Report :

I would like to express my gratitude to FNF for the wonderful organization and the rich educative material received during the seminar titled: Strengthening Political Youth Organizations. The benefit I gained surpassed my expectations, and the creative manner of delivering information dazzled me. Moreover, participation through groups with members from various countries, cultures, and political backgrounds proved to be a more enjoyable means for presenting information. The topics of the seminar were carefully selected and very realistic and pertinent to our work.

In the first day there was an information market, where representatives presented all the information about their organizations on big boards. Participants started to ask questions, as if in a marketplace about experience, organizational structures, shortcomings, solutions, and new ideas.

Upon addressing the question: "Why do we consider our organizations liberal?" A great method was used with the cards and a puzzle game that also served the purpose of defining the term "liberalism" by the participants with commentary from the moderators.

Then three important topics related to liberalism were selected and the participants presented a paper on each topic. This was a very useful exercise, especially that we were given the time to do some research on the Internet, as well. The topics covered were: (a) civil freedoms, human rights, and the rule of law; (b) property rights and market economy; and (c) civil society, democracy and participation.

The issue of funding and financial resources came out as one of the most important issues and one of the most significant impediments as well. The discussions on this topic were very fruitful with various creative proposals heard and addressed about improving the financial position of the organization. On strengthening the role of our organizations, we benefited from the great experience around the table with representatives from such diverse countries, especially on the issue of attracting new members, relations to the mother party, and security issues that are very relevant to our reality in Egypt.

The issue of networking and international cooperation among liberal youth organizations was also discussed at large via presentations made by German guests and participants in the group who shared with us their experience of being active/ members in large umbrella networks for liberal organizations.

I was particularly satisfied with the session on strategic planning. The explanation and the application were very useful. Upon my return I applied this strategy in full on my own campaign here in Egypt titled "My Vote, My Demand".

Further, the meetings we had with German and American politicians and organization members were very fruitful. The discussions will definitely have an impact on our way of thinking, and will help us be more practical and efficient. The tours were so enjoyable as well.

I only had hoped that the contribution made by facilitators and their comments on the work and comments made by participants was greater, just as was the case with the session on strategic planning.