Learning about Reflective Practice

Blog by Smahan Soussi YMCA Youth Ambassador from YMCA North London

It’s been great coming back to meet the group I met back in October on the first part of the programme, from Kosovo, Northern Ireland and England I met back in October, I have been very excited to go to Northern Ireland to continue the second part of the programme, I must say the facilitators kept the schedule secret and they have definitely exceeded my expectations.

So far we have met new people through connections that Greenhill YMCA have i.e. a youth work lecturer and a reflective practice trainer. They both gave us a lot of knowledge about both subjects and how they can be improved within our YMCA’s.

We have also visited Londonderry YMCA and met some of the staff, young people that use the youth centre and the CEO who also gave us a tour and showed us more about the history and current conflict that affects Northern Ireland daily. I personally wasn’t aware of the conflict in much detail and have now seen for myself that this is still very visible today, through segregation with peace walls and communities staying within their areas.

 Today we learnt about the definitions of reflective practice, why this is so useful and ways we can implement this through good practice at our local YMCA’s. We also looked at the Gibbs framework model and used this with our own examples that we have already been through and would’ve changed if we reflected on this.

We also interacted with each other to find out the similarities and differences within our own personal upbringing and looked at how this could affect us whilst working with young people and how people’s natural behaviours that are acceptable within their community can be translated in a completely different way from a person with a different type of upbringing.

We also went on to challenge ourselves and make good use if our team work skills. The first activity was laser tag where we were split into two team and had to shoot each other using a laser tag gun.

The second activity we were again split into two groups, the group I was in completed the low ropes course and the other group completed the zip wire. The main aim of the low ropes challenge was to get from the start to the end of the course without touching the floor, using only ropes and metal bars. Without the help of each other this challenge would’ve never been completed, we thought of different methods together and helped each other to complete the challenge.

The last part of the day we watched a motivational true story that showed courage, motivation, passion and never giving up on your team. These are the qualities a good youth worker should have and this proved that with a good youth worker and a good team behind you anything is possible.

From Naomi - Northern Ireland Day 2

I didn’t really know much about the conflict in Northern Ireland before today, so today’s session was really insightful and eye opening for me.

The morning started with a few talks on the history of the conflict in Northern Ireland, the struggles with equality, and we learnt a little about what the YMCA is doing to bring the different communities together through youth work and outreach programmes.

We then went to Londonderry YMCA and met their General Secretary Willie Lamrock , two of their youth workers and a few of the young people that attend the youth clubs. It was lovely to see and hear about the work they do to unite communities.

We then headed into the walled city where Willie gave us a walking tour around the walls of Derry Londonderry. Earlier in the day we had talked about the so called “Peace Walls” that divide the communities to stop violence, on the tour we got to see them for the first time (for most of us). We could clearly see which parts of the city were dominated by which communities, and I found it quite shocking as I had no idea this conflict and divide was still happening.

Conflict and divide in communities is a big issue in so many different countries and I feel as though it is not talked about enough in England. A lot of us are not knowledgeable about more recent history or current affairs, is this down to lack of interest or lack of education? Maybe the two fall in together. Im going to go back to my YMCA to see if we discuss history or current affairs with the young people we interact with, and if not, how we can bring these discussions into our work.

I am looking forward to the rest of the week, and learning new things everyday.

A small reflection

So a week ago today, I was in the UN. Today, I'm back to the day job supporting young homeless people. Two very different worlds, one movement!

So I have yet to update you on the events of the Tuesday sessions! The One Million Voices Launch went really well in spite of the small hiccup in the morning. This small hiccup was a problem of getting access to the UN building... our passes said 0900 but the breakfast started at 0700 and security had no information of us being allowed into the building. We eventually got into the UN at 0830. Only 30 minutes behind schedule. There was a need for speed but what was key was to still get the important message of OMV across. Which upon reflection I feel this was achieved. Some meaningful questions were asked and it helped increase the visibility of the work of the World YMCA on an international level. As for moderating, well that was an experience. Despite the nerves and anticipation, I feel that every time I put myself that far out of my comfort zone, I learn something new about myself.

