The 14th International Youth Forum of IFBDO/FIODS took place in Bouznika, Morocco, from 28th to 31st August 2014.
More than 50 young volunteers from 12 countries have been welcomed at the Complex Moulay Rachid de la Jeunesse et de l’Enfance for a unique experience of training and sharing of best practices on the theme “W for Want to be a Blood Volunteer: what, who, where, when, why. Increased knowledge on the gift of blood, new reasons to save lives”.
The Forum opened with the traditional Market, a special occasion where each of the represented delegations had the chance to expose its typical products and gadgets from the national blood donors association.
The following day the training programme officially started: the aim was to raise awareness and share expertise on different crucial aspects on blood volunteering, drawing inspiration from the “Five W’s rule” of journalism (What, Who, When, Where & Why). Participants have been involved in four different workshops. The first one has been conducted by Denmark (What) on different types of blood donation, bone marrow donation and organ donation, whereas the second one (Who), by Morocco, focused on the role of youth as citizens and promoters.
Lebanon (When & Where) talked about the use of social media for communication and fundraising events, and Italy (Why) made a presentation on the motivation of volunteers in blood donors associations. Each workshop have been followed by smaller groups discussions for a deeper analysis of the topics.
We really believe to have learned a lot as young volunteers and we will use this experience and suggestions within our associations during the whole year! Moreover, on the last day of the Forum, we had the IYC Representatives meeting to decide and coordinate activities until next year, voting also for the hosting country of the next International Youth Forum: see you in Milan 2015!
Stay tuned on IYC activities!
