Who we are
FIB e.V. (German abbreviation for: Associaton for International Relations in YMCA) was founded in 1998.
It aims to empower the YMCAs in Central and Eastern Europe.
The first projects began in 1995 as a local initiative of the YMCA in Eberstadt (near Heilbronn).
FIB e.V. is closely cooperating with the European YMCA (EAY) and other different national, regional and local YMCA organisations.
Our main goals are:
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Support Youth Work on the basis of Christian values |
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Help and support disadvantaged young people by giving them a chance of education through vocational training |
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Training the leaders to make long term developments to the field work of their own accord |
Socialist establishment based on the Communist ideology left deep inner wounds in East European countries.
People live in the continuous tensions between the indoctrinated atheistic view of the world and their old Christian traditions.
They lost the ability to be self responsible and have big problems coping with the changed environment.
Unemployment, poverty and political insecurity influenced the everyday life of many people.
In this situation the young people need clear aims, new hope for the future and friendships crossing their state borders.
One of our main principles is the work in cultural context. We collaborate with our local partners on the basis of friendship and act mainly a part of support.
The values of sustainability, self-determination and holism are important to us.
We currently support international projects in Georgia, Russia and Slovakia.
THREE BASES OF OUR ACTIVITIES
1. Christian Message - Promoting Christian Principles and Values
Our main goal is support the vison of the YMCA: Spread christian values and gospel through projects and activities for everyone regardless of religion, colour, sex or cultural background can be the in the best of health in body, mind and spirit.
2. Social Commitment – Give hope to young people
After the downfall of the communism in the countries of Eastern Europe many social problems and need were growing. We support the work and the projects of the YMCA´s, which are focused on children and youth in crisis.
3. Personal Contacts – Become friends through encounter
We want to support the cooperation between youth groups in Europe. We share the personal contacts and experiences we have in the “unknown” East with people who are interested and help them to find international contacts, friends and partners.
