Martletwy YFC member, Rebecca Smith, will be travelling to Finland at the end of June as an ambassador to represent Wales YFC.

The opportunity to travel to Finland is one of the exchange programmes offered by Wales YFC to its members as a part of the international programme.

Rebecca (pictured) was selected by panellists to represent Wales YFC on the exchange and will spend two weeks with a family of YFC members in Finland.

“Rebecca will be required to act as an ambassador for not only Wales YFC, but also for her home county, Pembrokeshire, her duty being to protect our Welsh identity whilst promoting our traditions, industries and our federation,” said Miriam Williams, Wales YFC operations officer.

Rebecca, 23, is currently working as a learning support assistant and hopes to promote cultural diversity in the school she works in on her return. She has been a member of the YFC for nine years and thoroughly enjoys it - despite not living on a farm her family members have all been involved in YFC.

Rebecca is currently secretary of the club and has taken part in a number of competitions, including flower arranging, cookery, tug of war and the annual panto and drama competitions. Outside of the YFC, she volunteers for Barnardo’s and enjoys road cycling and socialising.

“A trip with the international programme was of high interest to me as it would be an opportunity to experience a different culture by staying with a host family and experience their way of life to which I am unfamiliar with. I would like to meet new people and make new friends from the experience as well as seeing a bit of Finland and learning about its history and heritage,” said Rebecca.

Accompanying Rebecca will be Elin Havard, a member of Sennybridge YFC, Brecon.

The Wales YFC international programme aims to encourage young people’s understanding of other cultures and give them the opportunity to travel and to discover new experiences. The programme also asks clubs and the young people who are members to host exchangees from similar organisations over the summer months. Travelling with the YFC is a completely unique and unforgettable experience, and Rebecca wishes to highlight this to other clubs members on her return by doing presentations as there are so many benefits of travelling with the programme. You will get to know and share experiences with members of similar organisations across the world and make new and lifelong friendships.