ISMO Symposia

The first four symposia were held in Germany. Scientists and field workers from all over the world were invited to discuss the issues of Mobile Youth Work and share the results of their work with street children, street youths and street gangs. Further symposia took place in Chile , in Switzerland , and in the Netherlands .

7th International Symposium in St. Petersburg/Russia

Apart from these symposia, ISMO organised its 7th International Symposium in St. Petersburg/Russia in co-operation with the European Network on Street Children Worldwide, the University and the Municipal Authority of St. Petersburg in 1998. With 350 participants from 38 countries around the world, which deal with the situation of street children and street youths within the Russian Federation , the syposium was a great succes. The conference lead to the foundation of a Russian network for street children and increased public awareness for the critical living situation of children and youth at risk. Governmental, non-governmental as well as church institutions became aware of new, non-restrictive approaches to social work with children and youth. As a consequence regular co-operation of Eastern and Western-European NGO´s were established. The interest of Russian partner organisations regarding the training concerning MYW led to the development of training units and modules with special focus on the local situation.

8th International Symposium in Nairobi/Kenia

The 8th symposium for Mobile Youth Work took place in 2003 in Afrika. In the National Council of Churches in Kenia (NCCK) ISMO found a competent partner for the organisation of the symposium in Nairobi.