The International YCW wishes you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024 !
While the hopes of thousands of people are shattered by wars, migration, economic and political instability, young people keep facing new challenges to confront this harsh reality. In the International YCW, we believe that through our struggle, commitment and work, we will be able to achieve our goals and build a just society despite the obstacles that stand in our way. We are confident that the future will be better thanks to the joint effort of solidarity among those who believe in our movement and in the young workers who are the present and future of our society. We want to thank all those who believe in organized youth, in our task of education, in our struggles and our actions. The YCW, with nearly 100 years of existence, will continue to encourage young people to get organized, trained, and to build a dignified life for the workers. Let us renew this commitment to unity every year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024!
International Migrants Day 2023
“Being a migrant worker or a refugee is not our dream. But there is no other choice to survive and improve our well-being and that of our families.”
December 18 has been International Migrants Day since it was established by the ILO in 2000. Of course, behind every day of commemoration, there are stories of men and women, and therefore good reasons to celebrate it every year.
We, the International Young Christian Workers (IYCW), support the commemoration of the International Migrants Day 2023. Youth migration and refugees are among our movement’s priority actions.
Philippines: The Life and Work of Young Fishermen in Mercedes, Camarines Norte
In Mercedes, work is essentially dependent on the sea and its products. Economically speaking, fishermen's incomes are relatively low, and they can only provide for their families on a day-to-day basis. However, during the off-season (August-December), when weather conditions are unfavorable, they are out of work. Some are therefore forced to find alternative employment as carpenters or drivers in other localities.
There is no guarantee of income, security or safety in the fishermen's workplace. Their income depends solely on the fish they catch. Unfortunately, some of them suffer accidents and even death. Long working hours are also a feature of the job. Small-scale fishermen start work at 4:00 in the afternoon and finish at 6:00 in the morning the following day. Some go out to sea for 3 or 4 days and nights in a row.
Brazil YCW: Raising Awareness of the Environment and the Solidarity Economy, Cookery School and Plastic Recycling Project
In the city of Volta Redonda, south of Rio de Janeiro, living conditions are precarious, leisure and cultural facilities are lacking, and illicit trafficking and violence are frequent. In most families, the mother is the head of household. Most young people study in precarious public schools and also seek to supplement the income of the family network. Young people are the children of workers, mostly in the informal sector.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: For a Future Where all Women Live Free from Fear and Violence
This November 25, the International YCW is joining in the celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
This day, dedicated to raising awareness and eradicating gender-based violence, encourages us to reflect on the persistent reality faced by women, teenage girls and young girls around the world.
We recognize that violence against women knows no borders, affecting all ages, ethnic groups, social classes and economic status. It is an assault on fundamental human rights and a major obstacle to the achievement of equality between men and women.
- The IYCW at UNESCO: Let’s Build a Peaceful Future for the New Generations
- Peru: a Lima YCW Action to Re-communalize Neighborhood Life
- JOC Europe: European Seminar in Linz, Austria
- Fourth Issue of IYCW Bulletin: "Work, Justice and Equality for a Dignified Life: Let's be the Change Young People Need for the Future"
- The Challenge of Training to Empower Young People in the Congo YCW
- Pakistan YCW Is Calling for Support: Help Needed for Jaranwala's Christian Community
- Chile YCW Training Week 2023: Strengthening Knowledge, Analyzing Local and National Realities, Helping to Preserve the Environment
- The IYCW Calls for Social Justice that will Guarantee a Life with Dignity for All
- Peru YCW: Young Protagonists of Social Transformation
- Philippine Young Workers Care for our Common Home
- Fundraising Campaign of Chile YCW & Peru YCW
- May 1st: Young Workers Demand Work, Justice and Equality for a Dignified Life
- Future Opportunities and Challenges for the Social and Solidarity Economy
- Young women workers are still struggling for equality, equity and dignity!
- Third Issue of IYCW Bulletin: "From Peru, in the midst of war, Moving towards the Centenary of the IYCW"
- The IYCW concludes its 15th International Council and action plan
- International Conference of NGOs at UNESCO: The IYCW Calls for Empowering Programs for the Youth
- Statement of the Civil Society Organizations that attended the International Labour Conference
- November 13, 1882: 140th anniversary of the birth of Cardijn who, through the IYCW, keeps the flame of hope alive in the hearts of millions of young people
- IYCW 15 th International Council opening ceremony