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.

There & Back Again

'Battersea Power Station, just one of the views from the Gatwick Express'

I am sat in a rather quiet and empty Pendelino Train back home now, and despite the glorious sunny evening, this past week has come around too fast. I cannot say that I could've done more... because I don't think I could have got much more involved in the project than I did.


I did it all! Got involved in all the activities, met crazy new friends, learnt new skills, shared my own skills, and pegged lots and lots... and lots of people. 


Cool Fact: Over 200 Pegs were used during the course of the week!!!

'Maybe this time next year pegs will be banned too!!!'

The weather was nice and hot all of the time I was there in Banska Bystrica to the envy of any of those who had rain.


I think the greatest thing I took away from this expedition has got to be inspiration.


I now have plans.


*evil laughter*


Just kidding, but I plan to put my media skills to much greater use within the YMCA in the near future.


Have a chuckle on me at the shots below:

'Some wore theirs with Pride'

'Some wore theirs as accessories'

'Some wore theirs without knowing'

'...and some should've kept one eye open'

Cheers

Alex D-B

SLOVAKIA ROCKS!!!

'Work In Progress'

So... I have been having so much fun and been so busy at the Video & Social Media Training in Slovakia, that I havn't found the time to Post much.

Getting here was rather an expedition, involving several trains, tubes, a plane and a taxi detour, and it was 10PM local time when we arrived, despite me setting off on the quest at 4am!!! :P

They say pictures say a thousand words, so please check out the photos below. ;)

'Here some of us are practicing recording an interview.'

'A still image I took for another exercise, can you identify the meanings and themes conveyed?'

'The Gang!!!'

:D

First there was Planking...

Then came Owling...

Finally Pegging came along...

...a craze which took the YMCA in Banska Bystrica by Storm!!!

Day 6 In Slovakia - Final Project

We have started to plan our final team project. Nerves are running high. My team is filled with insperation. Planning is crucial in anything we do especially if it is for the first time. What should we film?

Quotes  & notes for the day :

Create great content. Nurture a network of people who care about you. Be kind.The influence will take care of itself.

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

4 days In, Friendship and Trust Is Growing

We have decided not to go to the restaurant today and cooked a splendid home cook meal.




Step 2 - The Cooking

Step 1- The Preparation



Step 3 - The Serving





1st Day In Slovakia

1st day in Slovakia. Everyone i  met has been great. I am so happy to be apart of this project.