Young Advocates Programme Youth Forum

Back home and we’re already planning our next trip to Beijing. We’ve been invited by the British Council to run a 100 Words workshop during an international Youth Forum that will take place in Beijing during the Paralympic Games. The Youth Forum is part of the British Council led initiative, Young Advocates Programme – Developing the Paralympic Spirit, which aims to develop an international legacy for the Paralympic Games in Beijing this year, London in 2012 and beyond. Up to 250 Young Advocates from mainland China, Hong Kong and the UK will gather together in September to take part in skills workshops, engage in discussion and attend events in the Paralympics Games including the Opening Ceremony in the ‘Bird’s Nest’ stadium on 6 September. The Youth Forum is part of the official Cultural Olympiad for the Paralympic Games and we’re both delighted and honoured to be taking part, particularly given the fact that 100 Words was originally inspired by language learning initiatives launched by the Beijing Municipal Government in response to its success in bidding to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Young Advocates Programme will continue beyond 2008, with participants taking on volunteer leadership roles in their communities in order to raise awareness of social inclusion, diversity and equality. We’re looking forward to continued involvement.