In September, eleven young people from the North Argyll Youth Forum travelled to Poland for a week as part of their Youth Democracy Initiative. The group joined up with partner organisations from Glasgow's East End and from two Polish high schools. In total, forty young people aged between 13 and 20 took part in the project which was organised around three themes –
Comparing youth facilities in urban and rural Scotland with those in Poland.
Discussing how young people can raise issues important to them and how they are supported to engage with decision-makers.
What are the sources of conflict in Polish and Scottish society and what can result if conflict is not resolved.
Amongst the many highlights of the week were learning some traditional Polish dancing, learning how to cook pierogi in a home economics class, a visit to Auschwitz concentration camp, a problem-solving day in a forest and a day on a mountain spent having a BBQ, playing volleyball and relaxing in the sunshine.
As part of the programme a conference was arranged in Bochnia where young people from all four partners gave presentations (complete with young translators) on their choice of issues to an audience of around 150 people including head / depute head teachers from six Polish schools. The Oban group discussed their efforts to improve a football pitch in Soroba, the Glaswegians talked about an anti-bullying pack they have adapted and the Polish groups highlighted efforts to reduce teenage pregnancies and alcohol and drug misuse.
Young people evaluated the project in a variety of ways and some of the comments made include -
"really missed my mum but had a really good time glad I stayed and would do it again"
"I thought the groups got on really well and no one really fell out.... hope we keep in touch"
"I loved the singing with the Polish groups on the bus"
"I had a great time and will not forget it for a long time"
The young people are keeping in touch via facebook and the partnership between the Oban and Glasgow groups will be continued with more trips and activities. They are all very keen to do more international projects. Some of the Oban group were chosen to attend and speak at the inaugural "Young Gifted and Rural" seminar which was held at Comrie croft last month. Alongside young people from Harris, Mearns and Comrie, the young people spoke about what they have achieved with their projects and took part in workshops to discuss how these experiences could be built on. The Organisers –Scottish Rural Network and the Carnegie Trust are keen to make this event an annual occasion to allow rural youth project to share ideas and good practice.