International Ventures for Devon Young People

A delegation from the Campaign for National Park’s (1) Mosaic Young Champions (2) has just returned from presenting at an international conference in Sweden on the opportunities offered by Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks for developing youth leadership skills. 

Steve Lovell, one of the young people who attended, said:

"When I first arrived at Leksand (in Sweden) I was greeted by a landscape that completely took my breath away but that pales in comparison to how amazed and proud I was to be part of a global movement to change how young people are treated across the world.  The people that I met during the conference were some of the most interesting people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and I am honoured to have had the opportunity to work alongside them and overjoyed for them to be the leaders of tomorrow." 

Apart from running workshops the young people also spent time with the Swedish Minister for Employment  (Sven-Otto Littorin), discussing the necessity of allowing young people to develop entrepreneur and leadership skills, especially in challenging economic conditions.  

Youth Project Officer David Rolls, from Mosaic, said:

”It was brilliant to be part of the UK delegation. The young people really made their voices heard in a very powerful way. Seeing them on the main platform presenting to over 1000- conference delegates was certainly a high point.” 

The Mosaic Young Champions joined young people from six other innovative youth leadership projects in the UK delegation upon the request of the Young Foundation. Mary Abdo from the Foundation highlighted:

“Mosaic brought experience, passion and creativity to our team at the ‘YES - Rework the World’ Conference in Sweden. We were delighted with how well the trip went and particularly the leadership Mosaic Young Champion Steve showed among our group of young participants. We were proud to showcase the innovative youth leadership work of the Campaign for National Parks on an international stage.”

For more information and photos please contact:

Mosaic Programme Manager, Nina Arwitz: 020 7924 4077 ext. 227

Mosaic Project Officer, David Rolls: 07935 099 462

Notes to editors

1.The Campaign for National Parks (CNP) is the national charity that campaigns to protect and promote National Parks for the benefit and quiet enjoyment of all (http://www.cnp.org.uk/). 

2. Mosaic is a national project that aims to build sustainable links between young people, as well as ethnic minorities, and the National Parks. It is a partnership between the Campaign for National Parks, the Youth Hostels Association and the 9 organisations that run the National Parks in England: the Broads Authority, Dartmoor National Park Authority (NPA), Exmoor NPA, Lake District NPA, New Forest NPA, North York Moors NPA, Northumberland NPA, Peak District NPA and the Yorkshire Dales NPA. For more information, please visit: www.mosaicnationalparks.org.uk. 

Photos

Mosaic Young Champion Steve Lovell discussing the necessity of allowing young people to develop entrepreneur and leadership skills, especially in challenging economic conditions, with the Swedish Minister of Employment Sven-Otto Littorin (Photo credit: David Rolls, Mosaic):

Location: Leksand, Sweden
permalink