I'm sure many of you have seen the video of Dorina Lluka-Davies and her speech at the UN, if you haven't, you need to find it on the World YMCA's YouTube channel. Impressive isn't the word. Dorina talks passionately and honestly about the importance of youth participation and her personal experiences relating these to the current situations facing young people all over the world today. The YMCA is not just any space, it is a safe space where we believe in young people and their abilities to change the world, to have an impact on themselves and their communities. This is important when looking at the SDG's, as Dorina mentions, they are the ones that will be sat where I was sat, sat where the member states representatives will be sat in 15 years time. I was blown away by her speech, her courage and I am privileged to call her my friend and colleague!

As the conference due to a close and as a delegation we had our last meal together, it was like we had known each other years not days. When there is nothing else connecting you but the YMCA, there is something special there.

I was very lucky to have a little time to explore the city of New York. Dorina and I couldn't not spend some time in Times Square before I had to dash off to the train station to catch my plane back to the UK.

Now that I have been back to normality and had time to process everything that happened over the last week, from the UN back to reality I think I am still pinching myself that it actually happened.

When I think about the work element, a number of reflections have come to my mind. The ECOSOC itself... I had expectations that it would be a lot more action focused with talks around how we see what work is already being done to address the SDG's, what work still needs to be done, how we monitor and track success with the SDG's. It wasn't so much of this. It was a lot more talking about the SDG's in general. I would be keen to see over the coming years the role INGO's and especially youth INGO's play in achieving and monitoring the SDG's. For me, they play an extremely vital role in it; they are the ones already doing the work.

This experience has been a once in a lifetime - how do I bring this back to the local work I do in YMCA Romford? This is something I am still thinking on...

They are all just people...

It has been a long and busy day, all started with s delicious breakfast with Romulo and Dorina. Great way to start the day, full of energy. Although exhausted and probably still a bit jet lagged (my body woke at 3am local time), it was a day full of emotions. Nerves and excitement; that up and down feeling of a rollercoaster. As soon as we were sat in the room (with our names on our seats) it became apparent, everyone in the room, despite the titles, we were all just people all there for the same reason. To try and make the SDGs a reality and look at how we work with young people to ensure they are achieved.

One comment from the start of the day, the "Setting the Scene" Interactive (by interactive, they mean pre selected people with prepared statements to stick to time) discussion that stuck with me was one of the opening comments from Guy Ryder, Director General, International Labour Organisation. He was speaking about the 10 things people get wrong about young people. His first, and in my opinion, most important; we talk about young people being the leaders of tomorrow. this is wrong because they are a reality today. They are here in the room today. They are taking up leadership positions all over the world today. For me, there is no clearer image of this when you look at the number of young people taking up leadership in the YMCA - it may not be a paid position, but that doesn't change the fact that it is leadership! Mr Ryder raised a number of other extremely valid points including "we should work for young people" (correction, we should work WITH young people), "young people need support" (correction, we need investment).

Throughout the morning there were many valid points raised by key speakers and member nations. The one question I would pose them is; it is very well to sit in a comfy room and speak about these things but what about doing something to make them a reality?? There were some concrete examples of nations doing this from Cambodia, Costa Rica, Singapore to name a few. All interesting stuff...

The afternoon was in breakout groups looking at some of the key issues in the SDGs. I choose SDG 5 - Gender Equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Now this is a hot topic for most and I do not want to go into the detail of all the discussions - if you are really interested I suggest you look on the UN ECOSOC website for the key notes. I am going to talk about what I took away from it; gender equality is not a woman's issue but a humanity one! Gender equality is not about talking about the violence and oppression in all it's shapes and sizes with women - women know what is happening to them. Most know about the issues our gender is facing all over the world; from acid attacks, rape to FGM. It is about equality - this means talking to all about it. Teaching young boys and girls about it from a young age and how to challenge it in their societies to bring about change. Throughout the conversation and the discussions about what work needs to be done or is being done, I was amazed to think that the YMCA is doing this already - yes we need to do more with everyone else, but we have started. From projects in India, to Africa even to work in hostels in England. We are doing something to address the inequalities faced by women on a daily basis. Something to be proud of that's for sure!

