The 3rd World Youth Congress was held in the University of Stirling, Scotland from July 30th to August 8th. I was accepted to attend the Congress as a delegate and was sponsored by the British Council for the flight tickets, for which I have to express my gratitude. Had it not been for the British Council, I would never have had this chance to experience this charming country first-hand. It was an unforgettable memory, probably one of the best events and a turning point in my life.
Scotland is beautiful in its tranquillity and is considered the best small country in the world. I love Scotland for its magnificent landscapes and the warmth in its people’s souls. The University of Stirling, which for ten days we called our home, is one of the most beautiful universities in Europe coloured with the green of grass and trees, ten times as big as the Institute for International Relations where I am studying, highlighted by the wild life such as rabbits, squirrels, ducks and swans. The weather here changes so quickly that we often had four seasons a day. Summer, especially during July and August, is supposed to be the best time of the year in Scotland but sometimes it got freezing cold, which made I feel like I was in Sapa or Tam Dao in the North of Vietnam. And now in the centre of Hanoi with the heat and humidity, how I miss the Scottish weather that much.
It was not only my first flight to Scotland, to the United Kingdom or to Europe but also my first flight! I got travel sick when arriving at the campus of the university and the worst of it, my luggage was lost, which attracted lots of attention from the staff. They were very, very kind, helpful and caring. Because of that I now have two good friends who were the members of staff: Justina and Monjer (Thank you so much for helping me and being so considerate!)
We, 600 delegates from more than 140 countries all over the world, irrespective of nationality, gender, colour, and religion, gathered here in hope of being the change, of making something new for a sustainable development, for the better future. We tried our best to make ten days staying here as long as one month. We made new friends. We discussed our local, national and international issues. We gained skills and knowledge through workshops and meeting sessions. We created two important documents, the Policy Document and the Youth Action Toolkit, one for the governments, the UN and NGOs, the other for us.
But the most amazing experience was the Action Projects, which made this Congress truly the opportunity for youths to “talk the talk and walk the walk”. Delegates had the chance to put theories into practice and dive "into the trenches" of sustainable and human development through a variety of action projects, which took place around Scotland in partnership with local organisations and youth groups, to leave a footprint of long lasting community benefit. Projects included renewing local community facilities, forestry regeneration, shoreline conservation, working in drug rehabilitation projects, etc. 600 of us were divided into 40 groups called clans participating in 40 different projects. (“Clan” is a Scottish word for “family”). My clan has an impressive name – IMPACT and consists of 13 impressive members from Vietnam, UK, India, Mexico, Japan, Hong Kong, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Pakistan and Bosnia. We had great time together with the local people, both adults and youths, doing traditional Scottish crafts such as stone carving and mosaic, enjoying Scottish folk songs and the Ceilidh, building friendship and solidarity with people in Kinloch Rannoch and Perth. Dzenita from Bosnia told me that she was really herself when she was here. Three days of the project passed so quickly that we wished it could last for three weeks or even a month! The farewell meeting was deeply moving. Surprisingly, the happiest and funniest guy, Ivor, was the first to start crying. (Anyway, he looked so cute when crying!)
Although nothing is perfect, there were ups and downs in this Congress and sometimes I felt disappointed, I will always remember my first global event with a warm feeling in my heart. I have made many new friends from different cultures and background who teach me to respect and love others unconditionally. I have learned that everyone is special and unique in their own way, that we should be the change before we can change anything else. I have been inspired by people, both famous and quieter ones, for their wills, hearts, passions, hopes, faiths and bravery to make this world a better place to live. Thank you, Tawia, Jatin, Megumi, Praveen, Yousaf, Prudence, Laura, Leo, Dzenita, Lejla, David, Heidi, Elena and Kelly for being me my second family, my dear brothers and sisters. Thank you Stirling, thank you Scotland for giving me this opportunity to write these lines. See you in Quebec 2008!