Maypole Community Project
YOUTH EXCHANGE
Hall Green - Selly oak area
In 1997 after working at Koren Youth Camp (Czech Republic) for two summers I decided to organise an Exchange between Birmingham and Tachov (Czech Republic). The camp was one of many set up under the Communist Government to provide an outlet for young people during school holidays. After the Velvet Revolution 1992 most of the camps fell into disrepair. Koren has now been substantially modernised and hosts many groups during the summer months.
The camp set in the hills of West Bohemia provides a wonderful setting for all kinds of activities. Koren a small hamlet is situated 2km from the camp, there are many beautiful Spa towns within 1hrs drive and the magnificent city of Prague is 2hrs away.
Working on the camp I made contact with Young People from the town of Tachov. This is a town with a population of approx. 18000 about 25km from the camp. They were eager to meet other groups especially from England. Their desire to learn and speak English is considerable. The camp organisers offered to help organise a group to take part in an exchange.
An Exchange would provide many opportunities including:
The first Exchange took place in 1998, this was a pilot exchange with 10 young people. In July/August the group left Birmingham for the 24hr journey by minibus. The theme of the week was theatre.
The return leg took place in October 1998. This being a success work on a second Exchange for 1999/2000 started.
The second Exchange again Theatre based was organised over the winter-spring of1998/1999. This time 15 Young People made up the
Birmingham group to go out and meet 15 Young People from Tachov.
Once again a great success.
The return leg saw the 15 Czechs arriving in Birmingham in February 2000. On leaving the idea of the 3rd exchange was already being talked
about by all involved.
The Third Exchange is now being organised for summer 2001/2002. A core group from the previous Exchanges is now meeting. It hoped to take out 25 Young people and receive 25.
Funding the Exchanges is one of the important factors and probably the most difficult. Funding has previously come from:
Due to the financial status of the Czech Republic this exchange has extra financial demands. The average wage in Czech being £25-£35 per week gives rise to a huge financial difference with England. The Young people in Czech have little or no money. This constantly puts more pressure on the English funding. Despite these difficulties the Exchanges have progressed and achieved great results.
The relationship with our Czech friends has grown over the years. We now have reliable contacts, trust and confidence with each other. Core groups of Young People in both countries provide an advantage to the first time visitors. Continuous working relationships over the months/years provides a strong stable base, ideal especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Hall Green/Selly Oak/Tachov exchanges have provided and will provide wonderful opportunities in the future for Young People from extremely different cultures.
Roger Dennis……..Exchange Organiser
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