The president's diary
The AIEJI president, Benny Andersen, wrote a diary of his experiences at the AIEJI world congress 4-7 May 2009. Below you can read his account of things happening...
- ...from Thursday 7 May 2009...
The last day. It will almost be sad to say goodbye, but there are so many magic moments to remember. I get up at 8 – a little queasy. It was indeed a bash of party last night in “Den grå hal”. The party organisers had really done well. Before I head for DGI-byen I just stop by my office. A few things have to be taken care of. After all, there is a world beyond the AIEJI world congress – and that world has not come to a stand-still. I run into Antonyna, Igor and Anna from the Russian delegation. They are having a meeting at the federation’s offices with my colleague, Kaj Frederiksen, and representatives from the other Nordic organisations – about a possible cooperation.
I arrive at DGI-byen a little before 9. Things are quiet and there is somewhat of an after-party-feel to the morning. I go to the internet café and finish my final speech on the PC. Countless are the number of people I would like to thank, so I need to remember everything! My colleague, Peter, from North Jutland drops by and we agree on the final details concerning the programme for the afternoon, and the presentation of Rosa Maria Torres. I walk around and chat to people and hear participants’ opinions of the finishing party. Some tired Spanish colleagues show up and have translated the Copenhagen declaration into Spanish. Nice work. Thomas Vollmer from AIEJI’s board has made a German translation – they certainly do get some work done, those people. At 10.30 I have an appointment with Maria Rørbæk, a journalist at the federation’s magazine for social educators “Socialpædagogen” – we are going to make a video interview about my magic moment – only one moment and not moments! My problem is that there were many; but still; last night at the party where one of our Danish members came up to me with her guest from Uruguay – hands around eachother’s shoulders: They said to me that the congress had been a fantastic experience; they have had discussions about their field of work, they have participated in the same workshops and enjoyed the whole experience together – and they ask me where the congress will be held in four years??! They really want to go again, they tell me. If I didn’t know already, now I realise how big a success we have created with this congress. As I have said lots of times; it will be a once in a lifetime experience. So that was my magic moment. I also think of the party where my two AIEJI board colleagues from Israel and Palestine chain-dance together on stage; it was touching considering the conflicts of the middle East!
Jens Nielsen, our editor of ”Socialpædagogen” introduced me to a participant and diary author – a project for the magazine Socialpædagogen – a girl from Nepal. She wanted a small meeting before she went home, so we agreed that she come for lunch at my office on Tuesday. She gave me the nicest little Buddha as a present.
Then I am ready for Rosa Maria Torres. I have so been looking forward to her input which could be considered somewhat of a gamble. But the speech is really good and her thoughts on the words and why we use concepts, pedagogy and education puts things in motion. And also, she has a clear south – north perspective – in a global context, that is. And as she finished by saying that she will be honoured to call herself “social educator” – we surrendered ourselves quite.
Now the closing of the congress. I said my thank you's to everybody – the participants, all the staff of the federation who have contributed greatly, activists, hosts and workplaces – our own executive committee – our regional departments of the federation – Peter who has been in on this for more than two years – Kirsten and the federation for showing the will to host this congress – and finally the fantastic six from the congress secretariat. “A dream you dream alone is only a dream - a dream we dream together is reality” (John Lennon) “- let us as social educators dream together”. That’s how I ended my speech and then I had a lump in my throat as I was just saying thanks for now and see you again… But the thing is, that the experience has been huge, so… Everyone said goodbye, hugs and kisses from lots of people from near and far – pictures were taken.
In the foyer I got mixed up in a discussion between my AIEJI board colleagues from Italy and Denmark about the AIEJI organisation’s website; www.aieji.net. Some work really needs to be done as to who and how things are published on that site. Honestly, I was too tired to get involved, so I let the two nationalities’ tempers sort out the discussion. We will have to continue the discussion next week. I agreed with the congress secretariat that we were going to have a beer and we went to the restaurant. I passed by the communications staff and the journalists and said thanks for now and for a great effort. A large draft beer with the congress secretariat and of course talks about some of the good stories and lots of memories. They have been really good and I have invited them for dinner in the near future. Goodbyes and more hugs, and then I have to leave for my flat to pack. After that I stop by my office. I need some papers for a meeting on Monday and have to bring them to my hometown, Nibe. I run into several congress participants on my way… On my way back to the flat I meet one of the Mexican participants in the middle of the town hall square. She only speaks Spanish, so I really don’t understand much of what she is saying – only her smiles. So she pulls me over to the panflute-playing guys who are always playing at the square, and they translate for us; she just wanted to say that is had been an amazing experience – and says thank you so much!
