Chinese visitors take away tips on youth provision from Vale
Discussing democracy
A group of Chinese delegates have visited the Vale of Glamorgan
to learn more about youth participation and democracy.
Accompanied by officials from the Vale of Glamorgan Council, the
group enjoyed a tour of the Area 41 youth centre and County Library
in Barry, met with the Vale Mayor, Cllr Nic Hodges, and took part
in a democracy lesson with school council members at Cowbridge
Comprehensive School.
The group, all from the southern Chinese city of Chongqing, were
in the Vale for the start of a 10-day whistle-stop tour organised
by the British Council and the Welsh Assembly Government. They
visited several local authorities across Wales to see a variety of
youth provision projects, from both the voluntary and statutory
sectors. They were also treated to a reception in Cardiff Bay
hosted by Education and Lifelong Learning Minister Jane
Davidson.
The visiting Chinese delegates comprised six representatives
from youth federations, schools and colleges, a 17-year-old
student, and an interpreter. For many of them it was their first
time in the UK and they all found the visit to be a fantastic
learning experience. They are now very keen to take back to China
what they have learned.
Tina Simmons, youth development officer at the Vale Council,
said: "Our Chinese guests thoroughly enjoyed their memorable stay
here and thanked everyone for the warm welcome they were given and
an insight into how youth work is delivered in Wales.
"The visit was beneficial to us as well, as we discovered a lot
about the huge contrasts between life in China and Wales. Chongqing
has a population of 30 million, with many school class sizes of
60-plus. Their schools also have over 500 staff on average.
"Despite these differences though, both countries share the
common aim of improving provision for young people and enabling
them to develop into citizens of the future."
Tina added: "We hope that this visit is the start of further
links between the Vale of Glamorgan and Chongqing in the
future."
26/03/07