July 31st, 2009

"Dear Friends,

I have just returned from the UK, where I accompanied 17 high school language students from L’Aquila - see photo on their first excursion, hosted by an Italian family in their ice cream parlour.

The students were chosen on merit and all are either still living in tent camps or have only recently returned to their homes. Most students had never visited the UK.

Their school was damaged in the earthquake and they have had no schooling since April 5 last.

To see their smiling faces you wouldn’t believe that they barely scraped out alive from the rubble and none of them know what the future will bring. They appreciate all your assistance and they will never forget the generosity of the people who have given them two weeks of time out, to learn and to feel there is still hope for tomorrow for them.

Also in the photo are Paolo and Marica, our Italian Red Cross volunteers, who have worked throughout the period since 6 April to assist the homeless. The Red Cross advanced the money for air tickets and your funds contributed to feeding hungry, growing teenagers and transport for ensuring they saw as much as possible of the area.

Our heartfelt thanks must go to Christine Goodwin and her partner David, and to all those of the UK North Tyneside community, of every ethnic persuasion, who shopped and cooked and offered the kids an in-depth cultural experience, ranging from pizza to fish and chips, taking in Hadrian’s Wall, Alnwick Castle, surfing and contemporary art on the way.      

Our hope is that the bond forged in these few days will strengthen and evolve so that exchange trips will continue in the future.

Look out for our Facebook link.

Angela"