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BDA / Czech Republic Youth Exchange 2004

The aim of the BDA Youth Exchange is to empower young Deaf people from the experience of participating in exchanges with foreign Deaf young people. You can see more information and photos about past exchanges. During the exchange, you will learn International Sign Language and take part in shared cultural experiences via workshops, debates, drama and sports.

The British Deaf Association has a vision of a world where Deaf people who use sign language enjoy the same rights, responsibilities, opportunities and quality of life as everyone. It is happy to encourage its young members to take part in youth exchanges both locally and nationally. We have to actively fund-raise ourselves, and receive a grant from the British Council. It is the mission of the BDA Youth Exchange to build a strong and vibrant community of young deaf people who use sign language. Participants from past exchanges have gone on to become leaders themselves, University students, Chairpersons of Deaf associations, volunteers, youth workers etc.

How will we pick successful applicants?

Because the BDA is a National Association, it is going to be very hard to pick 14 young people from all of the applications. The Deaf Youth Workers Forum Committee will pick 2 young people from each of the areas: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, North, Midlands, South West, South East (including London)

They will be using the following criteria: Age (you must be aged between 18 and 25 in March 2004) enthusiasm, commitment to both legs of the exchange, any previous experience of meeting young foreign deaf people, why you want to go on the exchange, and how you will share your experience with your deaf friends. They may also arrange to meet you for interview if they want to, or if you rather to apply in BSL.

If you are selected, what will be expected of you?

You will have to be in London when the Czech group comes on 10th May, 2004, for ten days (accommodation, food and travel costs are covered for this duration). You will learn more about their sign language, make new friends etc, which will give you more confidence for when we go to Prague in 13th October 2004, for ten days (exact dates will be confirmed).

Fundraising: The group will have to fundraise just £250 each (not to be confirm) for the whole of the exchange experience, for example - from sponsorship the last exchange group had to stop at 133 different underground tube stations. Others raised money themselves in their own home areas, washing cars, sponsored walks, car boot sales etc. You will have to take part in workshops, activities and visits, which will all be related to the theme of Deaf Youth Culture.

You will also be expected to write a report about the exchange at the end. You will also have to attend a training day on Saturday 18th September to prepare for the visit.