The OWLS Project (Opportunities + Willingness + Learning = Success) is the result of a relationship built between the Catholic Action in Malta, Italy and Romania, with the help of FIAC (Forum Internazionale Azione Cattolica). It is thanks to projects like these, where youth from different countries have the opportunity to meet and strengthen these networks within the Catholic Action. This project financed by Erasmus+, is helping young people share experiences, challenges and successes that young people in each country face, and thus it enables them to help and learn from each other. The first part of the project was held in Rome between the 25th February and 1st of March and consisted of a training programme for 12 people who work in the youth sector in their respective countries.
During 2018 and 2019 there will be another 3 exchanges. The next meeting will be held in Rome and will bring together 15 young people from each project partner.
Different stories but one common project
We are different, we come from different countries and live in different communities. Notwithstanding this, we have a lot in common: we are starting this Erasmus+ project together, we are leaders in our national associations, we are young and above all, we are Europeans. This European identity we share is an invitation to engage ourselves in improving the context in which we spend our time. "As Catholic young people, we should be aware of our role in the European Union, take action and plan the ideal European city, in which we can spread peace and development" Michele D'Avino, the Director of the Toniolo Institute in Rome stated.
Positive Youth development
Every participant is committed in his/her local groups and communities. However, sometimes we walk our educational path without having a strong methodological background which can sustain our work. Learning about positive youth development let us understand that we are on the right path, but at the same time we also identified aspects which can improve in the service we provide locally.
The monastery and the history of Catholic Action
One morning we visited the Monastery in Vitorchiano and in the afternoon we went to Viterbo, to explore the place where the Catholic Action made the first steps. At the Monastery we had a meeting with Sister Francesca, who told us about her experience. On the contrary to what many think, the life inside the community is extremely open to the world. They give a lot of attention to the way they live, making sure it is a sustainable way, producing their own food and selling some products in order to self-sustain themselves. Even though they do not go out (except for emergencies or for very special occasions), they have an eye on what happens outside, aware of the latest news and about the different situations all over the world. Our commitment as youth should be accompanied by a very strong impact of our actions outside our parishes and dioceses. This clearly indicates that by staying inside we will not be able to help or improve our society. The visit we had in Viterbo, the place where Mario Fani (one of CA founders) lived, was very interesting. No one can move forward and grow without being conscious about his story.
Youth Synod
"Being responsible for youth does not mean that we are allowed to forget that we are young people ourselves" Don Tony Drazza stated. Therefore, this OWLS project is just the beginning of the work that should see us not only as organizers, but also as protagonists. The upcoming Synod asks us to be fully engaged in the discussion on youth, faith and discernment. How can we promote dialogue between the Church and Young people? What are the main topics that are at the centre of the discussion amongst young people and that Church should tackle?
The days spent together in Rome were just the first steps in asking these questions, and fostering the collaboration and the unity between different national experiences of the Catholic Action.
Comments from a Maltese Participant in the OWLS Project:
This was my second international experience with ZAK. I can say that thanks to this experience I understood how other organisations work and that we always have something to learn from each other. It is these activities that motivate us to continue to strengthen us in teaching and formation so that we can be beneficial for others. We focused on positive youth development and social justice. We also discussed the Synod on Youth where several interesting points emerged on how this Synod can be helpful to other young people.
Chanel Vassallo - 21 years
Some other experiences of other participants.