By David Ngosa
Zambia is full of S2C flames. From the time we came back from Ethiopia, as ambassadors of change for the From Subject to Citizen initiative we have not rested and life has continued reminding us of our task as ambassadors.
So many things are happening in Zambia with the most exiting being the introduction of the S2C in schools, communities and now the streets. Zambia YMCS however realized that there is a group of young people who are likely to be forgotten in this fight.
If we remember the Kenya Burning documentary, it was evident that most of the fighting and violence in Kenya was happening on the streets. What does this mean then to the children and youth found working and begging on the streets? This is the question that Zambia YMCA is answering.
With the introduction of our street children support projects, which aim to support children and adults working and living on the streets, Zambia YMCA has introduced the concept behind the project to the project beneficiaries. We realized that this group of people needs to be loved and cared for. The project is therefore designed in such a way that the youth and children on the street be given the right to education and good health. Zambia YMCA is providing meals, medical support, educational support for children, recreation activities and also skills development for the children, guardian and relatives of the children found on the streets. In addition to this, the Zambia YMCA is also providing health information, re-integration counseling and motivational talks.
Groups like street children are in most cases left out on issues of personal development because of the belief that this group is harmful to many people. This is one of the reasons why Zambia YMCA found it beneficial to introduce the S2C concept in order to trim down cases of violence on the streets. Since the motivational talks with children and adults, the discussions have centred on how violence can be reduced among young people found and working on the street.
Because of regular counseling, some children have since taken to school with some of the adults in vocational training centers. We believe that it’s only when the young person is empowered that they will have the power to use their voice to speak and be listened to. YMCA Zambia is now planning to train some of the adults from the streets who will be made role models and deliver the S2C information to fellow young adults on the streets.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A tireless fight to improve the lives of the Youth
By Wamukoya John
“We ignore the youth at our own peril” I have always warned the Kenya YMCA leaders, and as such we have embarked on an ambitious plan to revamp the Kenya YMCA youth programs and committees after years of neglect. Our ultimate agenda is to turn at least a few branches/units into transformation centers of excellence.
Following my involvement in the S2C process I have spearheaded another ambitious program aimed at reconciling communities through youth exchange programs and visits where youth switch areas for at least a week. The program has seen youth from Nakuru and Naivasha interact; areas which were hotspots in the post-election violence.
In developing youth/adult mentorship we help young people to find friendship in us and this is what we need to do to transform young people from Subject to Citizens.
Young people know that leadership is a process which influences people to accomplish an objective in a cohesive and coherent manner. Leaders carry out this process by applying their leadership attributes, as beliefs, values, ethics, character knowledge and skills. And this is what young people have been prevented from practicing. Through our interaction with young people and presentation/discussion of the Subject to Citizen concept, it is clear that we need to enable effective leadership among youth by:
To be able to develop young leaders, practical strategies for engaging in shared leadership are:
On the future of youth leadership in Kenya, S2C identifies the promotion of shared leadership and the development and promotion of mentorship programmes as the way to go. Besides, the reforms should also embrace the principle of equity by mainstreaming gender balance and that of other marginalized groups. There is a need to promote only credible leadership across all generations and this we are already doing by empowering young people.
“We ignore the youth at our own peril” I have always warned the Kenya YMCA leaders, and as such we have embarked on an ambitious plan to revamp the Kenya YMCA youth programs and committees after years of neglect. Our ultimate agenda is to turn at least a few branches/units into transformation centers of excellence.
Following my involvement in the S2C process I have spearheaded another ambitious program aimed at reconciling communities through youth exchange programs and visits where youth switch areas for at least a week. The program has seen youth from Nakuru and Naivasha interact; areas which were hotspots in the post-election violence.
In developing youth/adult mentorship we help young people to find friendship in us and this is what we need to do to transform young people from Subject to Citizens.
Young people know that leadership is a process which influences people to accomplish an objective in a cohesive and coherent manner. Leaders carry out this process by applying their leadership attributes, as beliefs, values, ethics, character knowledge and skills. And this is what young people have been prevented from practicing. Through our interaction with young people and presentation/discussion of the Subject to Citizen concept, it is clear that we need to enable effective leadership among youth by:
- Providing access to resources: this is the greatest handicap to youth seeking leadership opportunities.