You can hardly imagine a better way to end this experience.
- ...from Wednesday 6 May 2009...
Wednesday is here; the day of the field visits – and my day will not be spent at DGI-byen. I got up at 8 in the morning. And I have to tell you; yes – it IS true that I run almost every morning! And therefore, again; a trip around the lakes in my running shoes!
I had a meeting with some of my Nordic colleagues this morning. Apart from that, I didn’t have any appointments today. After my shower, some coffee and some newspaper ;-) I grabbed my bicycle and headed for my office in Brolæggerstræde. I drove by the event at Kultorvet, organised by my federation’s Copenhagen region.
The event was a fantastic initiative – it really seemed to work. There were stalls from various workplaces, there was coffee and a bit of everything. It was a good location – because a lot of commuters from Nørreport train station came by. I hope that the activities around Denmark this week are going to be a tradition for us! Perhaps we should consider 2 October – the international day for social educators – for these events! We could make it a tradition; launching a public activity involving our workplaces in each region around Denmark on this day. Let’s talk some more about this! Now – back to my office – some of my “regular” work was waiting at the desk – said hi to my colleagues. The staff who weren’t present at DGI-byen has been following the congress on the homepage. It was fun to hear how everybody was talking about the congress – and the fact that it has been interesting and exciting so far. So nice to see so many staff members involved in the congress – in one way or another. They have really taken ownership to the project!
I completed writing my finishing speech and the “Copenhagen declaration” – there were some minor changes after the general assembly. Just had a quick chat with Mette, a consultant from our staff, about a consultation on the foster care area. We have some issues on this area, but we must work on the problems next week…
We have a brief meeting with our Nordic colleagues about their work with young offenders. We are going on a field trip to Oslo, Norway, 18 May. I gathered my final papers and other things – I must remember everything, as I am going to my home in the town of Nibe after the congress. Monday will be here soon enough – with meetings and papers to read etc.
I was back at the flat at 16.30 and made myself ready for the party at Christiania – “Den grå hal”. I have been really excited about the party; it turned out to go really well. The location was fantastic – I have actually never been to “Den grå hal” – but it was really a perfect setting and a beautifully decorated room! A perfect choice, Kurt!
I welcomed everyone and we get the party started. Lovely food. I sat next to the AIEJI board, colleagues from the federation office and the executive committee of the federation. We had a great time and we really had some fun talks. At 21.00 I presented the band, Klezmofobia, and I must admit; that my concerns about whether it was the right choice of music were very much in vain! There was dancing and dancing and dancing! And I thank the secretariat for insisting on Klezmofobia. It was a fun and fantastic party, and I think many will remember it for time to come.
After the party I had a single beer with my Spanish friends and then back to the flat; head first when I hit my bed.
- ...from Tuesday 5 May 2009...
Today is the day of the AIEJI general assembly, and the next 4 years of work will be determined. I get up at 7. Did have plans for another run around the Copenhagen lakes, but it’s raining a lot! I turn over in my bed to sleep for another hour! It’s a nice and relaxed morning – decide to get up at 7.30 anyway, and after a shower etc. I go to Emmery’s, the place with the best croissants in Copenhagen! Try them! I have my coffee and read Berlingske Tidende; a nice and quiet morning. I arrive at DGI-byen in time to meet and greet people before the introduction. Need to get a hold of the Icelanders; two of them are celebrating their birthday today – and we must sing a birthday song before we start – and I don’t remember both names. But Salome, my Icelandic colleague, arrives and everything is in place. And we sing the birthday song!
Karl Elling Ellingsen does a good job of his speech in my opinion. It’s the most clever statements we have heard at the congress, yet. Namely, that we, in our eagerness to do well, get a number of confessions in the shape of self-provision etc., which really don’t mean anything in the every-day life, when they are only (religious) confessions – perhaps they even have the opposite effect of what was intended! Put in other words; when we turn pedagogy into ideology without thinking of the human beings and whether the framework around them fits, things go wrong. So well put, Ellingsen!!
