviting action and promoting inter-cultural communication.
For lack of financial means, it was completely set up and carried
out thanks to the work of volunteers, as it is often the case
in NGOs like ours. As you know, the year 2002 was particularly
hard for our work in facilitating and coordinating the movement,
due to the absence of financing. But this lack of funds did not
prevent the brilliant success of the first "Youth forum"
and first "expo-clubs" in Krakow last July, or the technically
difficult establishment of this web site, or the expansion of
our movement to Brazil, Gambia, Philippines, Saint Lucia
And yet we can see on the horizon the second "World Youth
forum" and the second "expo-clubs", in Manilla,
Philippines, in August 2003. In addition, the elected members
of the Executive Board are working to prepare the 6th Congress
of WFUCA, which will take place in Nafpaktos (Greece) in a few
months. It will be rich in cultural and artistic events, as well
as pedagogical innovations.
And here they come, the tireless "messengers of peace"
seizing tangible and intangible heritage through the actions described
in this issue, launched by the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee, based
on the ideas of the Italian Clubs.
This
much is true: you will not find any of this featured in the "Markets"
or "financial" pages of our daily newspapers or magazines.
Instead,
let us turn to the "education", "society",
"culture" and "environment" pages. They are
rich with our poverty.
And
who is to complain?
Patrick
Gallaud
Secrétaire général
(1) : Title of a publication from worldwide known
Sister Emmanuelle.
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