EIL Intercultural Learning

This time last week saw the conclusion of one of the best experiences of my life. I was fortunate enough to be one of the 5 Irish participants at Vermont's Governors institute on current issues and youth activism. I think looking back now, all five of us can say that being there has changed our lives in some way, shape, or form. For the whole time we were made feel so welcome by the Americans which lead to us becoming constantly engaged in all activities. We were all asked to choose topicals that we would cover over 24 hours during the twelve day programme. The topic I chose was "Global Children" which looked specifically at the Third world. This course was as humbling as it made me realize how much we, as a world have to do to help people less fortunate than us have half the lives we have. Some of the area's covered were child trafficking, child Labour and prostitution and HIV/AIDS. The common theme thorughout this course is that if we are to solve any of these problems, we must see the tree, but also the forest. What this means is that, behind every large problem, is a vast sea of minor problems which all contribute to the bigger problem. In our work in the future we must look to not only solve the problem itself, but the problems surrounding it. Then we can realize that these are real people and behind every statistic is child or person just like you or me.

We also had a number of guest speakers who enthralled us and opened our minds to new ideas. Some very topical issues were covered but the most startling one for me was when we had a speaker from an anti-military recruitment agency. US army recruitment is so common in America that 45 out of the 60 participants present had been approached by the US army at least once. It is important to bear in mind that none of these participants have reached the age of 17 yet. During this talk we were shown how the US army is portrayed and what the actual experience. The US government appears to have succeeded in glorifying the idea of being a soldier with the use of catch phrases such as "Nothing on this earth is more powerful than a US soldier". The harsh reality was a stark contrast. 65% of war veterans are homeless and suffering from post war trauma. The US government spends more on military than all other countries combined. The most striking aspect of this is that we, as activists, must urge countries with this kind of power to use it responsibility especially when we consider the challenges the World faces today. We also covered issues of gender inequality as well as examining how the role of the woman in society has transformed in the last 30 years.

While in Vermont I also had time to reflect on how lucky we, as a nation are. We are facing many challenges in Ireland today such as education and health cuts but we must look at other countries to realize that where we are now is not as bad as we perceive it. In America not all citizens have access to Health-care which is inconceivable over here. In addition to this, the average college fee is $40,000. This shows that we are fortunate to have these benefits which other countries that are more stable do not have. At the same time, if we are to be activists it us up to us to make sure that the leaders of tomorrow become the leaders of today also and take responsibility for their future. I feel that too often, we look at problem, complain, but yet fail to act on it. Vermont showed me just how effective one can be if they act on their ideas.

But don't worry, it wasn't all work.  During our free time we did a range of cultural activities. From HIV/AIDS workshops, to Volleyball we were always keep busy. A highlight for me was the African drumming night which tested our rhythm and co-ordination which didn't really shine!!! Below is a picture of Ruth and I during the night. We were also fortunate enough to be in America for the 4th of July. Our day started with The Irish participants going into the town of Brattleboro to read the declaration of independence. We then marched in the town parade displaying signs with issues that were important to us. Later it was off to a picturesque farm to pick strawberry's which lead to my T-shirt changing colour from white to red as a result of Ruth’s good aim. The warm weather brought us from their to the beach where we swam and ate our fresh strawberries. The day concluded with the perfect climax which was going to watch the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display. That night we also gave our presentation on Ireland. Collectively we spoke about, history, sport, culture, politics. Divisions, Education and much more. The highlight for the American's was definitely when we thought them The Walls of Limerick. Later all that could be heard was American accents saying "isteach dó trí", "amach dó trí.

Above is only a brief account of Vermont and only some of the highlights. For any outsider reading this blog, don't take my word, go and see for yourself. EIL offer so many opportunities to people around Ireland and I can now say from experience, they are life changing. Vermont allowed me to question what I stand for, what Ireland stands for, and where our future as young people will go if we don't take adequate and prompt action. If you are eligible, apply for a travel award or exchange programme. You have nothing to loose but everything to gain.

 It is also a credit to Kevin, Fiona and all the EIL staff that we felt so prepared going over there which definitely contributed to our enjoyment of the programme. In addition to this, while in Vermont we could always approach our reliable leader Ruth Mannion who always put our interests first. I remember my orientation day in Cork and Fiona joking when someone said that their fear was that they wouldn't want to leave and I can now say that that fear became a reality in Vermont but in the best way possible, I m now back in Ireland and thinking of ways to pass on the experience I gained in Vermont so other people can benefit just like I have. So as my advice fresh from Vermont is; Don't just seek change but be change!!

I hope that this blog captures my experience and will persuade many more people to let EIL Ireland change their lives for the better, just like they changed mine.

Ben English, Bray, Co Wicklow,

Vermont Delegation 2009