Sistema Cymru visit Sweden
Sistema Cymru – Codi’r To (Welsh for “Raise the Roof”) is a Welsh language community project that delivers the El Sistema programme in areas of multiple deprivation in North Wales. In June 2024 they took a group of young musicians from Gwynedd to Gothenburg, Sweden, to participate in the ‘Side by Side’ international music concert with 500 other young musicians from other countries. Rhys Roberts, Manager for Sistema Cymru, tells us about their Taith experience:
As part of our Taith project, we took 8 young people from disadvantaged areas: Peblig and Cadnant in Caernarfon and Maesgeirchen in Bangor, to Gothenburg, Sweden to take part in international music camps called ‘Side by Side’.
The purpose of the trip was to strengthen Sistema Cymru’s international links by forming new relationships with El Sistema projects across the world. This gives children an opportunity they wouldn’t get otherwise, and ensures more opportunities for young people to experience similar trips in future.
There are three key highlights for me from this mobility. The first one started when one of the boys, Ajay, was fed up on the third day and refused to participate in the concert, saying it was all a waste of time. After a conversation with the staff, he was persuaded to join in. His face was a picture when he joined the 500 other children playing in the concert. On the way back home I asked him if he would go again, and despite being tired the answer was “Too Right Rhys!”. According to his school, his attitude and dedication towards to his work at school has completely changed and his Codi’r To tutors have reported that his playing ability has gone through the roof!
The second highlight was after the trip when we were back in Wales. Three girls took the initiative, with the help of their families, to raise money to help fund Codi’r To to allow us to buy more instruments and support other young people. Needless to say we were very grateful, and when we thanked them and asked why they’d decided to raise this money, they responded that their experience of visiting Gothenburg with Codi’r To created unforgettable memories for them and they wanted to thank us.
One of the participants also designed and painted a special plate as a gift for the Codi’r To staff to say thank you for giving them the opportunity to go on this experience.
Wales is a country with many disadvantaged areas, and many young people who are born and bred in these areas tend to be closed off to their communities. International experiences can be a huge eye-opener for young people who are lucky enough to get the opportunity. They can inspire them to follow a particular career path or go on to study in further education.
Visiting Sweden for the ‘Side by Side’ music camps has inspired our organisation and staff to consider the possibility of creating a similar model here in Wales, so that the young people of Wales can benefit from similar experiences on their own doorstep.
Go for it! It’s a great experience for everyone involved. The only bit of guidance I’d give to successful applicants is ‘Fail to prepare, prepare to fail’. Thorough planning is essential for a successful mobility, and preparing pre-departure events and activities can be a big help.
