Some of the Urdd youngsters from across Wales who will be visiting Patagonia in the autumn
On 22 of October, 25 Urdd Gobaith Cymru members will embark on a special trip to Patagonia, South America thanks to collaboration between the Urdd and Menter Iaith Cymru.
They will visit Patagonia for 10 days, and as well as enjoying the culture of the Welsh-Argentine residents as the region prepares to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first arrival of the Welsh colony, they will also carry out voluntary work such as assist in the Nursery School, team building sessions at Coleg Camwy and visit Welsh speaking elderly residents.
The group of young people was tasked with raising £2,400 each to supplement the visit, and each one has reached their target.
Pupils from Ysgol David Hughes, Llangefni; Ysgol Tryfan, Bangor; Coleg Meirion Dwyfor; Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin; Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St Asaph; Ysgol y Creuddyn, Penrhyn Bay; Ysgol Maes Garmon, Mold; Ysgol Bro Dyfi, Machynlleth; Ysgol Uwchradd Llanfyllin; Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron; Ysgol Bro Pedr and Ysgol Penglais in Ceredigion; Ysgol Cwm Rhymni; Ysgol y Cymer in the Rhondda; Ysgol Bro Myrddin; Ysgol y Strade, Llanelli; Ysgol Preseli; Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg; Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd; Ysgol Plas Mawr, and Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf, Cardiff will visit the region with Urdd staff members.
One of the pupils attending is Jemma Hennighan from Machynlleth who is studying A Levels at Ysgol Penglais, Aberystwyth. “So far, the experience of being part of the crew preparing for the journey has been great. We began meeting everyone in Cardiff and more recently, we have walked to the summit of Snowdon to raise money for the trip.
“I’ve enjoyed meeting everyone, the company is great! I’m looking forward to October now, I’m counting each day. The experience will no doubt be an unforgettable one and I’m looking forward to singing in a choir at the other end of the world! I’ve made new friends from all parts of the country and have enjoyed working with the Urdd. It’s a pleasure to be part of the Patagonia 2014 group!” said Jemma.
Another person who is looking forward to the journey is Ciara Conlon, 17, of Mold, Flintshire: “I’m looking forward to the trip, to see the Welsh culture as we know it yet in a whole different part of the world. I’m also looking forward to making friends with the young people who will be coming with us from all over Wales plus getting to know the young people living in Patagonia. The other special experience for me will be meeting my grandmother’s cousin who lives in Esquel – and hopefully meeting even more family members.”
