Kolkata, Mar 12: Carrying stories, songs and a spirit of cultural exchange, a group of 10 young volunteers from Wales recently visited Kolkata and Shantiniketan to engage in a vibrant community programme. The initiative celebrated shared traditions, creativity and learning through a series of immersive experiences with local communities.
The exchange programme is rooted in a long-standing connection between Wales and Kolkata. Over 20 years ago, the Urdd and Christian Aid launched a campaign called ‘Welcome Calcutta’ to raise awareness and educate young people in Wales about the lives of youth in India. The campaign eventually led to an exchange programme between Urdd members and young women growing up in Kolkata.
Building on this legacy, and with support from the Welsh Government, the Urdd launched a partnership with Her Future Coalition (HFC) during the Year of Wales in India 2024. As part of this collaboration, a group of ten young Welsh volunteers have been able to support HFC’s humanitarian work through community engagement visits in 2025 and again in 2026.
The programme began with a visit to the learning centre of Her Future Coalition in Kolkata, where the volunteers interacted with women entrepreneurs and gained insights into initiatives supporting sustainable livelihoods. During a session led by Srabani Sanskar from Hamari Muskaan, the group learned about community-driven efforts focused on empowering women and girls. The volunteers also observed artisans crafting purses and bags from recycled fabrics, highlighting how skill-based livelihoods can support economic independence.
Cultural exchange remained central to the programme throughout the visit. The Welsh volunteers introduced elements of their heritage through storytelling, folk dance and traditional games, while also collaborating with participants to create a symbolic Wales–India banner featuring Welsh, Bengali and Hindi text.
In Shantiniketan, the group engaged with educators and students at Suchana, participating in art, craft and language exchanges across six interactive sessions involving approximately 150 students. Visits to Suchana’s mobile libraries in nearby villages created joyful shared learning moments, as the volunteers introduced Welsh words and cultural activities while children participated in storytelling sessions, outdoor games and creative workshops.
Back in Kolkata, the exchange continued through engagements at several grassroots community spaces. At the Mustard Seed Library, the volunteers shared a culinary tradition by teaching children how to make Welsh cakes, alongside participating in music, art and interactive games.
The group also spent time with children at Nabadisha, a police station–based safe space that provides education and creative engagement opportunities. The visit included performances by the children as well as interactive sessions featuring crafts, sports and cultural demonstrations.
Additional visits included Ek Tara School, where the volunteers joined students in art workshops and observed traditional Indian dance classes. The group also visited skill development centres supporting young women in vocational training such as mehendi and beauty services. Through heritage walks, craft workshops, sports sessions and community-hosted meals, the programme offered participants a deeper understanding of Kolkata’s everyday cultural life and traditions.
Overall, the initiative emerged as a meaningful celebration of cultural connection between Wales and Kolkata, fostering empathy, friendship and lasting bonds through shared stories, creativity and lived community experiences.
Speaking on this occasion, Welsh delegate Megan Mcdonaldy said,
“Our time in Kolkata and Shantiniketan has been incredibly enriching. Through music, stories and everyday interactions, we discovered how cultural exchange can create genuine connections and mutual learning. The warmth of the communities we met made this experience truly unforgettable for all of us.”
Maura Hurley, Educational Sponsorship and Program Director for Her Future Coalition India adds:
“I am so honoured to be a part of the partnership between the Urdd and Her Future Coalition India. The cultural and personal exchanges create seeds of growth and new perspectives for everyone involved. HFC is extremely thankful to have such an opportunity to show our programs to the girls first hand. They come prepared with open minds and so much excitement, talent, and creativity. We also extend our thanks for their support to all the girls and women here in Kolkata who receive shelter, education, and training through our work. The program has been a real success, and I now look forward to this amazing journey each year!”
