Young members delegation to Cuba appeal for funding

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Northern Region


TO: ALL BRANCHES; ORGANISING STAFF; INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS

3 September 2010

Dear Colleague

NORTHERN REGION YOUNG MEMBERS DELEGATION TO CUBA:
1 DECEMBER - 14 DECEMBER 2010
APPEAL FOR BRANCH FINANCIAL SUPPORT

As part of our agreed regional international work programme it is planned to take a group of active young members to help re-activate our twinning arrangements with the Santiago de Cuba region and Northern Region of UNISON. Cuba provides one of the most impressive models of health care, literacy and international solidarity providing medical missions and free public health to over 90 countries throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa. While the rest of the world has so far only transferred 10% of the money and resources promised after the earthquake disaster in Haiti, Cuba continues to provide substantial and long term help and has a remarkable programme in training young Haitians as Doctors free of charge on the basis they return and spend at least 10 years practicing medicine in the country and poor areas they come from.

We had a very positive and important twinning arrangement in the past which provided mutually beneficial links between UNISON and our sister union in Cuba the SNTS. The Regional Council are very keen to see these re-established. The aims of our visit are to introduce young activists to some key people; to provide an insight into the Cuban models of education and health care and international solidarity; to forge some lasting links and to hopefully provide an opportunity for a short work brigade with young Cubans on a socially useful health project to experience working alongside ordinary young Cubans.

Hopefully our young members will have a life changing experience. I am sure it will be a tremendous opportunity to increase their political understanding, whilst also devolving some key practical solidarity, and understanding of the importance of international solidarity work.

Each young member on the delegation has committed to organise some fundraising, and their Branches are all making a financial contribution towards the cost which is around £1,500. It would be of considerable help if Branches could provide some financial donation towards this important project. Young members are also very willing to visit branches and explain the purpose of the delegation and will be provide a comprehensive report back to a future regional council meeting. If you would like a speaker please contact us. Please send all cheques payable to “Northern Region” and marked on the back for Cuba.

Could I encourage you to please provide some financial support towards this delegation visit, as it will not only provide support in the development of young activists, but also will strengthen the Region's links with Cuba.

Yours sincerely
Regional Convenor