Building futures together, across the globe
Back in March, NZ Blue Light welcomed a group of young people from Wales to Aotearoa New Zealand, hosting them at their Blue Light camp. Last week, we had the privilege of returning the favour, welcoming seven young people aged 16–18 from NZ Blue Light to Wales for a week-long visit, sharing what it’s like to live, learn and be part of our communities.
The NZ group were accompanied by Joe and Donna from Blue Light NZ, and Tania from NZ Police.
Funded by Taith, this exchange programme is about so much more than travel. It brings young people together through culture, connection and collaboration, creating opportunities to learn from one another, challenge perspectives and build friendships that stretch across the world.
Throughout the week, the young people embraced every opportunity to listen, lead and share their experiences. Together they:
- Co-designed solutions for building safer communities and stronger links between the police and young people, alongside students at St Teilo’s School in Cardiff, where our community architects inspired everyone in the room with their creativity and vision.
- Shared waiata (traditional Māori songs) and performed an impromptu haka at Ysgol Plasmawr’s Eisteddfod, receiving a standing ovation that left us all with goosebumps. It was a powerful moment of cultural exchange, respect and celebration.
- Worked alongside 24 young people from Wales and New Zealand to plan and deliver a conference that brought together young people, community organisations and partners to share ideas and collaborate on creating safer, fairer futures for communities across Cardiff.
- Visited Cardiff Youth Service to explore how youth work empowers young people and strengthens local communities.
Across every activity, one thing was clear: when young people are given the space to speak, lead and influence, they bring fresh ideas, honest conversations and solutions that make our communities stronger.
“Communities are built through relationships, and relationships grow when people are given the opportunity to listen, learn and lead together. This exchange has reminded us that young people aren’t the leaders of tomorrow, they’re already leading today. When we value their contribution, trust them with real influence and bring communities together across cultures, we create hope, belonging and stronger futures for everyone.”
Rachel Gegeshidze, Chief Executive, Tempo Time Credits
At Our Voice Our Journey and Tempo, we believe communities are built through relationships. By valuing people’s time and contributions, creating opportunities to connect and learn from one another, and trusting young people to lead, giving them a space to be heard, remarkable things happen.
A huge thank you to every young person who shared their experiences with such honesty, courage and passion throughout the week. And a huge thank you to all of our partners and collaborators making last week possible.
The future isn’t something we wait for, it’s something we build together.
Watch the Wales group’s March visit to Aotearoa New Zealand: Taith I Newid – Our Voice Our Journey – Tempo Time Credits
