Published on:
05
July 2012
Clackmannanshire Council's sixth youth exchange programme with our twin town in France got underway this week.
The first part of the Scottish/French youth exchange began on Tuesday, 3rd July, when seven young people, aged 13-15, from Clackmannanshire travelled to our French twin town of Vendargues where they will spend eight nights from 3rd to 11th July with a French person of the same age and their family.
The second part of the Scottish/French youth exchange will take place in Scotland. The same seven young people from Clackmannanshire will return to Scotland to play host to their French twinning partner from 11th to 19th July.
Convenor of Economic Development, Councillor Donald Balsillie said: "The key aims of the exchange are to experience everyday life in France, learn about different cultures and customs, and improve foreign language skills. We look forward to welcoming the young French schoolchildren to Clackmannanshire this week."
Two experienced Council employees accompanied the group of young people from Clackmannanshire to France. The French group will also be accompanied by two adults from the French twin town.
Although the youth exchange is subsidised, participating families are required to pay a contribution of £250 towards overall costs.
Last week, during their trip to France, the Clackmannanshire children went rafting, before taking part in a hiking activity, and discovering the Roanne Valley and its animal and plant life.
Other highlights of their trip included a guided visit by horse drawn carriage of the marshes nature reserve in the neighbouring Camargue region.
During their time in Scotland, the French children, accompanied by their Clackmannanshire counterparts will enjoy a sightseeing trip to Edinburgh and on Friday, 13th July, will be going along to Fir Park Dry Ski Slope to take part in skiing and tubing sessions.
The following day the French youngsters will be guests at the Alva Games, which is also French Bastille Day. To mark the occasion they will be taking part in a specially organised 200 metres, entitled the Bastille Day Race.
Other highlights lined-up during their visit include a trip to Blair Drummond Safari Park and a Survival Skills Day at Gartmorn Dam.