The OFCI’s work has experienced a huge evolution since its foundation. Starting of in 2012 as a very small organization mainly focused on the Middle East, the organization has been getting bigger everyday and so has its focus also widened.
Every year we are involved in projects all around Europe and outside Europe, in events in our local area and in thousands of activities from our office.
Although every single one of our actions is connected with each other, we have listed them in four main field of activities, to make it easier for you to understand what we do exactly. It is also important to mention, that no field of activity is less important than the other and that they represent the organization in every level, from the administrative decisions to the field-work of our interns and volunteers.
Erasmus+ Projects:
The Erasmus+ Projects are our main field of activity. Through the Erasmus+ Programme, we have partnered up with many organizations similar to ours all around Europe. This has given us the opportunity to organize and participate in many youth exchange programmes in the last years. For these projects, which take place around once a month, we send 2-12 young people just like you, from France to another European country for a duration of approximately one week or two.
Also, because our partners are mostly specialized in different topics, we have the opportunity to treat currently relevant issues like environment, culture and human rights in creative workshops led by specialists. As an example, we have had projects on circular economies, democratic values and theatre between many others.
In addition, during the projects, the participants are constantly having intercultural exchanges and get the chance to make new friends from other countries they otherwise would not have met. Just see what previous participants have said about these projects!
Are you interested in our Erasmus+ Projects? Take a look at our past projects and sign up to receive our newsletter, to have a chance to participate in the next Erasmus+ Project!
International-Solidarity Projects:
The International-Solidarity Projects have a similar educational intention to the Erasmus+ Projects but as they are not funded by the EU, we have the freedom to place them somewhere outside of Europe, like in Northern Africa or the Middle East. Moreover, we also have a lot more flexibility in the planning of the activities or when we set our goals for the project.
Therefore, these projects require a lot more time to organise and we are always looking for people who are willing to commit to the project on a long term. Everybody can help, but you would have to be ready to give a continuous contribution and truly feel that you are a part of the project.
But, how do these projects initiate? To begin with, we focus on an area where we see a socio-political injustice or a lack of intervention from the international community and we ask ourselves, can we make a change?
After that, the procedure is different each time but there is a frequent routine. Some of these aspects include prospecting on site to find partners, raising awareness (in France or internationally), collecting funds, training and sending volunteers. These tasks require a lot of (wo)man-power and everybody willing to cooperate, getting involved in the whole process from the beginning to the end is more than welcome!
In these projects we try to find long-term solutions for existing problems in other countries, cooperating with local organizations and enhancing knowledge exchanges the whole time. We are not looking to deliver humanitarian aid, but to profit from each other and work together towards our common interests.
What would be one of the many possible ways to proceed? We would give the people in these countries the necessary training, teaching them useful skills, so they can take matters into their own hands in their home countries. Our methods are not based on telling people what they have to do, but on encouraging their political elevation and their positive ideological foundation to make them realize, that they are able to make a change in favour of their fellow citizens. We empower people and help them to reach their full potential!
If you want to learn more about our International-Solidarity projects, here is an example from our work at the Palestinian Refugee Camp in Lebanon in 2014.
Organization of Local Events
Apart from the projects all around the world, the OFCI also focuses on maintaining its activity in the local area. Through local events, we are able to gather the OFCI enthusiasts on a regular basis.
It is the perfect way for our members to share their ideas and experiences from various projects. No wonder, that many of our initiatives were originated in these events, when two or more OFCI Members talked to each other and decided to join forces to make their plans come true.
Also, in all of the events we try to keep an added learning value and our priority number one of course, a lot of fun!
You can always introduce us to your own Event ideas and assist to the Events whenever you want! Prepare yourself for intercultural evenings, movie nights, pancake parties, camping-weekends and much more!
Recruiting for the OFCI (Members, Interns, Administration-Council)
Last but no least, the OFCI office is our rally-point and a great place where we can brainstorm and design new activities. That is why we are always looking for new people who are willing to get involved with the OFCI and their projects, new interns who are willing to learn how the organization works from the inside and new members for the Administration-Council, which is in charge of the strategy and the management of the organization… Your ideas matter!
As a part of the OFCI, you can do your part in any activity of the organization, from working on content for our website or social medias, to organizing various events or to volunteering abroad to support our partners… You have plenty of options!
To get involved, check out our page “Nous Soutenir” and see what fits you the best. Either as a Member, Intern, or as part of the Administration-Council, you will be playing a huge role.