After Ellingsen, there is a break, and we make preparations for a meeting for the European organisations about the common platform for social educators and the EU. The meeting is at 11 and I also have a general assembly to prepare in detail. So I agree with the Spanish delegates that they run the meeting and my colleagues, Peter Kristensen, from North Jutland and Torsten, from the federation’s secretariat, participate in the meeting instead of me. Instead, I finish my welcome speech, my input on the “Visions and Aims”-subject and my comment on a proposal which we received - and Povl Anker (head of the federation’s secretariat) completes the oral part of the President’s report.
Great to be sitting in the internet café at DGI-byen and work alongside everyone else who just has to finish something… Suddenly, Rosa Maria Torres stops by. She is the final speaker at the congress. We need an English-Spanish interpreter for a workshop – and she agrees to do it! But she needs some breakfast first. She is still jetlagged – I buy her a sandwich and some juice. Off she goes, and I continue with preparations for the general assembly. Regrettably, I miss out on Dr. Inge Bryderup’s input at the congress, as I am still working to prepare the general assembly – but hey; that’s life. And I don’t even get to participate in a workshop – even though there were so many exciting workshops.
The time is now 3 o’clock in the afternoon and I am ready. Povl Anker brings me the latest – including a new PC which works! Everything seems to be working - and Jette from the secretariat sorts out the last Xerox copies for the general assembly…
Finally, we are ready for the general assembly! Registration and distribution of voting cards take some time, but after 15 minutes I welcome everybody, and we get started. Everything runs smoothly. The most dramatic incident is when a Brazilian starts speaking Portuguese – and the interpreters are at a loss! But we are very well prepared, so I take everything from the positive side! Everything is approved – by unanimous vote, and I am re-elected as a board member. I say my goodbyes to Ignacio from Uruguay – he is ending his term as a board member; I am going to miss him so much – as a person and because he has really meant a lot to social educators in Uruguay and Latin America! As a present, he receives the special AIEJI-watch! I, on the other hand, also receive a present from Uruguay – a watch which turns the world and everything upside down! We ought to try that sometimes in the North Western part of our world; seeing things from the other side (of the world) – then maybe we will live in a different world! It was a very welcome and insightful gift; I am delighted – thank you Uruguay – you are in my heart – and you will stay there.
AIEJI got a new board with new interesting people! We represent 15 different countries, and I sense that these are good people with lots of good energy! The board meeting takes place, and Jean Marc suggests me as president for four more years. And they are serious about it!! I am touched and grateful for the trust and appreciation – and I am ready. We also elect people for treasurer, secretary-general and other jobs. And we agreed on a date for the next - and first - working meeting in the new board. I am ready!
My telephone is broken. So many text messages are wating to be read – but I just can’t read them for some reason!! So I haven’t a clue about what’s going on with that, and what everyone wants to tell me…
I invite the newly elected board, the congress secretariat, the communication staff for a beer and a glass of wine afterwards. We also meet some colleagues from Spain on our way to the restaurant at DGI-byen, so they come along. There is a really cosy and relaxed atmosphere and I would like to thank for the support from both the AIEJI board and the staff from “the national federation of social educators in Denmark”. It is really nice to talk to the fantastic people from the staff, and to hear some of the fun stories from everyday life. Thank you.
Verne, our leader of the federation’s East Jutland region, figures out that you can CALL me but not text me ;-), so she calls and invites me to “Kong Frederik” for a meal. It takes some time, because I find it so nice and fun to just sit with the board and the staff at DGI-byen… At 21.00 I head for “Kong Frederik” to celebrate my re-election with the people from East Jutland. Very nice. I had totally forgotten to eat, but now I take care of it. Later the colleagues from North and Mid-West Jutland show up. I am getting rather tired by now. So at midnight I am off to the flat in Vesterbrogade. Today, I talked to my son who had an exam in maths. It went well. And I even had time to say goodnight to my girlfriend. Now it’s after midnight and I am so ready for bed. Must remember that tomorrow is Eva’s birthday!! Eva is our press consultant in the federation – and she deserves many congratulations on the day!!
Good night.
- ...from Monday 4 May 2009...
Finally, the time is here! I woke up much too early – the time was only 5 in the morning! Tried falling asleep, but no can do! Put my running shoes on and went for another trip around the lakes. Could feel the adrenalin even at this hour. But this made me realise that this was going to be a good day!