- Giving due attention to youth thoughts, opinions and ideas: young people need to be allowed to flourish. They can only thrive where there is autonomy for entrepreneurship.
- Keeping young people informed and involved in major decisions.
- Facilitating youth participation in activities that enhance skills.
- Widening the youth leadership horizon.
- Re-emphasizing leadership qualities.
To be able to develop young leaders, practical strategies for engaging in shared leadership are:
- Youth should be sensitized to rise up and make their own situations better.
- Mentorship programs should be in place to nurture young people.
- Design training programs which aim at bonding the youth and elders to embrace shared leadership.
- Involve youth from all background in policy formulation processes.
- People at all levels of leadership should be sensitized to embrace gender equity.
- Network existing youth movements to enhance exchange programs on leadership development.
- Intermarriage (cross-culture marriage) should be encouraged among the youth as a mean to eliminate tribalism in Kenya.
- Designing and implementing appropriate organizational structures and policies that facilitate shared leadership.
On the future of youth leadership in Kenya, S2C identifies the promotion of shared leadership and the development and promotion of mentorship programmes as the way to go. Besides, the reforms should also embrace the principle of equity by mainstreaming gender balance and that of other marginalized groups. There is a need to promote only credible leadership across all generations and this we are already doing by empowering young people.
Monday, March 15, 2010
African Youth Summit Report
Hi everyone!
You can find the report on the African Youth Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November 2009, by following this download.
You can find the report on the African Youth Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November 2009, by following this download.
My role, my responsibility
By John Wamukoya
On 26 Feb 2010 the staff of Kenya YMCA were taken through the civic competence process by AAYMCA.
The presentation made it easy for me to sell the S2C process to my fellow staff which in the long run they adopted as a mean to re-awaken Kenya YMCA in empowering young people. In line with the three components of the strategic intention and approaches (Youth Justice, Civic Action, Gender Action), we were able to visualise the role of KYMCA in empowering young people across the country.
The staff agreed to have the branches/units carry out a SWOT analysis (looking at the strengths, weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) to position them for proper implementation. This is a great move by the Kenya YMCA staff in realising our dream of building the civic competence of young people in Africa.
With guidance from the Africa Alliance staff, the branches will be able to form project teams that will oversee the implementation. Africa Alliance is spearheading the negotiation for Kenya YMCA to be the lead organisation in the western part of Kenya (which covers the most affected region with political violence that is Nyanza, Western and Rift Valley) with a special focus on the third strategy of Gender Action Programme. The purpose is to change hegemonic notions of male masculinity to be a transforming force in the society – one that empowers rather than indignifies women.
Go Kenya YMCA go.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
THE DREAM COME TRUE
By Wamukoya John Baptister, Kenya YMCA
On 29 January 2010 Kenya YMCA Nakuru branch, one of the pilot site of the S2C process, made a remarkable step in realising our dream of empowering young people from subject to citizen. The Branch Management Committee (BMC) adopted the concept as one of its strategic approaches towards civic education in Nakuru.
I took the BMC through the process, and in adopting S2C, the board discussed localising it to ensure relevance and success for the youth.
In line with the process and principles of the Youth Summit, members agreed:
· The branch needs to make it people centered: by engaging in youth advocacy
· To have mutual respect: respect people’s knowledge, experience, perspectives, skills and unique role in the community.
This was brought about by the fact that Nakuru is a cosmopolitan town and people still have suspicions after the post-election violence and the on-off political unrest.
· Participation: as a branch we ensure equal space for individual and collective participation.
· Holistic response: based on the knowledge that S2C requires an integrated long-term and multi-pronged response.
Members agreed to participate in and support the implementation of this process at the branch. The Programmes Manager was requested to share progress information with members to build ownership, especially with the youth committee.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
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!
