International Youth Programme
Our overseas programmes and exchanges teaches meaningful life skills, provides an opportunity to meet new people, facilitates cultural appreciation, and teaches young people the ability to adapt to new environments. We have worked with young refugees and migrants from Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine living in Slovenia, where young people gained a European Youth Pass and International accreditations.
This programme is currently inactive, awaiting further funding.
Slovenia 2019
For the second year running Youth Action Alliance participated in a Youth Exchange held in Slovenia for twelve days (24th July – August 4th) and funded by Erasmus +. Five young men and two young women were recruited aged between 17 and 20 years old. Three other groups from Croatia, Slovenia and Germany participated in the exchange and included a group of ten young refugees and migrants from Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine living in Slovenia.
“The greatest trip of my life so far, it was the best escape from the chaos of London. The youth exchange was an amazing opportunity, met some amazing people and made some amazing friends. The best bit was meeting new people from new places that I would never have met back in London. It completely changed my view of the word refugee – despite our differences we are all the same. Opened my mind massively.”
Slovenia 2018
Aims: To enable young people to spend quality time in a safe intercultural environment that will be co-created by young participants.
Young people had the opportunity to discover new aspects of their own personality, increase self-awareness, explore their talents, develop creative thinking, and learn how to live with others. They got to know the common values that people have regardless of their nationality, religious views, or other personal circumstances.
Outcomes:
Participants will develop new approaches using creative thinking to address the challenges that they might be facing.
Participants will strengthen their positive traits and be introduced to the riches and cultures of other nationalities, contributing to intercultural cooperation and understanding.
The Youth exchange will create a safe environment in which to form friendships no matter the personal circumstances of participants.
Participants will co-create everyday life during the youth exchange and will get the opportunity to take on responsibility for the quality of living together as a community (such as cooking and cleaning together).
“Meeting the refugees has really humbled me and allowed me to really feel grateful for what I have.”
Impact:
7 young people
received European Youth Pass and Internal accreditation
4 young people
continued to do fitness training together
2 young people
worked as peer workers supporting peers and running national group meetings
2 young people
have taken up the offer of career coaching from a mentor with links to the UN
Participants feedback:
80% reported improved fitness whilst on the residential participating fully in a range of sporting activities
100% report that they have made improved relationships and have made and sustained new friendships
80% agreed strongly that they feel more confident
100% agreed strongly that they have learnt new things about themselves
100% agreed strongly that they have a greater understanding of culture and difference
2 of the young men proved invaluable as Arabic to English translators for the young Palestinian refugees
100% said they would strongly recommend the experience to others
“This experience was a big eye opener, it made me realise just how much I took for granted but, in a way, where I didn’t feel guilty but felt free to finally make a change.”
Media
National Slovenian radio paid us a visited us and Julia, Warwick and Sonny provided interviews for the hour-long broadcast here (warning it is in Slovenian!) This an external link to the welcome video: Our London
“I had a wonderful time experiencing Slovenia! It was a privilege being a part of the youth exchange as I met a plethora of individuals who added to my perception of life. Most people were appreciative of the different cultures that were in that house which made it easy when starting conversations with others. Overall I enjoyed my time on the trip and would do it 100% again.”