At the end of a long day, nothing better than enjoying a drink at the South Korea embassy hosted by the Secretary General of the ECOSOC Youth Forum! Chatting to different people about the work the YMCA does on such a grand scale. And a cheeky selfies with the UN Secretary's General Special Envoy on Youth; Mr Ahmad Alhendawi..

Another full day tomorrow starting at 6.30am for breakfast before moderating the side event panel discussion on research where World YMCA is discussing our One Million Voices Project. Stay tuned for more on that... nervous!!!

United Nation Economic and Social Youth Forum

Just before Christmas I was asked if I would be interested in a short gig... to New York! When informed it would be to represent World YMCA and YMCA England at the UN I was in shock! Of course I said YES! As I sit in Heathrow airport surrounded by many different people going on holiday, returning home from holiday, may a few business trips mixed in with them I still feel like this isn't really happening!

The World YMCA will be attending the UN ECOSCO Youth Forum to talk about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to think with other young people from Member States about how we bring these SDGs off the paper and into reality. Not a small task then...

As well as that, we are there to talk about the YMCA One Million Voices Research - for those that don't know, the largest piece of research done into the needs of young people around the world. Also, to promote the message of youth empowerment - the young people of today are the ones that will be looking at the SDGs in 2030 to see if all of us can make them happen. How can we bring the SDGs to reality without the empowerment of young people all over the world?

Not all young people have the opportunity to speak at such events, they are the voices we need to listen too. Those are the young people that, some may argue, the SDGs apply most too. The changes that the SDGs are aiming for would affect these young people most. How do we hear those stories? How do we listen to their voices? Youth Empowerment...

I sit with anticipation, nerves, anxiety and excitement at the experience that lies ahead of me. One that no doubt will be once in a lifetime! I'm not completely sure what I expect... apart from maybe getting lost in New York somewhere! But I feel up for the challenge; learn, share, meet new people and catch up with friends, and spread the message of youth empowerment and the work of the YMCA all over the world.

International youth work experience

I was invited to run a one day session at YMCA Fairthorne with Karina for a youth work international program for Volunteers from England, Ireland and Kosovo. Before I got there I was very nervous traveling to Fair Thorne YMCA, I even question myself “ am I ready for this? “Are they going to enjoy the session? At the same time, very excited for having this opportunity. Anyone could have been selected to do this that me and Karina got selected, something I always be going I’m grateful for.

This was my first time actually running a session to an international group.  Our role was to talk about YMCA international opportunities.  I introduced myself and told my story, how I started at my local YMCA, something I am always proud of. While telling my story made me realize how far I come, its almost been a decade since I have been at the YMCA. I also talked about YES which I attended for first time this year, it was a great  insight for a young person like myself to see what YMCA Europe does and meet inspiring young people that show so much passion for YMCA.

After we talked about the International opportunities we took the group to the hall, we did leadership games something which Karina and I learnt at our regional training in Switzerland. Great way to develop their communicating skills and initiative.
  It was great to see what we have been learning on our Change agent program playing leadership games, something simple as that can be very effective. The participants were laughing enjoying them selves, engaging with each other that put a smile on my face. Great feeling to see young people coming together from different cultures having fun.

Next day we did the George William tour in London the founder YMCA 1844, a  great story by a great leader  the reason why we are here today. 

This was great experience for me, hopefully me and Karina will have the chance do something like this in the future.She is someone I'm comfortable working with. We ain't just Change Agents, we are good friends as well. We will probably be working with each other after the Change Agent program.

    

Home

Well.... i have now arrived home after extending my Canadian Discovery visit. 

After a fantastic first week with a great bunch of YMCA folk i headed back to Toronto to meet up with the family. We took in some more sights, got to see a lot more of Toronto that wasn't possible in the first week and also had the chance to visit a couple of other YMCA projects.

A project that stood out for me in the second week was one that we didn't get chance to see the first week; this is the YCafe Training and Education project which is located in a municipal authority facility - Metro Hall in downtown Toronto. 
Adam the centre director was very welcoming and spent a good amount of time showing me around and explaining the philosophy and outcomes of the project using catering and life skills as a means to gaining fulfilling and lasting employment. This is done whilst also being a social enterprise serving 300 meals on wheels per week, operating a cafe and also providing 2000 meals a week to homeless and young people agencies. Excuse the pun but real food for thought......