Truly we are moving forward – developing S2C curriculum

By Wamukoya John Baptister, Kenya YMCA

From 15-17 December 2009, the staff of Africa Alliance of YMCAs and S2C ambassadors from Kenya joined efforts in making sure the creed is kept alive and the S2C plan implemented. For three days we gathered at the Elementaita Country Lodge in Naivasha, Kenya, to finalize the development of S2C curriculum.

Led by consultants Mutahi Ngunyi and France Ang’ila, we critiqued the first draft of the S2C curriculum. We were guided by the baseline survey findings (conducted in June and July in Kenya, Liberia and Zimbabwe). The baseline survey was to establish the level of competence and involvement of young people, and these perceptions emerged from it:

• Urban youth are more competent than rural youth

• Men are more competent than women

• People are more competent in groups than individual

• There is no relationship/progression from voice, space to ability to influence

• Level of subjective competence cuts across all age sets

• The higher you go in terms of government administration the lesser the influence

• Government is less responsive to the urban youth compared to rural

We looked at training approaches in relation to the baseline survey and it was agreed that the Ubuntu (I am because we are) philosophy will help us to realize the potential of young people having rights and responsibilities.

 The S2C curriculum will bring the facilitative participatory approach in realizing our dream of empowering young people for the African Renaissance. This means you and I will be and have to be involved, by creating awareness on the young people’s role in changing the face of our countries and Africa and making sure young people participate in all levels of decision making.

The curriculum is now being revised and training material developed. The plan is to review and validate the curriculum in April 2010, when a test run will be done in the three pilot countries.

So what is our role as S2C Ambassadors? This is what was decided:

• Help in selecting the change catalysts (according to developed criteria)

• Help in establishing the Y-Clubs and R-Clubs

• Some Ambassadors may be eligible to be change catalysts

• Promote the S2C concept

• Involvement in the test driving of the curriculum

No more just jumping over that imaginary stick!

National General Secretary of Ghana highlights S2C in the innaugural Ghana YMCA newsletter, Motiv8.

by Prosper Hoeyi


Hello Beloved Reader,

Welcome to the YMCA Motiv8 Newsletter which is established for all young people in Ghana to share their views on matters that concern them. We believe that youthfulness does not only lie in one’s age but is also a state of mind. For that reason all youth-minded people are also welcome on board. It is our hope that this newsletter will be a source of inspiration to young people to find their voice, claim their space and influence policies in a way that will transform them from subjects to citizens.

A citizen is one who knows her rights and responsibilities and positions herself in a way that she can influence for change in her society. A subject on the other hand does not know her rights and responsibilities and so cannot claim her space. Even where she is given the space she cannot occupy it because she is not equipped for it. A subject is therefore prone to becoming a pawn or a tool in the hand of a manipulator.

This newsletter is an invitation to all young persons to liberate themselves from the shackles of subservience to become citizens of the society. We invite you to dare to be different. Stand up to be counted as a citizen and not a subject! You matter and you can make a difference. Awaken the giant within you and use all your strength and mental faculties to make the society a better place. Resolve to leave footprints that can be counted in the sand of time and not deeds that are written on water.

Your body, mind and spirit are your greatest assets so do everything to preserve and develop them. Nourish and exercise your body well and protect it from avoidable diseases. Develop your mind through learning and positive thinking while you commune with your Maker to seek your spiritual growth. By this you will attain a holistic development in body mind and spirit and become a balanced citizen of the world.

If you feel the energy, then pass it on. You are welcome to contribute your articles or views to motiv8 others.

Peace be with you!