The Urdd is today launching a programme for young people from
Wales to help combat sexual and gender-based violence in India,
following funding from the Welsh Government.
Working in partnership with Her Future Coalition
(HFC), the programme will enable 18-25 year old
volunteers from Wales to participate in education and support
programmes for children and young people in Kolkata who are at
high risk.
There will be an invitation for representatives from India to
visit Wales, hosted by the Urdd, next year.
The initiative is being launched as part of the year of Wales in
India, which began on 1 March 2024, to promote activities that
strengthen the relationship between India and Wales.
The First Minister, , said:
“The Urdd is our longest established youth organisation and has a
proud history of actively providing activities for young people
in Wales and internationally.
“Sexual and gender-based violence remains one of the biggest
challenges we face as a society and increasing awareness among
children and young people that violence and abuse is never
acceptable is a high priority for my Government. This project
will both provide valuable experience for young Welsh volunteers
and benefit young people in Kolkata by helping tackle this
issue.”
Sian Lewis, Chief Executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said:
"We are extremely proud of this partnership between the Urdd and
Her Future Coalition. Their commitment to vulnerable young women
is truly inspiring. Our #FelMerch project was launched to empower
the women of Wales, and we fully support the work of Her Future
Coalition to ensure lasting change in India.
"Twenty years ago, the Urdd established a partnership with the
city and charities of Kolkata. We look forward to resuming our
international volunteering programs by taking a group of young
women, all members of the Urdd, to India in February 2025 to
support Future Coalition's programs and projects. Not only do we
go to India to share knowledge and experience, but we also go
there to learn and be inspired by their resilience, positive
attitude and creativity. Despite everything, they manage to
create self-sustaining paths for the future.”
Sarah Symons, Founder and Executive Director, Her Future
Coalition said:
“We are overjoyed about this new partnership with the Urdd. We
are excited to learn from one of the world's oldest, largest, and
most impactful youth organisations, to share culture and best
practices, and to welcome young women volunteers who will surely
delight and inspire our girls in Kolkata.”
Notes to editors
- The Urdd is inviting applications from young women between
the ages of 18 and 25, who are keen to volunteer for two weeks in
3 projects that work with children and young women in the Kolkata
region of India.
- They will hold workshops, cultural and sporting activities as
well as carrying out a mentoring project with young teenagers as
well as sharing the Welsh language and culture.
- Application details will appear on the Urdd website from
Friday 31 May: www.urdd.cymru/india
- Application deadline is 19 July 2024
