From the ELSA Offlcials

This meeting in Dublin/Ireland is in conjunction with the Irish Stammering Association and will again be part funded by the European Commission, following a successful (96-page !) application made by ELSA. The meeting is primarily for board members of the national associations; however, like recent ELSA seminars, we hope to open it up to any interested stutterer. We are hoping to find reasonably priced conference facilities - however, spaces will be limited so keep in touch with your national association for further details.

This year's big event was undoubtedly the ELSA Youth Meeting in Nijmegen, Netherlands - the second of its kind after Linkšping in 1995, and no less successful. You will find a report on this gathering on the following pages.

ELSA's work doesn't consist solely of such spectacular events. The brief report on the Slovak Republic on page 11 is a fine example of how ELSA ties up loose ends with small-scale activities and, in doing so, helps to establish wider links.

Back to the spectacular. Next year's big event will be the World Congress in South Africa, 6-9 July. We are supporting the joint efforts of Speakeasy South Africa and the International Stuttering Association, and wish to encourage you to take this marvellous opportunity for an international exchange of views and experiences [contact 5th World Congress for people who stutter, PO Box 3390, Parklands 2121, South Africa; tele.(+2711) 788-2736/3299; fax (+2711) 788-3299]

Sincerely,

Anita S. Blom, Edwin J. Farr, Konrad Schäfers, Alien Timans.