NY TO RIBE: 2015 Danish Youth Exchange is a Success!

News and photo courtesy of the Jacob A. Riis Settlement House in New York –

On June 27, 2015, six Riis Academy youth from Long Island City, NY, journeyed to Ribe, Denmark, as part of Riis Settlement’s 2015 Danish Cultural Exchange Program. The participants were delighted to begin their long journey to Ribe, where they would reunite with friends who visited New York last summer. Our youth were so anxious to arrive, that many found it difficult to sleep on the airplane!

The international expedition began with a flight to Copenhagen, followed by a train and bus ride, which finally brought Kareem, Anfernee, Ashley, Serine, Jahnari and Mia to the medieval cathedral town of Ribe, Denmark, birthplace of our namesake, Jacob A. Riis. The youth reached their final destination on June 28th with their chaperones, Christopher Hanway, Riis Settlement’s Executive Director, and Sheirly Rinchere, a Riis Academy Program Director.

Upon arrival, our youth and staff were cheerfully greeted by their Danish friends and host families -making the long day of traveling worthwhile. The trip proved to be a wonderful and profoundly life-enriching experience for our youth. Some of the fun-filled adventures included a visit to Legoland, where our youth took in a 3D replica of Ribe, a scenic walk on the Wadden Sea during low-tide, and hiking up the 250 steps to the top of Ribe Cathedral which provided breathtaking panoramic views of the historic city.

The highlight of the trip for both Riis Settlement youth and staff, was visiting Jacob Riis’ childhood home. The once in a lifetime opportunity gave our participants the chance to learn more about the upbringing and history of the pioneering social reformer and photojournalist. The last two days of the trip were spent in Copenhagen where our youth toured the city with Deputy Mayor Pia Allerslev.

The week long journey afforded our youth many memorable experiences and unique cultural interactions including receiving their very first passport, petting cows on a Danish dairy farm, and taking part in their host families’ traditions. This year’s Danish Exchange participants arrived safely home on July 5th.

Thank you for supporting Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement’s annual Danish Cultural Exchange. We offer our sincere gratitude for your support of this unique youth program. Kareem, Anfernee, Ashley, Serine, Jahnari and Mia will treasure it for a lifetime.

Learn more about the Jacob A. Riis Settlement House at http://www.riissettlement.org.

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