Albania visit inspires exhibition

An exhibition of photographs and diaries detailing the experiences of teenagers on a visit to impoverished parts of Albania has been unveiled.

The work, by young people from across Nottinghamshire, went on display at The Core Young People’s Centre, Southwell, on Friday.

It shows photographs and diary entries recording situations that the teenagers encountered when they visited Gramsh with the National Police Aid Convoy in October.

The images and memories include handing out aid to locals, hospital visits, and street scenes.

Youth worker Aimee Saunders said: “For a lot of the young people, it made them realise the opportunities they have in this country that they don’t elsewhere.

“It is a very different experience to visit a school or hospital in Albania than it is here.”

The teenagers were presented with certificates by the leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Mrs Kay Cutts, at the opening of the exhibition.

Nine young people travelled to the Eastern European country to hand out aid, including clothes, food, toiletries, hospital equipment and baby bundles.

Many more were involved in collecting, cleaning and packing the goods before the trip.

The visit was paid for with money from the Youth Opportunities Fund, which the young people applied for.

They were supported in their work by Nottinghamshire County Council’s youth team and Skills for Employment in Ollerton.