International youth event a big success

They have just returned from Dakhla, Morocco in the Western Sahara where they stayed as guests of Dakhla and Creil, Pendle's twin town from 15 - 21 July.

They were the only young people from the UK who were part of a group of 51 people from a number of countries. Students from Pendle's twin towns of Creil and Marl stayed together in a youth hostel with young people from Morocco, Senegal and Palestine.

The visit was designed to improve international understanding about different cultures and religions.

This week, the Pendle group presented Pendle's Mayor, Councillor Nadeem Ahmed, with a traditional ceremonial dagger, a gift from the Mayor of Dakhla.

Pendle's Mayor also received a beautiful sand picture of a giraffe and a traditional robe from a Senegalese mayor.

Councillor Nadeem Ahmed said:  "It is an honour to receive these cultural gifts.

"I'm delighted our young people had the chance to learn about different cultures first-hand to improve international understanding."

The group from Pendle who enjoyed the eight day visit included two Modern Apprentices who work at Pendle Council. 

Natasha Crook, 18, works in the tourism team and Matthew Brooks, 19, works in health and safety.

Natasha explained:  "The aim of the visit was to connect young people all over the world and to learn about each other's cultures, countries and religions. 

Natasha added:  "Each night young people would share something from their culture.

"For example, we had a go at Moroccan and Senegalese dancing.

"We also did some fun things, like kite surfing," she explained.

"We tried different foods, such as camel, which tasted a bit like lamb."

Each person paid a contribution towards the trip themselves. Pendle Twinning Association and Creil Twinning Association also contributed towards the costs.

"It was a brilliant experience, learning about each others' cultures.  All the young people were amazing and they all wanted to come to Britain," she added.

"But there was not much running water so we appreciated that when we got back to Pendle!"

In addition to the gifts for Pendle's Mayor, all the students received traditional robes as a souvenir of their trip.

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Chris Sergeant, a sports teacher from Pendle Vale College, and his colleague, Rizwan Hussain, a university student training to be a PE Teacher, also took part and led one of the debates. 

Clementine Leaver and Emily McKenna who'd just completed their A levels at Nelson and Colne College and a student, Marc Jackson who does voluntary work in different countries, made up Pendle's five young people.