Global Xchange aims to support the development of active global citizens, committed to working for positive change within communities. The Global Xchange programme is a six-month exchange programme which gives young people (aged 18 to 25) from different countries a unique opportunity to work together, to develop and share valuable skills and to make a practical contribution where it is needed in local communities.

Global Xchange is currently running a Torfaen / India programme which is due to end in March 2009.

Volunteers from the other side of the globe arrived in Torfaen to begin work in the community in September 2008.
The Mayor of Torfaen, cllr Aneurin James, welcomed the Global Xchange project volunteers at a launch event, which was held at Torfaen People’s Centre.
And for the next three months community projects across the area benefited from the help of nine Indian volunteers and nine young people from across the UK.

Programme supervisor, Dan Boyden, said: “Global Exchange gives volunteers an insight into real life in the community. It’s also a good opportunity for local people to learn about different cultures. The volunteers are enthusiastic young people who are doing valuable work in the local community.... placements are structured so that volunteers are able to make a positive and practical contribution to community initiatives. We are also looking to get the team involved in as many community events and one-off activities as possible.”

Indian volunteer, Amruta Byatnal, worked at the disabled young people’s charity, Tafarn Newydd, which is based in New Inn. She said: “The launch event was amazing. A lot of people were there and it was good have interaction with the community. Global Xchange was a fantastic opportunity to get to know another culture. Torfaen is completely different to India."

Having completed the Torfaen phase successfully, the volunteers are now in India in a very rural village in the Rajasthan desert.  

In September 2009 an exciting new Xchange will start between Swansea and Zambia.

For full details of the programme and how to apply to be a Global Xchange volunteer please visit: www.vso.org.uk/globalxchange