Almost fifteen months of living in Algeria have opened many doors for me, both visible and invisible. Young people have been my companions on this journey. Here I recount the step they have prepared and are now taking during the month of July.
These days, young people from various parts of the country will meet again in Tlemcen, in western Algeria, for the new edition of Youth Camp DZ. After months of preparation, meetings, and shared dreams, the objective has been defined—simple yet ambitious: to create a space where encountering others allows them to discover that differences are not an obstacle, but an enrichment.
«"We wanted this second edition to have its own identity," explains Imad, a member of the organizing committee. «Although the theme of proximity continues to inspire us, we have worked to expand the content, with workshops and activities that help to experience this spirit from new perspectives.
Under the title «"Beyond Borders," the program will invite participants to transcend the geographical, cultural, and even personal boundaries that often separate us, even if we live in the same neighborhood. Through four workshops, we will reflect on how to take the first step toward others and overcome the barriers of fear or prejudice, discovering the richness of encounter and growing through dialogue between cultures.
The itinerary will be rounded out with moments of meditation focused on the relationship with God and neighbor, sharing groups, a large game, a hike in nature, and an evening prepared by the young people themselves, open to friends and family. However, Imad continues, «the most important thing is not the program, but the experience that the participants will have, many of whom are approaching our initiative for the first time. We will all be able to witness not only the atmosphere of the Movement, but also the welcoming nature of Algerian society: that hospitality, solidarity, and closeness practiced by the people, which are part of our way of life and which often leave a deep impression.».
The organizing committee had hoped for participants from other countries this year. Bureaucratic difficulties (such as visa processing times) have prevented young Europeans from attending. "We desired this international diversity, and especially hoped for the presence of young Spaniards, but the desire to create an event open to people from different cultures remains unchanged.".
The organizers hope that "each participant, although all Algerian, will return home with an expanded heart, with new friendships and a more open view towards other cultures, with the desire to share the experience lived in their own environments with other young people.
In a time when borders seem to be imposed too easily, Youth Camp DZ proposes taking the opposite path: going beyond boundaries, discovering that authentic encounters always begin by taking the first step towards the other. And here is a heartfelt invitation: in the 2027 edition, we will be delighted to welcome any young Spaniards who wish to join us.
Victoria Gomez
