AMICIF 2020 Postponed Due to Pandemic. A Little Throwback to Unforgettable Journey

Last summer, I got a chance to join an exhange program called AMICIF. In 2020, for the first time in 62 years, it has been cancelled due to health global situation. It's sad but it's also the best decision, since this program have a high risk of the virus spread. Normally, every year they gather about 200-250 youth from approximately 60 countries. So, it would be dangerous to gather people from around the world while we still don't know when this is going to end. Since this incredible event is postponed 'til 2021, I'm going to write a little throwback to the unforgettable experience last year.

Announcement of cancellation 

AMICIF (Amicales des Centres des Internationaux Francophones) is a summer exchange program created by Lions Club France for francophone's youth. Francophone means country or people who speak french. Each summer, the participant scattered throughout France with some centers. In 2019, we had 7 centers which has different theme. I was one of four delegations from Indonesia, we joined different centers. I was in CIFA (Centre International Francophone Atlantique), held in 3 main cities, Parthenay, Thouars, Bréssuire, in Deux-Sèvres region, located in west of France.

There were 22 youth from 18 countries. We lived in diversity throughout the program. This center had particular theme of history, culture, nature and gastronomy. During 4 weeks, we discovered the region trough divers activities related to the theme such as visiting expositions, seminars, festivals, mayor office, old cities, theme park,e.t.c. In other time, we also had country presentation from each delegation and international dinner with more than 20 menus from around the world. At the end of program, we made a closing ceremony by enlivened it with dances, songs and party.

I learned so much from this one month journey. We may come from different background of culture, religion and races. That's why we are so different and unique, but it doesn't matter because we live in such a diverse world. The most important thing is respect each other and maintaining a good relationship among us, thus we can liven up peace throughout all places in the earth.

Thanks to this program, I now have a big family from around the world. I hope this pandemic end sooner, so CIF can welcome new family again in the peace ambiance.