On Thursday we has the Youth Forum for the IGE. There were 5 youth lead workshops running on the day. Our group ran a workshop ran a workshop on Exchanges and GAP years. Thanks to all the IC members and others who attended for their enthusiasm and desire to make things happen.

Here is a brief summary of our workshop:

Purpose (for Exchanges)

• Encourage people to stay active in the award and give back as volunteers.
• Share ideas.
• Promote greater cultural understanding.

We proposed two main types of events that we want to see happen…

1. Regional IGE style events – to occur between triennial IGE events.

Suggestions from our participants included:

• Looking at existing models such as the events run in the Caribbean.
• Working with regional council meetings.
• Ensuring you communicate with you National Office.

2. GAP Year Exchanges – Based on existing programs but focusing on getting young people to assist with the award.

Suggestions from our participants included:

• Looking at the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council.
• Consider a program that includes work in your own country before/after travelling to another country.

This is just a quick summary and we had loads more useful suggestions to help us. Now we are all heading home with a very busy few years ahead to implement our ACTION PLAN!

Rebekah