Last Wednesday 11th September, "our" District Chairman in charge of Youth Exchange, Chris Thurtell, reported on his recent attendance at the Europe, Eastern Mediterranean & Africa Youth Exchange Conference (EEMA), which he attended in Valencia, Spain. "The theme of the conference was “Look to the future with Youth Exchange” and that theme was evident with the subject topic sessions throughout the weekend, although in practice the subject matter was not telling us things we did not already know. We all know how good the program is but what we need are innovative strategies to cope with our rapidly changing world and the rapidly changing face of those we send on exchange. Challenges we face here in Australia are universal and not specific to one country" Chris advised. He elaborated on a number of very important segments, just to name a few:- ROTEX (yes, what is ROTEX? - Check it out!)
- Technology and its impact and dangers
- The Z Generation
- Expanding Youth Exchange beyond the 'traditional' countries, for example, bring in students from the African regions outside South Africa?
- The Flag Game (a highly disturbing development, a "worldwide secret of exchange students, dangerous and damaging, not only to students but to those around them")
and many others. A copy of the full presentation is ready for you to download - see Download Section on the right.
Our club has been very active in international Youth Exchange - it is important that you keep yourself up to date.