Teens invited to travel with the IPA
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BY JESSICA PORTER
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hildren and grandchildren of International Police Association members are being encouraged to apply for a youth travel scholarship to South Africa. The IPA’s Ray Dodd Award subsidises two Australians to attend the International Youth Gathering (IYG) held in a different country each year. International Police Association Australian Vice President Jason Brewer said last year’s gathering was held in Spain, while the 2017 event will be held in South Africa. Last year’s Australian representatives, Jack Eugarde and Nicola Kelly, both said Spain was an experience of a lifetime. “I met the most amazing people from throughout the world and still talk to these people on a daily basis,” Nicola said. “I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to attend the IPA International Youth Gathering 2015 in Spain. “This trip helped me grow as a person; to gain independence, allow me to gather skills that I will take with me further in life – both in the workforce and my personal life. I even got to learn a little Spanish along the way. “For anyone thinking about applying for IYG in the future, I would strongly recommend it, you will gain skills for life and friends that you will always cherish.” Jack also agreed. “My dad, who is a police officer in Queensland, applied on my behalf for the Ray Dodd Award, and it was a really good experience,” he said. “I was able to get to know a whole new group of people and learn about other cultures.” The Ray Dodd Award is a memorial youth award was named after the founder and the 1964 Secretary-General of the Australian branch of the IPA. “His long-time interest was the welfare of all young
people in the community,” Mr Brewer said. “He devoted many hours, both unofficially and officially, to assisting all youths through the police citizens clubs.” Mr Brewer said the 2017 IYG was an opportunity for teens to experience travel to South Africa and meet people of a similar age from different cultures and backgrounds while gaining a deeper knowledge of the history, social character, nature and family life of the country. “The IYG program conforms to the international spirit and aims of the International Police Association,” he said. The South African tour will be held from 29 July to 13 August 2017 and includes travel to Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. It also includes a trip to the Addo Elephant National Park. Mr Brewer said one day will be set aside in Cape Town for a community outreach program. Participation in the program is open to the children or grandchildren of current financial members of the IPA. IYG participants must be aged between 16 and 18 at the start of the program. Mr Brewer said the International Police Association was group of serving, ex-serving and retired police officers linked by a professional esprit de corps. “There is nothing else like it in the world. It is the largest friendship organisation of police officers throughout the world,” he said. “We have over 440,000 members in over 60 countries who are part of this unique organisation worldwide. “The International Police Association promotes and encourages cultural relations and the expansion of knowledge through the exchange of professional experiences, as well as mutual help in the social field and the promotion where possible of world peace.”
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01 Jack Eugarde and Nicola Kelly were selected for the 2015 IYG to Spain. 02 Jack and Nicola during their Spain travels.
Officers interested in applying for their children or grandchildren are encouraged to fill out an application form available online at ipa-australiapolice.com.au/ about/ray-dodd-award. Applications must be received by 30 September 2016.
27 POLICE NEWS JUNE 2016