- Learning about each other's cultures and traditions.
- Becoming more aware of Chinese culture, and the value of Chinese civilization.
- Developing mutual interest in Geography, Politics and History.
- Building an understanding and tolerance of others.
- Inspiring positive attitudes within oneself and others.
- Creating and encouraging economy development in the future between Britain and China.
- Celebrating diversity in the context of our voluntary community work.
- Creating harmony in society and co-ordinating wider communities to work together.
The desired impact is to:
- Promote intercultural dialogue through meaningful two- way dialogue and reciprocal activities.
- Support the participation of large numbers of young people globally as active citizens.
- Strengthen relations between the UK and overseas communities.
- Deliver benefits to communities by strengthening existing community development initiatives, promoting community cohesion, and encouraging community participation.
- Be at the forefront of building active networks and dialogues.
- Challenge perceptions and stereotypes of other global communities.
- Promote the contribution of volunteering to communities by example.
Commitment
Each Youth Ambassadors project requires a time commitment of at least 2 weeks per participant and comprises of the following components:
- To gain an extra qualification, we encourage young people to undertake a Teaching English as a Foreign Language course in order to enhance and improve our Volunteers’ contribution.
- To gain practical working experience, we engage young people by encouraging them to be active in their communities with voluntary work.
- To reflect on and assess their work and the effect it has had on the communities involved.
- Share learning and experience by participating in community work – at least 2 weeks working for the community or schools in China.
Conditions of the trip in China
- Youth Ambassadors are representing the young people of Britain and are responsible for the image they project. He /she must have a positive attitude and be warm, friendly and caring. Thorough preparation of the subjects to be taught is the key to success. Remember, a smile is international!
- The Chinese authorities will provide food and accommodation for our Youth Ambassadors during their stay in China.
- Youth Ambassadors are invited to join the summer camp participants on their organised visits to different tourist attractions, free of charge.
- Youth Ambassadors must pay for:
- International flights.
- Transfer from airports.
- Train tickets if the ambassadors wish to extend their visit (e.g. to Shanghai)
- Pocket money.
- Travel insurance.
- A Manchester Chinese Centre administration charge to cover the cost to them of booking flights and arranging visas.
- Youth Ambassadors will be volunteering for about 4 or 5 hours per day.
- By the end of the trip, each Youth Ambassador should receive a certificate by the Chinese organization if they have completed their programme.
- Manchester Chinese Centre will be happy to help and advise Youth Ambassadors individually regarding any queries or issues regarding our project.
- Youth Ambassadors and their parents/guardians will need to sign a consent form before their visit to China.
