Romanian teens gets full Derry experience with REACH Across

Young people from Reach Across and Romania pictured in Derry during the first stage of the project.

Prior to the main stage of the project, representatives from both groups took part in advance visits as part of the project planning and preparation.

The local stage of the youth exchange included a range of sports activities at Brooke Park and Foyle Arena.

The young people also took part in outdoor activities at Creggan Country Park and Escaramouche Laser.

Mayor Jilary McClintock hosted a question and answer session with young people from Reach Across and Romania.

The Romanians, who came to Derry from Alba Iulia in Transylvania, were also taken on a stroll through the street events during the Clipper Festival.

Both groups were given a tour by the crew of the Legenderry Clipper, after being invited on board by local crew member and Derry man Danny Bryce, who had just completed the leg from New York.

Later that day, project participants attended a lunch-time event at Holywell, Bishop Street, during which the Legenderry crew shared their Atlantic Ocean experiences and videos.

The local stage also included several education visits to Stormont, the Belfast Peace Lines, the Tower Museum and W5 Science Centre.

Young people pictured during a practice session with Alan Warke of Different Skins and a performance of Irish dancing.

The Romanian group were confused and intrigued by the Peace Walls and were impressed with the City Walls and the Peace Bridge.

Participants were given a guided tour and information talk about the work of Foyle Search & Rescue by Pat Carlin, prior to a craft workshop facilitated by the Fablab staff at the Nerve Centre.

After producing symbolic t-shirts at FabLab, the two groups attended a cultural evening of song and dance, that included a practice session with Alan Warke of Different Skins and a performance of Irish dancing.

The local programme was completed when the Romanian and REACH Across groups visited the Guildhall for a question and answer session with Mayor Hilary McClintock.

There were emotional scenes on the final day as the REACH Across group bade farewell to their new friends from Romania, although the overseas stage in Alba Iulia is only several weeks away, and will see young people from here visiting Romania.

In addition to the international youth exchange, REACH Across is also offering a Summer Scheme and a Summer Activity Camp.

The summer scheme and activity camp are being staged under the T.B.U.C Good Relations Programme with the support of the Provident Society.

For more information about joining REACH Across in Derry those interested are advised to telephone 028 71280048 or to e-mail: [email protected].