Friday, January 22, 2010
National General Secretary of Ghana highlights S2C in the innaugural Ghana YMCA newsletter, Motiv8.
by Prosper Hoeyi
Hello Beloved Reader,
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!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Let’s walk the talk of S2C
By Gabriel Ofori Appiah, Ghana YMCA
Fellow citizens
It is a new season and a new day has risen and a star has shone…
The movie ‘Night John’, based on a novel by Gary Paulsen, tells the story of citizen transformation. Paulsen wrote that “Words are freedom”. The movie recounts the triumphant story of a 12-year-old slave called Sarny whose job was to serve at the label. When Night John, the new slave, arrives he teaches Sarny to read and write - a crime punishable by death. Actually, the slaves were being cheated and misused by their white masters because they were illiterate and did not know their rights. Sarny’s transformation, with the help of Night John, helped the slaves realise that were subjects. The letters and words of Night John proved to be freedom for the slaves. From this movie, it is clear that we need to know our rights before we can be successfully transformed from subject to citizen and that words (education) play an important role in this.
It takes a new start to keep a clear eye towards life’s end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God’s creature; what you are in His sight is what you are and nothing less. Then as Subject to Citizen, we must agree to voice out justice and freedom for the oppressed. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received. We leave behind fading symbols of honour and trappings of power. And you takeonly what you have given: a fully enriched life with honesty, love, sacrifice and courage. So let’s walk the talk of S2C.
Let us climb these rungs on the ladder of success:
• PREPARE PRAYERFULLY
• PROCEED POSTIVELY
• PURSUE PERSISTENTLY and justice will arise in our homes, societies, regions and a country as a whole.
As Ambassadors, I believe we will spark the brain that will change the world, thus causing something to start or develop suddenly.
The words of Steve Biko ring clear for us in our S2C journey. He was the founder of the Black Consciousness movement, an anti-apartheid activist and he died for freedom in his country… a brutal death in detention. He said:
“It becomes more necessary to see the truth as it is, if you realise that the only vehicles for change are these people who have lost their personality. The first step therefore is to make the black man come to himself; to pump back life into his empty shell; to infuse him with pride and dignity, to remind him of his complicity in the crime of allowing himself to be misused and therefore letting evil reign supreme in the country of his birth.”
We are called for the Renaissance of Africa.
We are moving forward, we stand for the African Renaissance, S2C fire is burning, no shaking!
Taking my right position to change my YMCA
Kenya YMCA has taken up the challenge of engaging young people to re-awaken their participation. This was proved when over 72 youth gathered for the inaugural youth convention at the National Camp from 3-6 Dec 2009 in Naivasha, Kenya.
Being the first of its kind, the concept ‘From Subject to Citizen’ come in handy as a way of enlightening this great future.
We used a similar methodology to that we did at the Youth Summit. Anthony and I took them through crises identification to come up with possible ways of countering these crises. The youth were really excited to realize that it is through advocacy and awareness, that they can claim their rightful space and use their voice and ability to help youth in this country.
Advocacy came out as the best approach, but for a start the youth agreed to create awareness at their respective branches. This was agreed after they watched the Kenya Burning documentary from the Summit.
After four days of a journey of discovery, the youth adopted this concept and unanimously agreed to keep the fire burning. Out of the 78 young people, 64 youth during the evaluation commented this approach was the only way to change the face of YMCA and Kenya. “I thought and always believed that we young people can not change this society but now I know and believe that it is me to change first,” said Diana of Nairobi branch.
As a mean of commitment, young people selected 12 focal persons who will be the link people to various branches. They will monitor the Kenya progress, and we will also have branch and regional follow ups by the ambassadorship team.
And this is the way to move forward!
Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Fire
(In the photo above, Anthony is facilitating the advocacy session)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Resolutions… how are we moving forward?
By David Ngosa, Zambia YMCA
I wish to send my greetings to you all as we go towards Christmas and the new year 2010. We just have a month before we say goodbye to 2009. When I was thinking last night, I asked myself what I think I have achieved in the 11 months of this year. The answer was very difficult to find I can assure you, but am still hoping to find the answer soon.
Well, getting to my question now "S2C - IN WHICH DIRECTION?". Yes we all agreed at the Summit to be moving in a certain direction which, in principle, is forward! forward! But the question again is how we are moving forward? Is it face front or front face? I hope you understand this because myself I am grappling with it. Many other issues like this, we find hard to understand and this is why I even failed to find the answer to my question last night.
