Young people in Bradford are being given the chance to sign up for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Cuba.
Organised by Bradford Council's Integrated Youth Support (IYS), the 16 to 19-year-olds can take part in a nine-day placement at a school in a disadvantaged town where they will work with children and arrange sporting activities for them to enjoy.
They will also stay with local families during the 12-day trip in February next year.
Those who sign up will have to raise £1,500 each to cover the costs and IYS will help them to organise fundraising events, such as car-boot sales, a Christmas masquerade ball, sporting competitions a sponsored bike ride and a fashion show.
An information open evening for those who are interested will be held on Friday, 17 July, at the IYS headquarters in City Road, Bradford, from 5pm to 7pm.
Coun Michael Kelly, the Council's Executive Member for Services to Children and Young People, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for young people from across the district to take part in this exciting project.
"It will mean they can not only get to experience life in Cuba but they will also be able to give up their time to support the school and spend time with the pupils.
"The trip also reflects the district's b someone campaign which is focusing 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 Nazaket Ali said: "This trip is being organised on the back of a very successful visit to a deprived township in South Africa which involved young people volunteering in a creche.
"It really opened their eyes to how children in other parts of the world live and have so little.
"It was a memorable experience for them all and we hope Cuba will be as successful. It's a brilliant development opportunity for all young people as they learn so many new skills, such as fundraising, working with the business community in Bradford, learning a new language and gaining a portfolio of accredited qualifications."
Interviews for those who sign up for the project will be held at City Road on August 1, from 10am to 1pm.
For further details contact Nazaket Ali on 01274 422440, or email nazaket.ali@bradford.gov.uk
Media Relations Officer:
Carolyne Coyle
Telephone: 01274 432400
Fax: 01274 432005
Email: press.communications@bradford.gov.uk
Date: 26.06.09
