International Solidarity comes to Derbyshire
Over the weekend of 12th - 14th December, almost 200 Companions, volunteers, trustees and staff from across the Emmaus movement in the UK met up at Swanwick in Derbyshire for the annual Federation Assembly.
For many, one of the high points of the weekend was hearing from Dzenana Sabic, the Emmaus national delegate from Bosnia and Herzegovina, about the International Forum of Solidarity's work in that country.
Dzenana explained that the IFS was formed by members of the Red Crescent, Red Cross and Emmaus in 1999 in the aftermath of the war, when refugees began to return, having lost everything.
The IFS today works with refugees, elderly people, homeless people, displaced people, those suffering from Hiv/AIDS, those with drug addiction, victims of human trafficking and others. They have 100 employees and a network of offices across Bosnia and Herzegovina, making them one of the largest self-sustaining NGOs in the country.
Every year, the IFS organises work camps where Emmaus Companions and staff from around the world help in the continued reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and with other activities.
More about IFS Projects in Bosnia
In the closing session of the Assembly, Terry Waite auctioned items and promises for IFS. A fantastic £500 was raised. The highest bid was £210 for a gourmet meal to be cooked by an Emmaus Companion who is a qualified chef.
Published on 19th December, 2008
KEEP ME POSTED! Sign up for emailed content alerts:
