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Minutes of the Retina Europe Youth 3rd annual meeting

in Paris, France on 16. October, 2003 (In parallel with Retina Europe meeting)

Present:

Markus Georg (Germany) - Chairman of REY

Jacquline van der Wiel (Netherlands)

Nathalie van der Wiel (Netherlands)

Muriel Stokhuyzen (Netherlands)

Dick Windt (Netherlands)

Kimberley van Ditmarsch (Netherlands)

Michal Debiec (Poland)

Orli Shaki (UK)

Contents:

1. Opening
2. RIY meeting in Noordwijk
3. REY Magazine
4. Camp / youth exchange
5. Next meeting
6. Closing of the meeting

1. Opening of the meeting

Markus Georg welcomed the participants to the fourth REY meeting. Not all countries presented on RE meeting are able to participate because of parallel meeting in Évry.
All the participants of the meeting introduced themselves in a few words.

2. RIY meeting in Noordwijk 2004

Jacqueline van der Wiel introduced the youth program of RI meeting. The program of RI congress was discussed in detail. The youth meeting starts on Wednesday 30th June with lunch until Sunday 4th July. For youngsters (<30 years) is a special program and conditions provided. The accommodation is in a separate hotel. For this reason the number of participants is limited to 40-50 youngsters. A "mix" of youth hostel and adults program is not possible. People who stay in the youth hostel are only allowed to join the youth program. This youth program is a mix of standard program and special youth topics. It was discussed if a presentation of an external speaker or a workshop would be the best way for each topic.
Youth topics should be:

  • Nutrition & supplements (external speaker)
  • Computer workshop (external speaker)
  • Changes in eyesight (practical tips i.e. mobility (workshop - Michal Debiec)
  • Making school and career choices
  • Being a young parent with RP (workshop - (hopefully) Noreen Power Waldron)

    A external speakers are expensive and it is unlikely if they would spend two hours just for one our speech. Also it might be hard to find competent speakers agree to the needs of young people.
    Markus Georg will ask Noreen Power Waldron if she would like to lead a workshop.
    Muriel Stokhuyzen will look for some information regarding the computer workshop.
    Michal Debiec will present a draft of his conception regarding a workshop.

    There have been only a few open questions. For example the arrangement of extension nights (from Tuesday to Wednesday and/or after the official meeting from Sunday to Monday). As well as some special price questions.
    Thanks to all the people who worked on this youth program especially to the organisers in the Netherlands as well as Noreen Power-Waldron (Ireland), Brynjulv Norheim (Norway) and Caisa Ramshagen (Sweden).

    3. REY Magazine

    The next issue will be published in 2004 in electronically form in order to forward it by email and to safe costs.
    Nathalie van der Wiel will send an email to the mailing list and youth delegates reminding articles. A list of all youth delegates was made by Dave Waldron.

    4. Camp / Youth exchange

    The original idea was to build up a network for exchange of youngsters with RP to host families abroad. This should be a cheap possibility to visit foreign countries and to find friends. At the moment there was one exchange planned between Norway and Germany. But we are far away to build up a network. This project will be postponed.

    Michal Debiec from Poland offered to arrange a summer camp in Poland next summer. After the great success with the camp in Skopelos, Greece this would be the second summer camp for young people with RP. Last time people have had a lot of fun and found friends. Details will follow later after Michal Debiec can clarify more details in Poland. Probable date would be end of July 2004 for 2 weeks. Approx. 15 participants could be hosted for low costs.

    5. Next meeting

    The next meeting will be hold in combination with RI meeting in Noordwijk, Netherlands in 2004.
    Then we expect to have a larger group and not only from Europe. Next time election of a new chairman and secretary are requested because Markus Georg and Veli Pekka Rantanen are not longer available.

    6. Closing of the meeting

    Markus Georg thanked the participants for their active interest and effective discussions. Special thanks to the Netherlands for the well prepared draft of youth meeting.

    Markus Georg
    Chairman
    Retina Europe Youth


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