The European Deaf Exchange was set up by the London Area Council under the British Deaf Association in September 1993. I believe it is the first time to have a Deaf Exchange Organisation in London since the CHIVE fell apart in the 1980's. The main aspects of preparation work is outlined below:-

A) THE PROGRAMME

The total reponsibility of the organisation of this year's European Deaf Exchange falls on the Co-ordinator from London. We usually have a meeting every two months to build up a programme to benefit the Swiss Deaf Youth to learn British Deaf Cultures. Contact the main area of Deaf issues to research what we need to know about the European Dimension.

Make a list of society to fill on the programme and share a view with my parter in Switzerland whether it is needed to visit Deaf Associations and sightseeing in London.

Apporach the programme to finalise and arrange the date to visit.

B) THE CO-ORDINATORS

There are Six Co-ordinators in the European Deaf Exchange Project. Richard Weinbaum is the LEader Co-ordinator, deals with the administration work, research and planning. Robin Ash is dealt with the Tourist Information and booking. The Four Volunteer Gudies are Tyron Woolfe, Nathalie Koenig, Ant Rabin and Kaniz Fatema, were involved with the programme arrangement for the sightseeing of London. There were three other Advisers, Michael Ouinlan who was a President of the Euro-Youth Deaf Organisation, Tony Pilkington, a Secretary for the London Area Council and Fiona Garfield, a Committee for the London Area Council Section, they gave some new purpose ideas on the project.

C) FINANCE

it was found to be necessary to obtain funding to underwrite the initial expenditures long before the start of the Exchange week; for example Deposits for room hire for the workshops, travel expenses and admission fees etc. We are grateful for the support from the Youth Exchange Centre in London who has agreed to loan us some money (£1,500 sterling). I did try to appeal for more funds to the Swiss Air, Swiss National Tourist Office and the Swiss Embassy buy they turned down my proposal due to a budget recession.

D) COMMUNICATION

Development of communication skills between participants from Switzerland are no real problems arise throughout the week. There is however, strong demand from the participants for more opportunity to learn "International Sign Language" with its teaching methods and social background from England, should learn British Sign Language (BSL) to share our cultures.

E) PHILOSOPHY

It is felt that the overall aim of the activity week was achieved with a strong policy of participation with the week's programme. Basically the learning area shows greater awareness of the role of leadership and how it can affect our cultures. This will enable confidence to grow and hopefully to see the youth Swiss participants able to develop their potential on Deaf Issues to serve their own country, Switzerland.

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