Promoting the value of international exchanges
Vale of Glamorgan Mayor Cllr Nic Hodges has hosted the launch
of a special book aimed at encouraging more young people and youth
workers to participate in international work.
"The Value of Exchanges" has been written by Rural Vale Youth
Development Officer Tina Simmons in partnership with Norwegian
colleague Roger Klovteit and Danish consultant Lisa Alsted
Henrichsen.
The book was the culmination of 10 days in Norway last summer,
where 44 past participants from various European countries gathered
to evaluate exchanges. It has been part funded by the Connect Youth
Cymru Committee, of which Tina is chair, and Norwegian organisation
Aktivungdom.
Roger and Tina have worked in partnership since 1999 offering a
range of international experiences to young people, including
multilateral youth exchanges in Norway, Estonia, Wales and France.
These have attracted almost £800,000 in grants over the seven
years, with some of the money used to deliver training on
international youth exchanges to other workers in the Vale.
Tina said: "International youth work has always been active and
successful in Wales, and the international work promoted and
delivered in the Vale has contributed to its overall success.
"It is hoped the book will attract more young people to
participate in international work and encourage more youth workers
to see the value and also get involved."
Wales is fortunate to have its own International Officer, Katie
Antippas, who works from the British Council office in Cardiff.
The Mayor's Parlour launch - there was a similar event in
Norway - was attended by some of the young people who have
benefited from exchanges and representatives of the Welsh Assembly
Government and Vale of Glamorgan Council,
Six thousand copies of the book are being distributed throughout
Norway, Estonia, France, Denmark and Wales. It can also be accessed
through the internet at www.vesledaniel.no.
For more information on international work, contact Katie
Antippas on 029 2034 5173.
Caption: Vale of Glamorgan Mayor Cllr Nic
Hodges and the Mayoress, his wife, Shirley, hosted the launch of
"The Value of Exchanges" by Rural Vale Youth Development Officer
Tina Simmons and youth exchange participants Francesca Damiani
(left) and Rachel Wells. Also pictured are: Katie Antippas,
international youth officer with the British Council (Wales), Dave
Prosser, Head of Lifelong Learning with the Vale Council, and Dr
John Rose, of the Welsh Assembly's Youth and Adult Learning
Opportunities Division.