Llanidloes' warm welcome has made a lasting impact on a group of teenagers from the West Bank in Palestine who shared stories about their lives and experiences with people in the town.
The group of six 15-year-old boys along with their two youth leaders were in Llanidloes on Thursday, July 7, where they spent the morning at Llanidloes High School talking to most years groups, and met people from the town at the Hanging Gardens.
Mary Browning, from Llanidloes As Sawiya Friendship Association, said: "These youngsters live under constant threat from hostility towards their community. They could be attacked at any time and even put in prison without trial for spurious reasons.
"Llanidloes High School and its calm and warm atmosphere must have been a wonderful contrast for them. It was really good that they were able to talk about their lives to so many of the pupils.
"The school could not have been more accommodating and hospitable. One of their leaders remarked that the welcome they received far exceeded any they had had on their tour so far. They had already been to several schools in different parts of England."
The boys received a warm welcome and met people from the town as well as members of Llanidloes -As Sawiya Friendship Group (LLASFA) and Montgomeryshire Palestine Solidarity Campaign. They were treated to ice creams and given little gift bags as mementos of their visit to mid Wales.
Finally, on a day of warm sunshine, blue skies and calm waters, they spent a wonderful couple of hours paddleboarding, courtesy of Andy Jobling, of Mavericks Paddleboarding on Llyn Clywedog. This was followed by a barbecue, provided by Clywedog Sailing Club.
Mary added: "The shouts of delight and laughter that echoed across the lake said everything about this experience, which should provide these youngsters with wonderful memories for many years to come.
"A huge amount of gratitude is owed to all those who generously gave their time and helped to make this happen. In particular CADFA, the Camden Abu Dis Friendship Association which organised the whole UK visit, Llanidloes High School staff including headteacher Dan Owen and teachers Rhiannon Brewer and Gwenan Crawford for putting together a special timetable to give them opportunities to talk to most year groups; LLASFA and Montgomeryshire PSC, Clywedog Sailing Club and Andy Jobling of Mavericks Paddleboarding."
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