My wish for S2C/Ambassadors
My greatest wish for the S2C is that we should reach a point where the community will recognise us as the weapon of Change from Subject to Citizen. I wish that the candle can burn brighter and brighter every day like a star. All over Africa and the world people are seeing us on the internet… listening to what we are saying about the young people in our different countries. I therefore believe that we have a lot of power through documenting our work and making sure that we are known for the good works we are doing. Indeed, some may not agree that we are doing great works for the movement and also the Kingdom of God - but yes, we are.
My dear brothers and sisters, time is now! Let us all choose to move forward and see transformation in the young people. I choose not to make standards for anyone, but I will be very happy if as we make plans and resolutions for the year 2010, we don't forget about the S2C. This is a new baby we have as the YMCA family and we need to show lots of love for it to grow even stronger. Think about which life you want to touch. Is it a street child, a suffering widow, a youth that is a victim of bad politics, an orphaned child or perhaps your own life?
Oh my God!!! I have too much appetite for a society free of violence, HIV/AIDS and unemployment. This is my dream and our dream should be more powerful as Citizens and Ambassadors. I love my people and I know you do.
May our God that gave us the knowledge to move forward with S2C and bless us.
Well, getting to my question now "S2C - IN WHICH DIRECTION?". Yes we all agreed at the Summit to be moving in a certain direction which, in principle, is forward! forward! But the question again is how we are moving forward? Is it face front or front face? I hope you understand this because myself I am grappling with it. Many other issues like this, we find hard to understand and this is why I even failed to find the answer to my question last night.
My wish for S2C/Ambassadors
My greatest wish for the S2C is that we should reach a point where the community will recognise us as the weapon of Change from Subject to Citizen. I wish that the candle can burn brighter and brighter every day like a star. All over Africa and the world people are seeing us on the internet… listening to what we are saying about the young people in our different countries. I therefore believe that we have a lot of power through documenting our work and making sure that we are known for the good works we are doing. Indeed, some may not agree that we are doing great works for the movement and also the Kingdom of God - but yes, we are.
My dear brothers and sisters, time is now! Let us all choose to move forward and see transformation in the young people. I choose not to make standards for anyone, but I will be very happy if as we make plans and resolutions for the year 2010, we don't forget about the S2C. This is a new baby we have as the YMCA family and we need to show lots of love for it to grow even stronger. Think about which life you want to touch. Is it a street child, a suffering widow, a youth that is a victim of bad politics, an orphaned child or perhaps your own life?
Oh my God!!! I have too much appetite for a society free of violence, HIV/AIDS and unemployment. This is my dream and our dream should be more powerful as Citizens and Ambassadors. I love my people and I know you do.
May our God that gave us the knowledge to move forward with S2C and bless us.
Amen!!!!
Message of reflection – Africa YMCA Youth Summit 2009
Fellow Citizens!
Let me take this opportunity on behalf of the Africa Alliance Youth Committee to congratulate you all for buying into this agenda dubbed “From Subject to Citizen”.
While we need to understand the past in order to diligently engage with the present and envision the future, we must not allow the diversionary tactic of reactionary people to condemn us to mere rhetoric and static or indeed retrogressive life. The commitment of ourselves to the agenda of finding a voice for a new generation of youth across ethnicity and religious creed of our continent and pursuing the amplification of that voice for the purpose of the Africa ’s rebirth is already well established. It is evident by our interest, commitment and enthusiasm as indicated by our representation and participation during the summit in Ethiopia.
Brothers and sisters, I dare say, we are one further step in the march towards the glory ahead.
We live and learn. We have a duty to educate ourselves to recognise and critically appreciate the roles we have and are playing. Our people especially, the young people must be made aware that they in fact carry their destinies in their own hands under the present ecological dispensation.
This transition ladies and gentlemen is only the beginning of a long and tedious journey and we must recognise it as such and prepare adequately for the battle to defend our hard-won status of citizenship. There are obstacles that will remind us constantly to dedicate and rededicate our energies time and time again until the total rebirth of our continent and countries is achieved.
Fellow citizens, I urge you all to take this agenda very seriously. The mission of seeing a new Africa with citizens is in our vision of empowering those we co-exist with for the African renaissance.
This is an immersion programme aimed at giving us the platform to understand the realities of real self and wishful self. Be reminded that, we will periodically assess the extent to which we have come in this struggle.
Change doesn't come cheaply. It comes with a price. What price are we paying to see the change we want to have?
