The Dumfries Global Education Group is a group of 11 Nithsdale young people aged 15-20 who volunteer in their local community on a weekly basis, from working with young people with additional support needs and disabilities to working with the Cadets. They were selected to represent the United Kingdom at a United Nations World Volunteer Conference in Australia where they deliver workshops on the work they are doing at the Dumfries and Galloway Council Oasis Youth Centre in Dumfries.
Before the group left they raised £48,000 with the support of many groups, companies, parents and friends. The group raised the money they needed to cover the full cost of the flights, accommodation and all other associated costs.
The group departed on 10 September and headed to Singapore. Here the group carried out their first volunteer project, Bizlink, where they spent the day working with people who have additional support needs and disabilities. This gave them an insight into how different countries work with people who have additional support needs and disabilities.
After this the group travelled to the Gold Coast in Australia where they took part in the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) Youth conference here they go the opportunity to meet different young volunteers from all across the globe. They listened to inspirational speakers such as the president of volunteering Australia as well as taking part in various workshops.
The group from Dumfries and Galloway also group delivered their own workshop on the volunteering they are currently doing in their local communities. This workshop was very well received by all delegates who participated in it and our young people delivered the workshop exceptionally well.
Whilst in the Gold Coast the group also attended the IAVE world conference where the group had to pick from a variety of different workshops ranging from volunteering in rural communities to volunteering in youth work. Also at the world conference a member of the group spoke in front of over 1,000 delegates. Also at this conference the group listened to a variety of different inspirational key note speakers including Dr Kang- Hyun Lee who is the President of IAVE.
Megan Acton, who was the member of the group who delivered the workshops said;
“During a 2 hour plenary session at the world conference I spoke in front of over 1,000 people. I was so nervous at first but during speaking I loved it, it was a truly amazing once in a life time opportunity to be given the chance to deliver the youth statement in front of all the delegates and alongside truly inspirational people.”
After the conference the group continued on to Sydney. Here they got to see some of the famous sights in Sydney such as Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge as well as taking in an educational visit to the Blue Mountains. Here the group learnt more about the rain forest and why in fact the name for the Blue Mountains came about.
Finally the group visited Kuala Lumpur, where the gang visited an aboriginal settlement as well as spending the day at an Elephant Sanctuary in the middle of the jungle! The group got to feed the elephants as well as learn why they are brought to the sanctuary. They also experienced some of the culture of Kuala Lumper by going to the Batu Caves – climbing all 300 steps to get inside!
The group thoroughly enjoyed the entire journey, from fundraising 18 months ago to coming back to Scotland at the end of September. They are grateful to everyone who has supported them through this including the Council’s Nithsdale Area Committee, The Holywood Trust, Award for All, Lion Club, Devorgilla Rotary and Criffel Coaches. Without the support of these organisations this project would not have been possible.
Tom McAughtrie, Chairman of the Council’s Community and Customer Services Committee said;
“These 11 youngsters are a credit to themselves, their families and the wider community. They have been great ambassadors for the youth of Dumfries and Galloway in their exploits abroad. The massive fundraising they undertook to finance their trip was a sign of their resilience and ingenuity. They deserve all the praise for their endeavours. More publicity should be given to young people who enhance their community than the 1% who indulge in in criminal activity.”
