Young people will be talking about their once-in-a-lifetime volunteering visit to Cuba - which included helping farmers with their harvests and weeding to working with disabled youngsters in local schools - at a special presentation evening in Bradford.
Organised by Bradford Council's Integrated Youth Support, ten young people aged 16 to 19 from across the district took part in a two-week working trip with their peers from different parts of Europe.
Their stay included a placement in schools in a disadvantaged town and visiting schools for blind children and youngsters with Down's Syndrome.
They also gave out donations of clothes, stationery and toiletries they had bought or collected themselves especially for the trip to families and children at schools, camps and villages.
The group was also invited to a workshop to learn about the Cuban Five - five Cubans who are believed to be wrongly imprisoned in the US - while also learning about the country's history and culture.
They will be sharing their memorable experiences and photographs with their families, friends and youth workers at a presentation evening at the Dubrovnik Hotel, in Oak Lane, Manningham on Thursday, 4 February, 7pm to 9pm.
Coun Michael Kelly, the Council's Executive Member for Services to Children and Young People, said: "This sounds like an amazing trip and an experience the group will remember and treasure for the rest of their lives.
"It was a wonderful opportunity for them all to meet other young volunteers from different countries as well as being given an insight into the life of their peers and their families in Cuba."
The trip also backed the district's b someone campaign which focuses on making sure children and young people are given support and encouragement to help them achieve, boost their skills and fulfil their potential.
Senior Youth Worker and organiser Nazaket Ali said: "The trip was a really thought-provoking for all who took part and it reminded our young people just how lucky and privileged they are.
"It was a very demanding fortnight with a lot of hard work involved, but the group was also rewarded with a few relaxing events including a tour of Havana and swimming with dolphins - something they all deserved.
"The presentation evening will now give them the chance to tell others about their excursion and it will hopefully encourage other young people to take part in similar events in the future."
Volunteer Jodie Tait, 18, of Holme Wood, said: "Cuba was a big eye opener for me and it made me realise how privileged I really am."
The group spent months raising £1,500 each to cover the costs through various events such as car-boot sales, a masquerade ball, sporting competitions and a fashion show.
Media Relations Officer:
Carolyne Coyle
Telephone: 01274 432400
Fax: 01274 432005
Email: press.communications@bradford.gov.uk
Date: 3.2.10
