We couldn’t believe the news when we heard, that a group of 10 lucky students from the wonderful, ValePlus, along with their parent/carers, recently enjoyed an unforgettable experience, a cultural exchange visit to Greece. A number of those lucky 10 are people supported by Innovate Trust, so we just had to write about it.
The trip was made possible thanks to Adult Learning Wales and the Proud to be Autistic fund from TAITH. This project is working across Wales and Greece to create opportunities to develop confidence, knowledge, skills and understanding through cultural experiences and travel.
The group, which included Innovate Trust’s very own Doug, Marie, Chrissy, Sarah, and Paul were given the opportunity to take part in the unique experience. For many of the participants, it was their first time to Greece, and their first time taking part in anything like this.
The students spent their days enjoying all the opportunities that came their way; exploring the local villages, visiting museums, shopping, and eating in authentic Greek tavernas with delicious food and bustling atmosphere.
As well as travelling from the ancient capital, Athens through to just outside Patras, the group also enjoyed a breathtaking scenic train journey travelling on the Diakopto-Kalavryta rack railway.
You can see from the photos, and from reading the quotes, that this was a trip to remember!
“I enjoyed the train journey. I had a very good time and didn’t want to come home! I liked the pools, the beach, the hotel and the people!”
-Paul
“I liked the hotel and the trips, I liked shopping and getting a Latte! I liked the people.”
-Marie
The group also had an opportunity to visit a day centre for people with additional needs called, ‘Colours of Life’. This really was the central point to the whole experience, an opportunity for both organisations to get together, meet people from another part of the world and share time together. Everybody had a great day filled with music, dancing, preparing and sharing food, and taking part in some arts and crafts sessions. There was a great feeling that everyone worked together, engaging in group activities and enjoying each other’s company regardless of language or cultural barriers.
Both organisations are connected to the same exchange programme, and ValePlus is very much looking forward to some visitors coming over to Wales next year so they can return the hospitality!
ValePlus’s own, Ela, one of the lucky ones who attended the trip, was particularly impressed by the experience. “I was blown away by everything,” she said. “It’s something I’ll never forget.”
“Seeing our wonderful students having an experience like this meant the world, it will take some time to recover!
My favourite thing was swimming. I loved the pools and going on the slide. As well as singing Elvis at karaoke!
-Doug
“I enjoyed going to the centre and meeting people with learning disabilities and doing arts and crafts with them.”
-Sarah
“I liked going on the plane and going on the slide, even though I went down really slowly! I did love the karaoke too.”
-Chrissy
It is safe to say, some incredible memories have been made.
The whole cultural exchange opportunity was a resounding success, and a testament to the positive impact that inclusive travel can have on us all.
