Ghana Community Exchange

A GROUP of residents are taking part in a cultural exchange project by sending images of Plymouth to people in Africa – along with their development worker.

Agnes Cioffi, a development worker for the Plymouth Federation of Tenants' and Residents' Associations, will travel to Ghana this month as part of the Community Xchange (CX) project, which will see 12 youth and community workers from Plymouth spend three weeks in Bolgatanga to share their knowledge and experience with their counterparts there.

Residents, children and young people from the Dreamscheme initiative at Flora Court in Stonehouse have arranged their own art and craft sessions to create pictures of Plymouth to share with the community in Ghana. Plymouth Argyle Football Club has also donated items for the trip.

They are hoping that Ms Cioffi will be able to initiate an exchange in which they can share each other's experiences and learn more about each other, and maybe even find ways of being involved in their own community exchange.

Ms Cioffi said: "The CX is a fantastic opportunity to bring something new to both exchange communities and to be able to make links with wider society.

"I think it would be great if families from communities could be involved in exchange visits as a way of broadening their own experiences and understanding.

"The Flora Court Tenants' and Residents' Association have already arranged successful Halloween and Christmas events with a cultural theme and feel that community spirit has gone up as a result."

Susan Moores, organiser of this Community Xchange, said: "Working across cultures and exploring creative ways that we can connect with our neighbours, communities and global networks is an important aspect of the aims of Global Xchange. Our intention is to leave positive trails in every community that we're working with. We're very fortunate that the CX team from Plymouth are so committed and curious about their upcoming adventure. We're also delighted that residents of Plymouth are keen to be involved in the exchange programme."

Watch this space for more upcoming projects involved in the Ghana Community Exchange