Help us help young people

Oct 16 2008 by Our Correspondent, Caernarfon and Denbigh Herald

FOR the past couple of years, GISDA has been attending and contributing towards projects that use theatrical methods to tackle issues that oppress and affect young people. We are part of Drums for Peace, a network that works across Europe.

Some of the young people supported by GISDA have had the chance to attend exchanges in Europe. They are given the chance to go to places and to experience things they wouldn’t usually get the chance to.

The way the young people develop in confidence, self respect and maturity on these exchanges is proof in itself it is a great and valuable initiative.

At the end of the month, five young people who are receiving support from GISDA will get the chance to take part in a similar project in Budapest called In Between – Sensory Labyrinth Theatre.

By working together and getting to know each other, they learn to respect and appreciate diversity, as well as make new friends.

We have made an application for a grant towards an exchange we hope to hold next year here in Wales.

We hope to be able to invite young people from Portugal, Denmark and Estonia. If our application is successful, we will receive 70% of the costs. We will have to raise the other 30%, which will be thousands of pounds. If our application is not successful, we won’t be able to host the exchange since it would mean raising so much money.

As it is, we do not have the budget or the resources to continue offering these memorable and valuable experiences. But so great is their value we will strive to raise the money. As part of our campaign, staff members are being sponsored to walk to the summit of Snowdon. There are also other plans under way.

I wonder whether readers would be so kind as to consider either contributing a little towards the cost or sponsor us?

MAIR RICHARDS

(Chief Executive) GISDA, Caernarfon