Founded in 1970 CYEC is unique in promoting and supporting youth development through high quality two way exchange visits for groups of young people in the UK and other Commonwealth countries. We work closely with local groups of young people and their youth leaders.

CYEC plays an innovative role in developing new youth initiatives and networks promoting young people and the Commonwealth.

CYEC has a small staff team based in London and Scotland. We also rely on volunteers and activists with experience of youth exchanges to support our work.

WHY THE COMMONWEALTH?

• The Commonwealth is a community of 53 nations - a relevant but underused global resource
  
• It stretches across all continents and provides a unique bridge across many of the world's divides
  
• It accounts for a quarter of the world's population, two-thirds aged under 25, living in societies of diverse cultural, political and social circumstances - but all having common links
  
• In an increasingly globalised and interdependent world the opportunity for young people to gain intercultural skills and global understanding by comparing and sharing experiences and problems is crucial
  
• It is estimated that over two-thirds of UK primary school children have at least second cousins in another Commonwealth country
  

CYEC is a membership organisation. Membership is open to statutory and voluntary youth and education bodies in the UK which have an interest in Commonwealth youth exchange. There are currently 222 member organisations (134 local authorities and 88 voluntary bodies).

We aspire to be an inclusive and democratic organisation and this is reflected in the diversity and range of member bodies. Member 'ownership' has been and is critical to the governance and development of CYEC.

Members participate and engage in CYEC's affairs in a variety of ways such as

• Participating in CYEC working groups, committees and Board of Trustees
  
• Taking part in special CYEC initiatives and pilot projects
  
• Receiving new resources and publications

Benefits of membership include:

• Information and advice about grant aid for two-way Commonwealth youth exchanges for young people
  
• Opportunities for staff and young people to participate in special projects, training courses and national initiatives
  
• Assistance in design and delivery of international in -service training courses at cost to CYEC
  
• Copies of new publications, resources and curriculum materials with membership discounts on purchases
  
• Staff development opportunities in managing and contributing to a national voluntary youth organisation
  

Membership subscription is on a scale from £50 - £500 dependent on size of organisation.

If your organisation is interested in becoming a CYEC member please click the contact us button on the home page and request a member pack.

CYEC SPONSORS

CYEC is an educational charity (registered UK Educational Charity no. 1086375). Over 30 years CYEC has built up an impressive track record of investing in youth development and international understanding.

CYEC relies on a range of partners and sponsors who share our objectives and support CYEC's goal of developing active and globally aware young citizens across the Commonwealth.

'We share CYEC's vision of the importance of global communication and the value of bringing people together to interact with other cultures………exchanges foster significant attributes relevant to the workplace and the community.' (British Airways)

CYEC is particularly pleased to acknowledge the support and sponsorship of:

Supporting young people to work alongside their Commonwealth counterparts develops important links that already exist between the UK and the Commonwealth. Commonwealth youth exchange creates a better understanding of the world in which we live - the problems, the challenges, the similarities, the differences.

Commonwealth youth exchange invests in the future by helping young people:

· Develop understanding for an interdependent world
· Develop key skills and lifelong learning
· Build global links and friendships

Our projects:-

• Work with young people between the ages of 15-25
• Last 2-3 years
• Focus on important issues such as health, environment, conflict resolution
• Create long term understanding between young people

CYEC currently supports around 2000 young people every year. As an educational charity CYEC needs support and funds to ensure that it continues to deliver high quality youth development programmes.

There are various ways you can help:-

Personal Donation
Gift of Shares
Company Donation/Sponsorship
Legacies

If you would like to support CYEC please click the contact us button on the home page and request further information and a donation form. If you would like to discuss making a donation please contact:

Vic Craggs, Chief Executive, CYEC

Tel: 020 7498 6151
Email: mail@cyec.org.uk