On the 3rd of July 2013 Sphere 17 hosted a group of Polish young people for an Exchange programme. There was a meet and greet session and young people put names to the faces of the young people they had been keeping in contact with through the Exchange facebook page before the Exchange took place!

All young people were excited , some a bit nervous ,a little bit shy but above all buzzing for the week to begin. There were 19 young people and 6 youth leaders taking part. We set off on a bus to Newgrange Lodge in Co. Meath as this was our accommodation base for the week.

From here on in young people enjoyed 7 days of their Youth Exchange, highlights of the week for some young people was a trip to Howth and eating fish and chips by the harbour, hike in Glendalough in the beautiful sunshine, outdoor activities in Larch Hill Adventure Centre, culture day in town where young people got to see some amazing contemporary grafitti and also some old paintings in the National Gallery. The Irish dancing workshop by a local man Shay was a big hit with all the young people and was a great activity to finish the Exchange.

Young people got to know one another very well and as the week went on life long friendships were formed. Final morning, packed and ready to head to the airport, young people exchanged hugs and some tears were shed as the Polish young people and their leaders headed home.

Overall,young people had the time of their lives and an experience which they said they wouldn't forget for a long time to come.

Sphere 17 hope to take part in an Exchange programme going forward every year as the benefits to those who take part are priceless :-)

See the pic below!