Group could save stripes in Africa (From Free Press Series)

Group could save stripes in Africa

A GROUP of Torfaen youth workers are keeping their fingers crossed in the hope they get to go on the trip of a lifetime to Africa.

The lucky foursome would get to see some of Kenya's most spectacular sites if they can realise their dream, but it is business rather than pleasure that's calling them to the wild.

Four trainee youth workers at Cwmbran Centre for Young People, Glen Shields, 21, Terry Slade, 23, Katie Meredith, 20, and Clifford Evans, 18, are hoping to attend an international summer youth camp and conference near Lake Bogoria.

The lake is famous for its wildlife, such as zebra, baboons and flamingos.

It is the first event of its kind in the world and will bring together 500 young activists aged 16 to 25, from 70 different countries.

The aim is to hone the young peoples' skills and send them back into the community inspired and ready to make a difference.

Workshops that are offered include communication, fund-raising, advocacy, IT and project planning, and sessions will explore issues of environment, education, health (HIV and AIDS), social justice, peace and globalisation.

But there's one big catch, and time isn't on their side.

The centre can meet the cost of participation fees for the group, but it cannot stump up the travelling expenses of £700 per ticket, and the conference is in August.

We are hoping local businesses and community groups can help us out," said Rebecca Imm, project worker at CCYP.

"These young people would benefit enormously from the opportunity, and the community would benefit from their new-found skills," she explained.

Cwmbran Centre for Young People offers a wide range of services and facilities for young people, and recently scooped the Investors in People award - one of the first voluntary organisations in Torfaen to do so.

If you can help the centre fund the cost of the trip, contact Rebecca by telephoning 01633 875851.