Goodbye Zimbabwe

Sitting in Schipol Airport in Amsterdam reflecting on the last week spent in Kadoma, Zimbabwe. The week was really an inspiring time particularly when hearing about the great work being done by young people, most of whom are volunteers, all over the African continent "empowering young people for the African Renaissance" .

I have to admit that some of my preconceived ideas about serving young people and communities in Africa have been shattered and programmes such as Subject to Citizen really seems to be having a profound affect with young people's voices being heard from local to national levels advocating on behalf of others.

This was phase one of the training with phase two taking place at some point in February 2013 where the trainee ambassador's will continue their training.

I'm going home inspired, motivated and challenged about how I can help these voices be heard not just in Africa but across the globe.

Day 4 African Alliance Youth Summit

Day 4 of the Youth Summit saw the end of Phase 1 of training for the S2C programme. The group looked at how to effect change using press releases, group statements, social media and more... There was also sessions looking at what was expected of an S2C Ambassador and what supported they would need from their local and national YMCA's.

While attending the Summit we have been inspired and challenged by the S2C (Subject to Citizen) programme which seeks to empower and equip the young people in Africa and it's partnering countries to have at first a voice. By this we mean giving them the skills and confidence to articulate opinions, viewpoints and meaningful contribution to public debate. Secondly it aims to give the young people the space to be heard in appropriate places whether that's regionally, nationally or internationally. And finally the ability to influence by making a positive impact on decision making that improves the situation for young people in Africa and its partnering countries.

We believe that this programme could make a huge difference in tackling the way young people all around the world both think, act and influence the changes that need implementing within their retrospective countries. This is evidenced by the numerous success stories that we heard from the graduating ambassadors, who's voices have been heard in influencing the policies and strategies throughout Africa, even in the face of contravercy and resistance. Making the transition from subject to citizen has made such a dramatic change within their lives and the lives of those who live within their communities

We're looking forward to the closing ceremony in the capital city of Harare tomorrow night... more details on the S2C programme and Youth Summit can be found at www.africaymca.org

Day 2 - African Youth Summit

Today has been an inspiration from start to finish. Throughout the day we have been reminded of why we continue to be a part of this glorious organisation that is the YMCA.

The day started out with devotions brought to us by the southern African participants of the summit.

We then learned more about the thinking and practice of the well established S2C (Subject 2 Citizens) programme, which has been running for he last 3 years across Africa.

This afternoon we were split into small groups where we were asked to discuss and identify the 3 most important issues that were affecting the young people across Africa today. From that we realised that even though the young people here are from all over the world the issues affecting them were the same issues that the young people in UK are facing, the lack of employment and affordable further education.

Then to close out the day we heard a very moving and motivating personal account of what it is like to work your way out of poverty and the courage it takes to return to the slums with which one came, to fight the current injustices that continue to run rife.

It is a testament to the African Alliance of YMCA's that we finished the day as we started. Motivated, inspired and energised to continue the legacy that is the YMCA in our retrospective countries.

Tune in tomorrow for day 3 of the African Youth Summit.

Toni and Dave

Opening of AAY Youth Summit 2012

The opening of the African Alliance Youth Summit has just taken place in Kadoma, Zimbabwe with presentations from the participating countries, local politicians and business men and local poetry and entertainment.

This afternoon will begin the official Subject to Citizen Training which will continue throughout the week.

Dave Bremner and Toni Cowan

Preparations For African Alliance YMCA's Youth Summit

I am excitedly getting packed and prepared for what should be an eye opening experience attending the African Alliance of YMCA's Youth Summit in Zimbabwe starting this weekend for one week.

This is a Youth Summit dealing specifically with African issues such as a single currency for Africa, the concern around climate change and looking at the possibility of a united campaign against poverty.

I'm sure that my preconceived ideas and stereotypes about African culture will be quickly squashed and can't wait to share ideas and stories in such a culturally diverse environment with a group who have the welfare of young people at the heart of all they say and do.