As actors of change, we always need to be very conscious of our efforts to the course ahead. We need to be philosophical in our thinking and everything. We need to share in the same philosophy. Remember "I believe" in our CREED. When was the last time you reflected on it?
This is what we want to do for our communities, this is what we want to do for our countries, this is what we want to do for mother Africa.
This is an immersion programme aimed at giving us the platform to understand the realities of real self and wishful self. Be reminded that, we will periodically assess the extent to which we have come in this struggle.
Change doesn't come cheaply. It comes with a price. What price are we paying to see the change we want to have?
As actors of change, we always need to be very conscious of our efforts to the course ahead. We need to be philosophical in our thinking and everything. We need to share in the same philosophy. Remember "I believe" in our CREED. When was the last time you reflected on it?
This is what we want to do for our communities, this is what we want to do for our countries, this is what we want to do for mother Africa.
Compatriots, let us join hands in our commitment to rebuild Africa. Let us determine to move past the issues that have bedeviled our commitment and practices as members, leaders and potential leaders of this our noble organisation. Let us move past the policies that crippled the progress of our association.
Let us boldly commit ourselves to the radical socio-economic and political transformation of the continent where there is justice, equity and the protection of the fundamental rights and minority rights of the citizenry.
We can do it.
We have the vision.
We have the will and commitment.
Once again, on behalf of the Africa YMCA Youth Committee and the YMCA fraternity in Africa I wish us all well and God’s blessings. May our Association grow from strength to strength even as it repositions itself for the African Renaissance.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Zambia YMCA has already adopted S2C!
By David Ngosa
I wish to share with you that the theme for Zambia YMCA AGM "The youth moving from Subject to Citizen through economic empowerment" was drawn from the S2C concept and Summit learnings. The President of the Africa Alliance of YMCAs was guest of honour at the event.
The Zambia YMCA leadership responded so well to the S2C concept was adopted and we are incorporating it to our 2010 Annual Operating Plan as one of the main activities that will be done. The AGM actually recommended that the Kenya Burning DVD be made available to all the local associations in Zambia so that we can use it to train/sensitise the young people. So this was also adopted as one of the tools that Zambia YMCA will use in training the young people, especially on civic engagement.
The Zambia YMCA leadership responded so well to the S2C concept was adopted and we are incorporating it to our 2010 Annual Operating Plan as one of the main activities that will be done. The AGM actually recommended that the Kenya Burning DVD be made available to all the local associations in Zambia so that we can use it to train/sensitise the young people. So this was also adopted as one of the tools that Zambia YMCA will use in training the young people, especially on civic engagement.
Zambia is preparing for elections in 2011, and this is another reason why the leadership felt that our young people need to see the Kenya burning and that they need to be educated further on the S2C so that they are empowered.
The plan is for me to travel around the YMCA's in Zambia to share the S2C more detailed.
Nakuru YMCA in Kenya leading from front
I want to share with you my experience delivering the S2C Concept to the Inter Church Youth for Peace Forum on 17 Nov 2009…
We began this process early this year when the information from the AA reached the branch about S2C. Youth who were energised about the concept participated in the baseline survey as enumerators, but back then we didn’t have much information on the subject to citizen process. The participation in the S2C summit in Addis has opened my mind and I believe that youth are hungry for new ideas, new leadership and new kinds of interventions that directly address their thorny issues – issues that affect them and that they feel passionate about, such as lack of jobs, sporting facilities, youth-friendly programmes and poor social support. My belief has since seen us earn the confidence and trust from Africa Alliance for being the lead change makers through the concept of from subject to citizen.
In the Rift Valley we continue to enjoy a strong partnership with government agents and youth-friendly organisations. Their support enables us to stretch our potential and scale-up our capacity to address challenges facing young people through innovative approaches such as peer-led discussions, focus group discussions and community theatre sessions. These partners continue to support us through capacity building development in different trainings, they participate in our activities and offer moral support all towards the wellbeing of a young person.
I am convinced that when we are always together, our voices are more powerful than any epidemic known to man. And that’s how we will change this community. One life at a time, its time for Nakuru YMCA to lead from the front in the most unsettled region, which is politically and ethnically fractured with leaders who only mind about themselves.
