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Update on Exodus Teams to Romania, Slovakia & Hungary

21 March, 2022

As we prepare for the summer, we recognise that those travelling to Romania, Hungary and Slovakia may have questions or concerns relating to the conflict in Ukraine and how it could impact team travel. 

To help address some of these questions, we have shared 4 principles that outline how Exodus is approaching plans for the summer.


     1. WE WILL STAND WITH THOSE IN CRISIS

As we watch the situation in Ukraine unfold, our hearts break for those facing the tragic consequences of the conflict and as followers of Jesus, we believe we are called to respond. To do this, we have mobilised individuals to pray, shared some ideas with youth leaders and raised £25000 to support our ministry partners working with refugees in the area.


    2. WE WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE YOUNG PEOPLE WELL

We take our responsibility with young people seriously; striving to maintain the highest standards of care. As a result, we will not send any young person into a situation where they face unnecessary or significant risk. We are in regular contact with the Exodus staff in Central and Eastern Europe and will review and adapt plans as necessary.


  3. WE WILL PLAN IN HOPE

We recognise that some team members or parents may feel uncertain about summer travel towards Eastern Europe. However, the situation with our hosts in countries neighbouring Ukraine remains stable and so we remain hopeful and determined to press on with plans for summer teams while remaining alert and ready to adapt. 

With this is mind:

  1. Teams should continue with meetings, fundraising and preparations as planned.

  2. Exodus will continue to listen well, monitor development and communicate any significant updates with team members and parents.


  4. WE WILL KEEP OPTIONS OPEN

We want all members and parents to be able to make a clear decision on team travel no later than mid-May. To facilitate this we will delay our final payment deadline (from late April to mid May) and provide a further update at the start of May. Please be aware, Exodus has now purchased flights for all our summer travellers as well as the additional costs for materials, insurance and training to run the teams. As a result, providing this flexibility comes at a cost and added logistical pressure to the organisation.

In the event that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against travel to a host country,

  • We will work hard to provide the team with an alternative placement as close to the advertised dates as possible.
  • Any personal contribution paid to date will be used for this alternative placement with any extra refunded to the initial payer.

Should team members choose to withdraw from the summer placement while the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have not advised against travel they will be eligible for a refund of money that is unspent or that can be recovered by Exodus. Unfortunately this is unlikely to cover flights.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

The Exodus Team