Since 1961 the Lions Youth Exchange Programme has given tens of thousands of young people, representing some 80 nationalities, the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of their roles as world citizens.
The programme receives applications from Lions in other countries throughout the World for sons and daughters to visit the UK. 10 days are spent with their Host Family and then 10 busy days at “camp” – this year in Liverpool.
Welcoming someone from another country is a great privilege! By staying in our home, sharing meals with the family, speaking our language and participating in our daily activities, visitors learn a great deal more about our culture than they would do by reading books or travelling as a tourist. We too learn a great deal about the culture of our visitors.
This year Lion Lynda Dandy of Balsall Common Lions welcomed Mert Ayaz a 21 year old Turkish boy, and Bence Horvath an 18 year old boy from Hungary. During the course of their stay they fell in love with the UK (Oxford and Balsall Common in particular, for different reasons) and their lovely dog Dylan. They made visits to Stratford, Oxford, Drayton Manor Park, Berkswell Cricket Club and a golf driving range. They also had a superb trip on a narrowboat with fellow Lions and many shared meals, card games and fun.
Lion Lynda said that the experience had been both delightful and exhausting and she hopes she will have the opportunity to welcome other visitors in the future. In response Mert and Bence said
“Only word to say about Host Family Week is amazing. We spend ten incredible days with family Dandy. They always make us feel like part of the family and they tolerated difference of cultures perfectly that’s why we never shy to talk with them if we have any trouble. George and Lynda were cooking great meals. So it was great to have them as a host family. Also their dog was very friendly.
We almost visit all of touristic areas nearby. We visit Stratford, Coventry, Oxford, Drayton Manor, Cricket Game, some beautiful pubs, Golf Practice, Boat trip at canal…Oxford was one of best city that we visit. University buildings very amazing. Oxford is really good city to study at University. Also the day that we spend at amusement park was perfect. And we want to say thanks to Lions who take us to boat trip at canal.
Balsall Common is very peaceful place. Similar and beautiful houses, good looking gardens and friendly neighbours… Live at this lovely village for ten days was wonderful for us. We also met with people who are same age with us. They were really hospitable to us and we spend great time with them.
As a summary we really have great time in Balsall Common thanks to our host family and all other people who assist us all the time.”
