Youngsters enjoy cultural visit

AN Oldham youth group’s cultural visit to Pakistan has been hailed a success.

Laura Critchley (19), of Porter Street, Werneth, joined Fiona Pickles, the youth volunteer development manager for Vinvolved, and another youth group from Greater Manchester on the trip.

The local ambassadors met youth groups and organisations in Lahore to establish links with young people there.

Laura, who is studying psychology, philosophy and English literature at Oldham Sixth Form College, took part in a presentation about life as a young Oldhamer as part of the visit, which was organised by the British Council.

Greater Manchester Youth Network runs Vinvolved (youth volunteering) projects in Oldham, Manchester and Bury.

Fiona explained: “We achieved lots from the visit — we learned a huge amount about the Pakistani culture and we made friends with people that we will definitely keep in touch with.

“Despite only spending six days with the people there we got to know them really well and they were very open in their discussions about their culture.

“It was certainly very emotional when we had to say our goodbyes! One of the main things that we learned was how important volunteering in Pakistan is and how passionate the young people are to make positive changes in the communities.”

She added: “All of the people we met were keen that we went back with a positive impression of Pakistan and its people and that it is very different from the negative images often portrayed.

“Our hopes now are to continue the links that we have made and learn from each others work.

“We would also like to visit youth and community groups, particularly in Oldham, to do presentations about the trip.”