First Visit from the new Mayor of Vaulx-en-Velin France, Mr. Bernard Genin

A delegation from the cities of Romans and Vaulx-en-Velin, France, visited Beit Sahour from December 10-17, 2009. The delegation included the new Mayor of Vaulx-en-Velin, Mr. Bernard Genin, signifying his first trip to Palestine and Beit Sahour to strengthen the relationship and cooperation between the two cities. Other members of the Vaulx-en-Velin delegation included Mr. Stéphane Bienvenue, advisor to the mayor, and Sophie Senouci, Deputy Mayor of International Affairs. The Romans delegation was comprised of Ms. Karine Charles, Director of Romans International and Ms. Maud Lebourg, Director of Youth and Cultural House.

The delegation's mission was two-fold:
1. to strengthen the relationship between the cities on a more intimate level;
2. and to develop and discuss the basis for continued cooperation.

Therefore, the delegation met with many of the local organizations that participated in the first phase of cooperation which was concluded this year. The purpose of the meeting was to assess the needs and wants of the local organization in order to develop a cooperation that would have the greatest amount of impact and benefit.

The conclusion of the meeting resulted in three major pillars of cooperation:
1. exchange of inhabitants: sports teams, women, and other groups;
2. exchange of trainers: sports and management;
3. technical and information exchange.

The local organizations also decided to continue to work with Sports without Borders, an international NGO that implemented capacity building activities with the local organizations and youth.

The mayor of Vaulx-en-Velin and his colleagues enjoyed touring the city that included visits to ARIJ, Ush Ghurab Public Park, Dar Al Balad and the Elderly Club.

The Romans delegation made many connections with local organization such as Rafeek Al Darb, Arab Women's Union, Al Basma Center, and the Secondary Public Girls' School.

Back