IYCW 15 th International Council opening ceremony
On the 23d of October 2022, the IYCW held the public opening of its 15th International Council in Peru as a symbolic show of unity of the struggles of the young workers organized by the movement. The context in which this international council took place was characterized, on the one hand, by the tide and ebb of the Covid19 pandemic and its various consequences on the people, such as the increase of unemployment and social inequalities. It was also marked by the great complexity of the international economic, cultural and political tensions between the current super industrial powers which even led the world to international armed conflicts. On the other hand, this council provided an opportunity to highlight the growing mobilization of the people, especially of the youth who were longing for a more just and fraternal world, as Pope Francis puts it, and for a more serious concern for their environment.
This important event took place in Casa de Retiro San Francisco de Asis in Lima. The public opening began with a wonderful cultural ritual performed by an indigenous woman from Peru who helped the participants connect with Mother Earth, Pachamama, and our ancestral spirituality. This was followed by the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Dom José Reginaldo Andrietta, bishop of the Diocese of Jales in Sao Paulo Brazil, who was himself a former international chaplain to the IYCW. Bishop Reginaldo Andrietta was assisted by Father Alejandro Cussinavich, chaplain to the Peru YCW, and Fathers Santiago and Humberto Boulango from Peru.
“Called to Act for Just Work”
The International Young Christian Workers (IYCW), together with YCW Peru, will be organizing its XV International Council and exchanges of actions and good practices on engaging young people in Lima, Peru, from 23rd October to 8th November 2022 with the theme, “Called to Act for Just Work”.
This will be the first event we are holding in person after the spreading of Covid-19 and the many challenges we had to face, and we will count on the presence of 14 national movements and more than 45 delegates from Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe and Latin America.
The Economy of Francesco Global Event: Encounter, Bridges, Harvest, and Building a Better Economy Together
Responding to Pope Francis’s call for young economists, entrepreneurs, practitioners and changemakers to “give a soul to the economy” and work towards an ecologically responsible economy that cares for all and leaves no one behind, more than a thousand young people from different parts of the world came to Assisi, Italy for the Economy of Francesco 2022 Global Event from 22 to 24 September.
They were days full of meaningful encounters, bridges and harvest. A space to share and listen to the stories, to learn about diverse initiatives and best practices, to connect with young people from other parts of the world, and to be part of a shared global commitment that seeks change.
Young people, including the representative of the IYCW and the network on the Future of Work After Laudato Si project where we belong, shared powerful spoken word pieces, echoing the very essence of the Economy of Francesco: “We are the women and men of listening and dialogue, connecting bridges and seeking to give soul to the economy.” Motivated and empowered by the encounter, the community proceeded to build bridges as ongoing projects were shared and ideas exchanged. Possible collaborative actions were sought to identify ways to transform towards an ecologically and socially responsible economy.
The YCW in Venezuela: Facing the Crisis, Young Workers Fight, United, in Solidarity and Strong
The activists of the Venezuela YCW (JOCV) held their XXVII National Council (NC) in the city of Sanare, Lara State, on April 8-9-10, 2022, with the participation of many people, among them 34 young official delegates from 5 regions of the country (Caracas, Bolivar, Lara, Portugueza and Zulia), with the support of adult collaborators and a representative of the International YCW Secretariat as guests.
The NC was held in memory of our companion Paul Priou, a great reference for the YCW of Venezuela who left this world a few months ago but who remains present in the heart of every young worker as mentioned by Elibeth Villaroel during the official opening of this XXVII NC.
The JOCV had developed an extensive process of preparation, in times of pandemic, convening all current activists, former leaders and adult collaborators, in the national territory and outside the country, in order to enrich the process and the conduct of this NC, despite the impacts created by the international economic blockade and the internal crisis that the country is facing.
Massive Flash Floods Hit a Third of Pakistan
Sanghar is one of the 23 districts of the Sindh province that were declared calamity-hit by the Sindh provincial government. [Rehan Khan/EPA]
One third of Pakistan has been inundated by floods, causing widespread destruction, leaving over 1,000 people dead and over 1,500 injured. At least 33 million people have been affected and millions of young workers have lost their jobs.
What is happening?
- More than one million houses have been destroyed or damaged.
- Access to clean water, food and shelter are the most pressing needs.
- We are seeing people with respiratory infections, fever, skin diseases and diarrhoea.
- An urgent scale-up of the response is needed from humanitarian groups and others.
- People must be safeguarded before further rains arrive.
The Pakistan YCW is calling all leaders and members of the International YCW everywhere to support young workers and their families, especially children and women affected by the floods. The Pakistan YCW is working day and night to collect and deliver needed items including drinking water, water purification tablets, hygiene kits, medicines, vaccines, therapeutic nutritional supplements for children, pregnant and lactating women, and mosquito nets.
The Pakistan YCW also wants to help young workers resume their job and will support the government to re-establish critical services for young workers, children and women as soon as possible.
In these difficult times, your support can save lives. Your contribution can help the Pakistan YCW reach more young workers and families with critical, urgent and life-saving supplies.
If you wish to help the Pakistan YCW, please make a donation to the International YCW bank account which will transfer the money to the local leaders.
Bank: BELFIUS
Account holder : JOC Internationale aisbl
IBAN account: BE50 0682 2908 4018
SWIFT code: GKCCBEBB
Purpose of the donation: Support YCW Pakistan
On behalf of the Pakistan YCW and the flood victims, thank you very much for your generosity, solidarity and donations.
- Second Issue of IYCW Bulletin: "The Gender Challenge"
- The IYCW: 65 years of action and struggle with and for young workers
- In the footsteps of Cardijn
- Young Workers of the World: Unite and Stand for Peace, Justice and Equality!
- The IYCW Post-Covid Coordination Is Stronger Today Thanks To Team Members Who Have Completed their Mandates
- March 8: How Far is Our Struggle to Improve the Lives of Women All Over the World?
- The IYCW Stands with the People of Ukraine and Russia Who Do Not Want this War
- The Joseph Cardijn Digital Library looking for volunteers
- Bartolo Perez: A Chronology of The Life of a YCW Activist Who Remained a YCW Activist All His Life
- First Issue of IYCW Bulletin in a new format
- JOC Europe Publishes European Parliament Votes
- IYCW at the ILO Conference: Who Profits Must Contribute to Ending Inequality and Discrimination
- IYCW at UNESCO: Invest in Strong Social Protection
- Women’s Participation and Empowerment
- Paraguay YCW: 80 Years of Life, Struggle and Workers' Action
- Errol Samarista: All Fishermen to Receive Adequate Social Protection
- Pope Francis to the YCW: Advance the Kingdom of God through the building of a more just and equitable society
- Hidden Histories: The YCW movement in the German Democratic Republic
- We Are Called to Act! We Are Connected! Act for Change and for Social Justice
- Urgent Appeal: Put our Love in Action for YCW Haiti Following Brutal Earthquake