With all the resources and skills we have from the Youth Summit in Addis Ababa, we the young people must stand up and find something to die for. We need to become leaders who are courageous, sacrifice and make difficult but informed choices by
- Increasing our knowledge and skills to practice what we believe and value
- Improving attitudes towards citizen mind and youth development in our surrounding community through a focused approach.
Henceforth, citizenship must actively take its rightful place among leaders so we make the necessary lifestyle changes to ensure a brighter common future for Kenya and Africa.
After my two activities since I left the Summit, I have an incredible passion and belief that we can indeed change the youth in my community. But as I leave the centre stage of my one hour s2c presentation, I hold a number of beliefs that our heros will only be those young men and women who can stand up for what they believe and value and move forward assertively.
Citizens what do you think?
My first S2C activity back home… the journey begins
By Wamukoya Baptister John Kenya YMCA
My first S2C activity was a meeting on 8 November 2009 with the Nakuru YMCA Kenya Branch youth who participated in the baseline survey as enumerators (see Africa Alliance website for details), along with other youth. I presented the S2C model embraced at the summit to these 27 youth.
They were very engaged when I took them through simple steps of advocacy as a mean of creating awareness on issues that deny the youth space, voice and ability to influence in the community.
The participation from the youth towards this issue made me see the hope that we as YMCA need to have towards transformative action.
The best example the youth gave that involves advocacy approaches is when handling Work for Youth, a government programme locally known as Kazi kwa Vijana. Most of the YMCA youth participated locally and as they had not been paid their dues this had forced them to demonstrate at some point to demand for their “right” which they didn’t get. As they put it: kazi kwa vijana pesa kwa waze - youth work but old guards get paid.
As a way forward, the youth accepted to apply these advocacy steps and during the upcoming youth con-vocation (on 3-6 December, to share the findings and feelings as we embark on advocacy approaches as a mean of creating a wider awareness in Kenya YMCA family.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
African youth claiming their space, influencing for positive transformation
Hi all, below are excerpts from a wrap-up article on the Summit that you will find on the Africa Alliance website: www.africaymca.org ...
A new breed of African youth leaders is emerging through African YMCAs – youth willing to stand up as citizens in their countries and our continent… The Summit focused on building the civic competence of youth participants to enable personal leadership development which is rooted in community responsibility and action…
“The transformation involved us gaining both subjective and actual competence, to emerge as the first group of S2C Ambassadors. These ambassadors will be held accountable for the roll-out of the S2C throughout the youth movement in the YMCA and for continuous personal development,” said Reginald Ffaulkes Crabbe from Ghana YMCA, and a member of the Africa Alliance youth committee.
Samukele Ngubane from South Africa said, “The methodology was very empowering. We were challenged at an individual and group level to look beyond the crises that youth face and really dig into the root causes. Some of those we identified included crisis of identity and self-esteem, superficial spirituality, lack of drive and purpose, and a poverty mentality as well as a ‘no choice’ mentality where we just focus on problems and not opportunities. Of course, this feeds directly into our beliefs and values as youth that we are inferior, victims, have a dependency syndrome and an individualistic attitude.”
This is a huge move forward in modeling how youth view and respond to the challenges in our leadership and our programme offerings in Africa – one that looks at root causes instead of results or effects.
“We were able to make a clear link between our development as individual leaders and institutional leadership development. We all set personal goals, which then fed into action plans that we made to roll out the S2C model on a practical level in our movements across Africa. We are also guided by the Summit Creed which binds us together and to our commitment going forward,” explained Maryse Coly from Senegal.
A major goal of the Summit is for YMCAs in Africa to play a stronger role in advocacy to create more citizens with voice, space and ability to influence.
David Ngosa from Zambia said, “Our key focus over the next year is to develop as many of our youth as possible to a level of S2C Ambassadorship. The belief in ourselves now is the basis of our civic competence, and this has been enhanced with hard skills we learnt such as those of advocacy. We are confident we will be able to begin to positively influence decision making processes and policy formation in favour of us as youth. At the same time, we are developing ourselves as future leaders for Africa.”
“The transformation involved us gaining both subjective and actual competence, to emerge as the first group of S2C Ambassadors. These ambassadors will be held accountable for the roll-out of the S2C throughout the youth movement in the YMCA and for continuous personal development,” said Reginald Ffaulkes Crabbe from Ghana YMCA, and a member of the Africa Alliance youth committee.
