From Saturday 25th October to Friday 31st October 2008, the YFCU, in conjunction with Rural Youth Europe, will host the 2008 European Autumn Seminar at Millrest Hostel, Bushmills.
This week long Seminar will bring together young rural Europeans from over twenty countries to discuss and discover a broad range of topics concerning democratic and cultural change and will explore the meaning of democracy in each country involved.
The busy timetable of events for participants includes workshop sessions to discuss the Seminar's theme "Democracy: Your Vote, Youth's Voice".
Visits to Stormont and the north coast's tourist attractions have also been incorporated into the schedule to give the visitors a well rounded view of Northern Ireland and what it has to offer.
On Friday 31st October the Autumn Seminar will close with a dinner kindly supported by the LMC at the Causeway Hotel with guest speaker Dr Mike Tempest, Technical Director, LMC.
Dr Tempest said: "Young people are the very life blood of the future of our industry and, despite current difficulties, there are many new opportunities that will encourage them to remain in the industry. I look forward to highlighting some of thee at the dinner."
Speaking on behalf of the Autumn Seminar Committee, Chairperson Stephen Patton said;
"We are delighted to be hosting the 2008 Autumn Seminar in Northern Ireland.
"The idea of the Seminar is to take a closer look at the past and current situation of Northern Ireland, exploring the meaning of Democracy and Active Citizenship and consider how this reflects the reality of young people's lives from other parts of Europe.
One of the key issues is youth participation, we want to engage young people in democracy and encourage them to use their 'voice' and get them to be proactive in their local communities as well as other levels, encouraging young people to use their vote.
To have the support of the LMC is brilliant as this will give the Seminar visitors the chance to sample local produce and also learn about the work of the LMC in Northern Ireland" he added.