AEGEE-Catania’s Summer University (SU) was elected as the best SU during Autumn Agora Cagliari, but that, for sure, does not mean this Sicilian antenna’s work is done. Not at all actually, because the local is on fire with a Network Meeting (NWM), another Summer University and contribution to the upcoming Night of the Seven Antennae. We spoke to Alfio Koshimanu Bonaccorsi, Main Organiser of the NWM, to find out more about the secrets of this local and their upcoming events.
The AEGEEan: Why did you apply to organize the NWM? When did the idea start?
Alfio: Well, we applied for the previous Autumn NWM, but the network was asking for a meeting in North Italy after many in the south, so we had to wait for Spring 2015 to host this event. We applied because we are proud to be part of the Rainbow and to give its members a great event of reunion. Plus, everyone was asking for an event in Catania, aside from a SU, so here it is!
Who will be responsible for the organisation?
I will be the Main Organiser, but I have a great team of twenty people, including the former and present presidents, Antonio and Elisa.
When will the NWM take place and how many participants will be there?
From the 12th until the 15th of March. We started with 45 places, but we extended it to 50 due to the high number of applications.
Do you already have plans for the NWM?
The sessions are fixed by the Network Commission (NetCom), but in the free time we will show some of the icebreaking games and activities that make our SU events so unforgettable. Plus, the participants will have a special dinner, they do not know about yet! And of course, European Night!
You are also organising a Summer University again. What is the plan for your SU, and how do you manage to combine the SU with the preparation for the NWM?
This year we are going to take a risk. We are going to change our winning theme and challenge ourselves again. We are going for a Mythology theme, because Sicily is an island full of myths and legends. The coordination will be difficult, but the team is already active for the SU and we will have our first meeting on the 1st of February!
What are your secret plans to become the best SU for the fourth time?
Changing the theme and the content of our SU is a risky decision, but it will also give the old and experienced members new energy and enthusiasm. Furthermore, every year we improve something based on our participants feedback, and this year will be no exception.
Next to the NWM and SU, you also signed up to organise the Night of the Seven Antennae. How do you plan to combine these big events?
Fortunately, the NWM and 30th Anniversary both take place in a weekend and both have sessions that will be hosted in university halls. We are creating a great team to manage both of them, keeping some things similar (lodging, meals, session rooms) to make things easier.
Why should people come to Catania for one of your events?
The applications for the NWM have already closed, but you can apply for the Night of the Seven Antennae event soon. It is a good chance to visit us, to discover this magic city among the volcano and the sea and find out why we organise such unforgettable events. I think it is a great combination of European timing and organisation (every detail is very important), and Sicilian warmth and friendliness. Oh, and we will sleep in a bed and breakfast, so we have real beds, that is important, too!
Do you have any other big events coming up that AEGEEans should not miss?
The Night of the Seven Antennae from 17th until 19th of April, the Summer University from the 7th until the 18th of August and another secret project for next autumn! Catania is thinking big. We are very optimistic about the present and future.
Written by Svenja van der Tol, AEGEE-Nijmegen