After running, I thought I’d take another look at my speeches – and then I thought; this is as good as it gets! Which is why I enjoyed a “slow morning”; found my “suity” clothes for the day – ironed another shirt, as I changed my mind about the one I had ironed last night;-) - packed my bag and headed for DGI-byen!
I arrived and it felt fantastic with all the people there. The first participants I meet in the foyer are from Uruguay; among others my friend and board colleague, Ignacio, who unfortunately is going to stop as a board member. He had arrived late Sunday evening, and so I hadn’t seen him Sunday. It was nice to see him again. I went around the foyer; greeted and talked, and the atmosphere seemed really good. The AIEJI-stand was ready. I went down to see congress hall - it was beautiful - and wow; now I seemed to be getting a little nervous. And – yes – we had to postpone the start half an hour which ALSO gave a little extra adrenalin!
While we were waiting to get started, I suddenly spotted Maximo. I met him in Barcelona in 2001. A great guy, who knows how to party. It's great to see him again. I recall that he was interpreting between me and a Spanish girl who couldn’t speak a word of English – she fell somewhat in love with me at the congress party in Barcelona. Maximo had to translate every word she said. We had a great laugh about it back then – and now we could refresh the memories. The girl…she gave up, I remember, because Maximo and I laughed so much at the whole situation. Great to see him again.
But we got started at about 10.30; a good and warm welcome by Kirsten (president of the national federation of social educators in Denmark), and then it’s my turn. And I felt in shape for the speech and sensed the good and warm atmosphere from the crowd. Everything went well – especially the presentation of the countries represented at the opening - was a success!
The former prime minister of Denmark, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, who was next to speak, unfortunately, was not present at the right time. So we had to quickly change the program, and Vesterbro Ungdomsgård – a youth choir - started instead. Their performance was successful. What a radiation they had – the young people from the choir. And our foreign guests seemed to like them. Then I was ready to introduce and welcome Nyrup. A fantastic speech, warm and clear and - directly to our hearts as social educators.
Finally, I it was my turn. It felt OK. And I think the speech went well. There were so many people who afterwards praised the speech and said some sweet words. So it was nice to go to lunch and I felt relieved. Many participants wanted to get a chat and get their picture taken with the president ;-). I remind myself to enjoy every bit of it! We had a relaxed lunch with the special Danish “hygge” – which means – cosiness. There was chatting and presentation of the AIEJI board to the federation’s executive committee and other guests from municipalities and organizations.
And then we were ready for Brokenleg. It was so touching and wonderful to hear this little man, with no speech paper - just speaking to our hearts - and with so much wisdom, which he shared and made an everyday thing. It was fantastic. Several of us had tears in our eyes. I am so happy the AIEJI world congress had the opportunity to host a speech by this man! During the break, my Italian board colleague Marco, came over. He had something for me. Imagine, he has his own vineyard and brought a bottle of red wine and bottle of grappa for me. Absolutely great. I talked to a thousand people, I can not keep track of all the people who wanted to say hello and had a comment for me. But everyone was happy and praised us and was very impressed with the start of the congress.
After Uexkull - and I do apologize but I was suddenly quite “used” and must honestly confess that I had a hard time concentrating on the content of Uexkull’s speech. I could feel the tension of many days - and thoughts of a long time now being released...
We finished the day’s program and I borrowed Gunnar’s (my colleague) PC - so that I can write my diary from my flat – my own PC is out of order! We had a beer and I told the secretariat that I was proud of them and their work; I really am - from the bottom of my heart. Povl Anker, head of the secretariat, and I checked the last things before the general assembly Tuesday. This meeting is the next big task, but we are well prepared.
I had actually planned to go back to the flat before the town hall-reception, but time just passed too quickly. Gunnar took my bag to his room and the plan was for me to fetch it the day after. But this plan only had that little flaw that I had my money and keys in my bag. So I had to knock up Gunnar in his room and get my keys and money later!! I rushed into a taxi and headed for the town hall. Had a little chat with the mayor before I delivered my speech. It was a lovely reception. I think our guests enjoyed it very much. Nice buffet and fantastic surroundings at the city hall. I mingled and got talking to a lot of interesting people. It was nice. The photographer took an endless number of pictures with people from near and far. I received several gifts from a university in Uruguay and a DVD from Romania.