For us, it is very important, that the OFCI keeps its unique identity in every of their fields of activity. From a large scale project, to a modest event in Roubaix, we always put the same passion in making it happen, while respecting our fundamental beliefs. That’s why, we have defined a set of ideals that represents us in any level of the organization.
Everyone related to the OFCI have already identified them deep down and have followed them subconsciously at every moment. These ideals represent us and our actions, and at the same time we feel represented by these ideals everytime we do something.
We are not an organization that delivers humanitarian aid, but international solidarity. We believe every problem must be solved in a political way to guarantee an efficient solution. The best way to drive positive change is through encouraging reflection, enhancing education and putting rationality above emotions. This is how the OFCI has been able to have a meaningful impact with most of our actions since 2012.
We believe education is a long-term solution for long-term problems. We and our Partners try to follow that direction in any activity. However, the key is not in telling people what to do, but to plant the seed that should guide them. We try to empower people by transmitting them the sufficient knowledge and skills, so they can take matters into their own hands.
We believe that freedom helps people to achieve their true potential; from the freedom of movement to the freedom of thoughts and speech. We believe that our ancestors fought hard for these privileges in the past and therefore it is our duty as the following generations to defend and represent those values.
We believe in the power of the whole. A collective and respecting atmosphere is essential in any of our activities. If the OFCI has been able to meet their objectives until now, it is mainly because of the strength of our partnerships. It is also because of some determined individuals who decided to unite their forces. From the office to every single project we organize or participate in, we promote cooperation, unity and respect.
When people with different cultural backgrounds come together and experience the freedom to develop their personality, everybody profits and learns the most out of these situations. Taking this into consideration, at the OFCI, we thrive for maintaining an intercultural environment at every moment. The best example for this is our team at the office, permanently having people from different nationalities working together mutually for the growth of the association.
We believe in the potential of people. From the first moment at the OFCI, everybody receives the level of responsibility they deserve, regardless of their age or background. You are given every needed resource to help develop your creativity and carry out your plans. At the OFCI your vision will always be of the highest importance and you will always have the chance to do your bit.
At the OFCI we really believe what we are fighting for and we implement our ideals in any of our actions. If you felt inspired by them when you read the previous points, then maybe you are already a part of the OFCI! We are waiting for you!
Our founder, Youri Bergoug, invites you to learn more about our values.
The OFCI’s work has experienced a huge evolution since its foundation. Starting of in 2012 as a very small organization mainly focused on the Middle East, the organization has been getting bigger everyday and so has its focus also widened.
Every year we are involved in projects all around Europe and outside Europe, in events in our local area and in thousands of activities from our office.
Although every single one of our actions is connected with each other, we have listed them in four main field of activities, to make it easier for you to understand what we do exactly. It is also important to mention, that no field of activity is less important than the other and that they represent the organization in every level, from the administrative decisions to the field-work of our interns and volunteers.
Erasmus+ Projects:
The Erasmus+ Projects are our main field of activity. Through the Erasmus+ Programme, we have partnered up with many organizations similar to ours all around Europe. This has given us the opportunity to organize and participate in many youth exchange programmes in the last years. For these projects, which take place around once a month, we send 2-12 young people just like you, from France to another European country for a duration of approximately one week or two.
Also, because our partners are mostly specialized in different topics, we have the opportunity to treat currently relevant issues like environment, culture and human rights in creative workshops led by specialists. As an example, we have had projects on circular economies, democratic values and theatre between many others.
In addition, during the projects, the participants are constantly having intercultural exchanges and get the chance to make new friends from other countries they otherwise would not have met. Just see what previous participants have said about these projects!
Are you interested in our Erasmus+ Projects? Take a look at our past projects and sign up to receive our newsletter, to have a chance to participate in the next Erasmus+ Project!
International-Solidarity Projects:
The International-Solidarity Projects have a similar educational intention to the Erasmus+ Projects but as they are not funded by the EU, we have the freedom to place them somewhere outside of Europe, like in Northern Africa or the Middle East. Moreover, we also have a lot more flexibility in the planning of the activities or when we set our goals for the project.
Therefore, these projects require a lot more time to organise and we are always looking for people who are willing to commit to the project on a long term. Everybody can help, but you would have to be ready to give a continuous contribution and truly feel that you are a part of the project.
But, how do these projects initiate? To begin with, we focus on an area where we see a socio-political injustice or a lack of intervention from the international community and we ask ourselves, can we make a change?
After that, the procedure is different each time but there is a frequent routine. Some of these aspects include prospecting on site to find partners, raising awareness (in France or internationally), collecting funds, training and sending volunteers. These tasks require a lot of (wo)man-power and everybody willing to cooperate, getting involved in the whole process from the beginning to the end is more than welcome!
