Introduction for International Christchurch Youth (ICY)

Introduction

The International Christchurch Youth (ICY) group is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting and upholding the ideals of the Sister Cities movement amongst the youth of Christchurch. The group came together following the youth segment of the 2004 Sister Cities New Zealand conference in Christchurch, and has been involved in a number of projects that sought to meet the following objectives:

  • Promoting an awareness and understanding of the world's cultures, especially those of our Sister Cities;
  • Creating youth involvement in international relations;
  • Enhancing young people's self-development, in particular communication, organisational and leadership skills; and
  • Promoting international friendships.

Some of ICY’s events have included:

  • International Days at Merrin and Halswell Schools in Christchurch;
  • Christchurch Sister Cities Young Artists Competition 2005 and 2006; and
  • The ‘Joining Hands Around the World’ project.

ICY also took part in various other activities and events, such as:

  • Culture Galore;
  • Sister Cities New Zealand Annual Conventions;
  • Providing networking opportunities for young people of Christchurch, such as the Ship for World Youth; and
  • Helping to select students from Seattle, USA, for the Seattle Scholarship Programme.

ICY offers its members various opportunities to become involved in the field of international relations, where youth participation can often be limited.

ICY invites membership from other young people who have been involved in student exchanges and/or have a keen interest in international relations.

For further information on some of ICY's projects see:

 

Top of page