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On August 25th, the International Young Christian Workers (IYCW) movement will march with the voice of young workers to remind the world of a movement with 50 years of international action experience and continued demands for the realisation of the dreams of young workers.

“This day marks the start of another new beginning for the IYCW, with a demand for work that respects the immeasurable worth of each and every young worker – more valuable than 'all the gold in the world' ” says Bridget Rauch, international coordinator of the IYCW.

Representing the International Movement, (whose international secretariat is located in Bruxelles, Belgium), young workers will gather in Manila, Philippines during an international exchange program to mark the official birthday of the International YCW movement.

The celebrations in the Philippines, also mark the international launch of the preparation towards the world council of the IYCW to be held in Tamil Nadu, India, in September 2008.

“Here in Belgium, and throughout Europe, young workers are aware that their experiences of work, unemployment, and the need for higher education are also linked to the changing nature of work affecting workers everywhere. Within this reality we want to continue to bring all young workers together and ensure a just and decent experience of work and life for all”

Suja, a young woman from the village Karungal in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, is 20 years of age and has been working in a cashew nut factory for the past 4 years.

“When I finished my secondary education, my aspiration was to continue my education and become a teacher. My father told me that it was impossible for him to pay for my brother educational expenses through his salary. Therefore, instead of allowing me to continue my education, he asked me to stop my study and go to cashew nut factory to work in order to support the study of my brother. He argued that as a girl I would be married soon and live in another family, therefore, it is useless to invest in my education as a girl”

The International YCW began an international coordination in 1957. Today, the movement is developing action by for and with young workers in over 40 countries worldwide.

In India, 2008, the IYCW will give special attention to an exchange of experiences of young women workers and young workers working in the informal economy. “We want to define the international movement in our actual globalised world. India is changing rapidly and is immersed in the culture of globalisation. It is relevant that we will be there for our World Council” says Ms Rauch.

“We believe we are a positive alternative form of a globalised world: a global movement – together in action - for just and decent work.We want the world to become aware through us, of the reality of young workers and the need for action everywhere”

During the celebration of 50 years as an international movement, the IYCW is collecting the references of action and lived experiences and dreams of young workers in order to motivate continued collective action for a better world. The dreams and aspirations of young workers like Suja, will be published on the official website for the IYCW International Council 2008 (www.togetherinaction.org), that will be launched on August 25th, 2007 in recognition of 50 years of action, and the need to transform our dreams into reality.



Bridget Rauch
Secretary General of the IYCW