First day went well. Some good information and speeches but not as much dialogue between the participants as a lot of us would have liked. This was fed back in the evening session about the World Council and will hopefully change for today. A lot of talk about the Millennium Development Goals, especially Gender Discrimination, HIV/AIDS and Poverty & Hunger and how YMCA and Challenge 21 feeds into these. My personal opinion is that Challenge 21 is easier to work towards as it doesn't have such deadlines and specific targets and can be used on so many levels, either in Bradford or Trindad or California etc.
Other than the plenary sessions we have attended a workshop. i was treated to a magic show and got cookies to show the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong Social Enterprises, we also learnt about how they recruit and retain the young people who attend the programmes.
It has been really good meeting old friends as well as meeting new people and finding out about the work of YMCA's across the whole world.
The weather (we're British we have to talk about the weather!) is very nice, hot and, ok, pretty sticky but in all the rooms it's freezing! Im thinking of bringing socks with me for the next session! Oh and the rain last night was pretty impressive. photos to follow of some drowned rats (Rob, Robbie etc.) we found!
Will up date tomorrow about how today has gone (if the wi fi is working!)
amy
Very interesting, thanks Amy. looking forward to catching up with you guys on Monday Morning. Would be good if you could remind everyone that the Delegation meeting is at 12.30 in Class Room 11. Need to be dressed for the Official Opening ie England Polo Shirts and smart trousers or skirts
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