At 20 o’clock I went home to the flat and began to write my diary. But then my old colleague from North Jutland texted me to ask me if I was interested in a beer. Just ONE beer later, the time is now 23.00 and I am tired - but happy. This will be the experience we all wanted it to be. I am going to bed now and I am sure that – tomorrow - I am actually going to sleep until the alarm clock goes off! I am totally worn out and I am not quite sure if I have repeated myself in my diary today ;-)
Sleep tight!
- ...from Sunday 3 May 2009...
I have a bad habit of waking up too early. At 6:45 I looked at the clock and that is not the smartest thing to do when I COULD have slept until 8.00! I got up and got my running shoes and clothes on and went for a run around the Copenhagen lakes - from Vesterbro to Østerbro - and back again. It was good. I think so well when I run!
We have had meetings throughout the weekend in our Nordic cooperation - Nordic Forum for social educators. The Forum members are here anyway to attend the AIEJI Congress - so it was obvious to have the meeting. Always a pleasure to meet our good, Nordic colleagues, there is always a happy and constructive atmosphere. And really, it seemed okay to discuss juvenile justice and coercion and the use of force in working with handicapped; something other than the AIEJI agenda. But they praised the program and the content of the AIEJI Congress. And I can just feel that it will be good - even great! Saturday evening on the way home from having a beer with Nordic colleagues, I met the President of the Russian trade union of social educators. And I realised; the world congress is here now! The thing that has been on our minds for so long – and so extensively – is very close.
While I do my running, I think of all the people who are involved from the congress secretariat. The way the Secretariat has solved this task is absolutely fantastic. The service department works on a Saturday morning – with a smile - and the department has made lunch for us! The secretariat consultants have invited keynote speakers out for lunch. And so forth! Yes it feels great that everyone contributes in one way or another. While I am running, I have the feeling that everything is well organised and in control. And I think to myself; that I must remember to tell these people, because they deserve that pad on the shoulder! Every time I have given them a task or had an idea, the secretariat has had a great attitude and has always found a solution and a way to make it happen.
My running around the lakes is going well – lots of good energy – great!
In between my running trip, some stretching exercises AND a shower, I did just one more read-through of my two speeches for the opening day. I did another rehearse – and crossed my fingers that my English is on top on the day! But I think that the translation is written in a way that is really good for me.
At 9.45 I started my bicycle and went to Brolæggerstræde, where my office is, and started the Nordic meeting. We finished at 14.30 and then I have one and a half hours to prepare the AIEJI Board meeting which starts at 16. I am glad to see the board colleagues again.
The board colleagues from AIEJI arrived for the meeting – we greeted and kissed on the cheek, as you do! I prefer the Italian way of greeting which is three kisses :-). My
good friend and colleague, Peter, the regional leader of “Socialpædagogerne”, also participated in the meeting. He has made great efforts in relation to the program and the content of the congress. The meeting started and I gave an account of the status of the world congress. We reviewed the program, the number of participants and from which countries they come from. We reviewed the material for the general assembly, and it is evident - again - that there are different cultures with regards to meetings and general assemblies. For example Jean Marc from Switzerland and Emmanuel from Israel are both of the opinion that it should NOT be possible to make amendments to the declaration in relation to the Copenhagen declaration. Both myself and Siv from Norway must stress that we have other democratic traditions – and so it shall be.
Otherwise, there is great enthusiasm about the congress; keynote speakers, workshops, program and materials for the AIEJI world congress stand. The meeting is over in a few hours and I head for my Copenhagen home – the flat on Vesterbrogade - just in time to hear on the radio that “my” soccer team “Aab” is behind 2 - 0 to FCK; the Copenhagen city team is beating my local team!!
I then iron my shirt for tomorrow. I have made the decision to wear it WITHOUT a tie! ;-). I rehearse the speech one more time! And now, I am ready to go to Tivoli – the Copenhagen amusement park; it’s time for dinner with the AIEJI board. We are going to the renowned restaurant, the Ditch, and have the famous Danish dish Skipper Labskovs. It doesn’t get more Danish than that.
- Just back from the dinner in Tivoli; it was really nice. In addition to the board, our Spanish translator from the European AIEJI office in Barcelona has now also arrived.
Now I have to call it a day, the time is 22.53 on my laptop, and I go to bed with butterflies in the stomach – but also looking madly forward to the opening of the world congress! I am ready to get started!