Tracy Nguyen
The Resistance delegation of fourteen was the largest that we have organised
so far. The Scottish Socialist Youth delegation was also successful with
15. Our relations with the Scottish blossomed during a raucous inter-delegation
meeting, so well that 2 went on to the SSY camp shortly after the FI one.
The experiences of the camp have had a profound effect on those that went.
Tamir Nasrallah from London says “The camp was like a mini dream world,
it was a platform for the young to express themselves politically and allowed
us to break the barriers of the capitalist system and question things in
a highly critical way.”
Run by the youth, the camp is able to instil knowledge and confidence in
a socialist structure. “The Fourth International youth camp samples
a utopian society and creates a microcosm of a socialist civilization where
the class war is won, gender is indifferent and equality is absolute”
comments Jamie Smith (Sheffield, South Bank Uni).
Tamir, a young Palestinian, spoke on Lebanon and Palestine in a large forum
and was very well received - Daniel Bensaid wanting lunch with him the next
day. A workshop on the Anti-War movement gave me the chance to be a speaker
for the first time. My confidence and that of the delegation grew towards
the end of the week. Some found out they knew more than they had thought
and became strong speakers at the inter-delegation meetings.
Mike Gregory (Birmingham) says “The educationals were very enlightening
and the simultaneous translation equipment really made it possible to have
such in depth theoretical subject matter. The forums were also very successful
and the morning workshops were a real chance to learn about new subjects,
listen to other people's experiences in other countries, it became a vital
part of developing and furthering my own political understanding.”
Meeting the comrades from the Philippines was particularly moving: their
struggle for equality showed dedication and a strong belief in what they
were fighting for. The issues they raised gave an insight into the worlds’
many injustices and highlighted the need for solidarity.
The social aspects of the camp show that political involvement can be exciting
and fun. Mike says this was his “favourite part of all… having
some drinks on the warm nights and talking with comrades from around the
world, either about politics or slightly less serious topics. There were
discos, and even when I chose not to dance the night away I was witness
to odd bouts of raucous political singing and chanting with or without musical
instruments. I will definitely be attending next year.”
Ruairidh (Glasgow) felt “the atmosphere about the place was what made
it a good experience for me, so many informed and enlightened young people!”
With so many like-minded youth it’s easy to gain a network of international
friends that can band around ideas and positively influence each other.
Jamie sums it up - “The youth camp is unmissable for any young revolutionary,
brimming with enthusiasm. The oppression of mainstream society is shed and
a land of true respect for others is created.”
Out of the camp there’s a real thirst to continue to build practical
activities, including international solidarity, and educational events.
We want to strengthen our youth networks and bring even more people to the
next camp. Interested? Then let us know!
Tnt_london@hotmail.com