In these projects we try to find long-term solutions for existing problems in other countries, cooperating with local organizations and enhancing knowledge exchanges the whole time. We are not looking to deliver humanitarian aid, but to profit from each other and work together towards our common interests.
What would be one of the many possible ways to proceed? We would give the people in these countries the necessary training, teaching them useful skills, so they can take matters into their own hands in their home countries. Our methods are not based on telling people what they have to do, but on encouraging their political elevation and their positive ideological foundation to make them realize, that they are able to make a change in favour of their fellow citizens. We empower people and help them to reach their full potential!
If you want to learn more about our International-Solidarity projects, here is an example from our work at the Palestinian Refugee Camp in Lebanon in 2014.
Organization of Local Events
Apart from the projects all around the world, the OFCI also focuses on maintaining its activity in the local area. Through local events, we are able to gather the OFCI enthusiasts on a regular basis.
It is the perfect way for our members to share their ideas and experiences from various projects. No wonder, that many of our initiatives were originated in these events, when two or more OFCI Members talked to each other and decided to join forces to make their plans come true.
Also, in all of the events we try to keep an added learning value and our priority number one of course, a lot of fun!
De plus, dans tous les événements, nous essayons de conserver une valeur ajoutée d’apprentissage et notre priorité numéro une, bien sûr, beaucoup de convivialité !
You can always introduce us to your own Event ideas and assist to the Events whenever you want! Prepare yourself for intercultural evenings, movie nights, pancake parties, camping-weekends and much more!
Recruiting for the OFCI (Members, Interns, Administration-Council)
Last but no least, the OFCI office is our rally-point and a great place where we can brainstorm and design new activities. That is why we are always looking for new people who are willing to get involved with the OFCI and their projects, new interns who are willing to learn how the organization works from the inside and new members for the Administration-Council, which is in charge of the strategy and the management of the organization… Your ideas matter!
As a part of the OFCI, you can do your part in any activity of the organization, from working on content for our website or social medias, to organizing various events or to volunteering abroad to support our partners… You have plenty of options!
To get involved, check out our page “Nous Soutenir” and see what fits you the best. Either as a Member, Intern, or as part of the Administration-Council, you will be playing a huge role.
For us, it is very important, that the OFCI keeps its unique identity in every of their fields of activity. From a large scale project, to a modest event in Roubaix, we always put the same passion in making it happen, while respecting our fundamental beliefs. That’s why, we have defined a set of ideals that represents us in any level of the organization.
Everyone related to the OFCI have already identified them deep down and have followed them subconsciously at every moment. These ideals represent us and our actions, and at the same time we feel represented by these ideals everytime we do something.
We are not an organization that delivers humanitarian aid, but international solidarity. We believe every problem must be solved in a political way to guarantee an efficient solution. The best way to drive positive change is through encouraging reflection, enhancing education and putting rationality above emotions. This is how the OFCI has been able to have a meaningful impact with most of our actions since 2012.
We believe education is a long-term solution for long-term problems. We and our Partners try to follow that direction in any activity. However, the key is not in telling people what to do, but to plant the seed that should guide them. We try to empower people by transmitting them the sufficient knowledge and skills, so they can take matters into their own hands.
We believe that freedom helps people to achieve their true potential; from the freedom of movement to the freedom of thoughts and speech. We believe that our ancestors fought hard for these privileges in the past and therefore it is our duty as the following generations to defend and represent those values.
We believe in the power of the whole. A collective and respecting atmosphere is essential in any of our activities. If the OFCI has been able to meet their objectives until now, it is mainly because of the strength of our partnerships. It is also because of some determined individuals who decided to unite their forces. From the office to every single project we organize or participate in, we promote cooperation, unity and respect.
When people with different cultural backgrounds come together and experience the freedom to develop their personality, everybody profits and learns the most out of these situations. Taking this into consideration, at the OFCI, we thrive for maintaining an intercultural environment at every moment. The best example for this is our team at the office, permanently having people from different nationalities working together mutually for the growth of the association.
We believe in the potential of people. From the first moment at the OFCI, everybody receives the level of responsibility they deserve, regardless of their age or background. You are given every needed resource to help develop your creativity and carry out your plans. At the OFCI your vision will always be of the highest importance and you will always have the chance to do your bit.
At the OFCI we really believe what we are fighting for and we implement our ideals in any of our actions. If you felt inspired by them when you read the previous points, then maybe you are already a part of the OFCI! We are waiting for you!
Our founder, Youri Bergoug, invites you to learn more about our values.