THREE months of personal development training for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds has culminated in a hugely successful two-week cultural exchange visit to Gran Canaria.

It’s all thanks to Salisbury charity, Alabaré, and Eat that Frog, a Devon-based organisation that helps young adults prepare for future employment.

The group’s been working towards a Level 3 qualification in Development and Progression as part of its Turing Programme.

The scheme gives students a chance to complement their learning with global study and work placements – with many of participants having never travelled out of the UK before.

Their trip to Gran Canaria from July 5 to 20 provided a life-changing experience for the young people.

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The young people receiving their certificates Picture: Alabaré

To mark the end of the visit, participants have been issued with certificates to show they’ve completed and passed the course.

Trip highlights

Excursions during the two-week trip included visits to markets to strengthen their language and social skills, practising yoga on the beach, taking part in a cheese-making workshop, visiting a coffee plantation, aquarium, and banana groves, and enjoying stunning views across the island.

There’s also been some downtime for activities like wall climbing, surfing, kayaking, visiting an animal sanctuary, and even pushing their fear boundaries on theme park rides.

Each part of the trip is aimed at boosting their confidence and self-esteem, building Spanish language skills, broadening their employment horizons, and deepening their understanding of other cultures.

Gemma Snell, young people wellbeing lead at Alabaré said: “The whole trip’s been a brilliant opportunity to push our participants out of their comfort zone, and realise what they’re capable of.

“There was a real sense of teamwork, camaraderie, and encouragement!

“Many have reflected on the impact of this trip, how it’s opened a world up to them, the possibilities of travelling and working abroad, learning a new language, and it’s had a profound impact on their wellbeing.

“The most standout moment of the trip for me came at the highest point of Gran Canaria, Pico de Las Nieves, which stands 1,949m above sea level.

“The group enjoyed a picnic and sat together watching the sunset, where some even shed some tears! It was such a special moment to share, and I’m incredibly proud of the group’s achievements over the last three months.”

Andrew Lord, Alabaré’s CEO echoed those thoughts after welcoming the group back to Salisbury.

He said: “They’ve had a wonderful time – the Alabaré team have done an amazing job taking young people overseas – supporting them to have new experiences, see new things and to grow as people.

“This resonates very much with Alabaré’s ethos, where we believe that everyone deserves a place to call home, a heart that is restored, and a mind that is empowered.”

An Alabaré spokesperson said: “We’re grateful to Eat That Frog CIC for their support of the project’s delivery and the incredible opportunity it’s provided to the young people involved.”