New University

Klaipëda University - the first newly founded university in the independent Lithuania recently celebrated its 10^th anniversary. An organization "Students' Union of Klaipëda University" is 5 years old since April. The Union is already one of leading youth organizations in Klaipëda.

It takes part at the Round Table of Klaipëda non-governmental organizations and also at meetings of Lithuanian National union of students. In the last two years together with other organizations or alone The Students' Union of Klaipëda University have organized more than 60 concerts, parties, and festivals. Every year the union organizes few projects concerning youth activity, health and drug addiction topics.

The union has also its difficulties: sometimes it is money, sometimes a lack of professionalism and practice that has always been a problem to most nongovernmental organizations, especially youth organizations. The most vital affairs concerning student life were taken care of by the union which is becoming more and more involved in the management of university dormitories. Dormitories is a crucial part of student life as a great number of Klaipëda University students come from outside Klaipëda.

After a new Law of Higher Education came into force the students' representatives - the union became even more powerful. It has a right to delegate 6 senators to the highest Universities body - the Senate; has a voting right in the Councils of the faculties and more. Winning the recognition of a valuable partner in governing university meant a lot for all students. It puts on responsibility but is very pleasant too.

There are no such magic remedies that could handle all the issues. A young state, especially a young organization has to go through all the development stages in order to become a strong organization.