Samukele Ngubane from South Africa said, “The methodology was very empowering. We were challenged at an individual and group level to look beyond the crises that youth face and really dig into the root causes. Some of those we identified included crisis of identity and self-esteem, superficial spirituality, lack of drive and purpose, and a poverty mentality as well as a ‘no choice’ mentality where we just focus on problems and not opportunities. Of course, this feeds directly into our beliefs and values as youth that we are inferior, victims, have a dependency syndrome and an individualistic attitude.”
This is a huge move forward in modeling how youth view and respond to the challenges in our leadership and our programme offerings in Africa – one that looks at root causes instead of results or effects.
“We were able to make a clear link between our development as individual leaders and institutional leadership development. We all set personal goals, which then fed into action plans that we made to roll out the S2C model on a practical level in our movements across Africa. We are also guided by the Summit Creed which binds us together and to our commitment going forward,” explained Maryse Coly from Senegal.
A major goal of the Summit is for YMCAs in Africa to play a stronger role in advocacy to create more citizens with voice, space and ability to influence.
David Ngosa from Zambia said, “Our key focus over the next year is to develop as many of our youth as possible to a level of S2C Ambassadorship. The belief in ourselves now is the basis of our civic competence, and this has been enhanced with hard skills we learnt such as those of advocacy. We are confident we will be able to begin to positively influence decision making processes and policy formation in favour of us as youth. At the same time, we are developing ourselves as future leaders for Africa.”
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Participants set goals going forward
Some of the goals set at the Summit are:
• Increase awareness of S2C – the concept, process and expected outcomes – at all levels from local branches to Africa Alliance. Use all opportunities to talk about S2c – exec meetings, youth meetings etc.
• National movements to adopt/endorse S2C as the core youth empowerment model, and align strategic plans to the S2C concept.
• Training for S2C Ambassadors, through a developed curriculum and certification process.
• YMCAs to play a stronger role in advocacy to create more citizens with voice, space and ability to influence.
• Create strategic alliances with other organisations of similar mindsets.
• Increase awareness of S2C – the concept, process and expected outcomes – at all levels from local branches to Africa Alliance. Use all opportunities to talk about S2c – exec meetings, youth meetings etc.
• National movements to adopt/endorse S2C as the core youth empowerment model, and align strategic plans to the S2C concept.
• Training for S2C Ambassadors, through a developed curriculum and certification process.
• YMCAs to play a stronger role in advocacy to create more citizens with voice, space and ability to influence.
• Create strategic alliances with other organisations of similar mindsets.
What’s yuh position?
To address the increase in HIV in the 15-29 year age group, the YMCA developed a social marketing campaign to appeal to the youth. Gleeson Job led a session where he shared the success of this campaign. He is from the YMCA of Trinidad and Tobago and is presently at the World Alliance of YMCAs on the young professional programme.
‘Sexposition what yuh position” was a campaign developed to educate young people about HIV and AIDS, condom use and safe sex etc. “Mr Moosak” and Gleeson wrote a song and produced a music video which was used to send the message of the campaign to the target audience. It was developed by discussing what young people wanted and what appealed to them. The song got very popular and was played on the local radio stations, in parties and events and in several other countries in the Caribbean. The video was played on MTV Tempo and was in high rotation on the local music television station countdown were it was number 3 on the list.
Young people had no access to condoms in several communities and when they did go buy them, were often intimidated by the sellers. This real cool ‘Got it? Get it’ campaign was developed by ( PSI) Population Services International . The focus was to increase the availability of condoms for young people throughout the Caribbean region. The YMCA became a local partner in this initiative in which they were able to work with distributors to sensitise them and get them involved. Over 3 000 outlets in the last few years have been sensitised on providing condoms to young people at a reduced price. The logo of the campaign showed youth which outlets sold condoms and were youth-friendly in their approach.
During the Sex Education Caravan tours and community road shows in areas of high HIV prevalence, youth were enticed by the music and vibe. After one-on-one sessions with YMCA members, youth were given t-shirts with awesome designs. The info pouch with off-the-wall designs really appealed to youth – inside these was information about HIV. Branded dog tags also proved popular. Testing was provided onsite.
The idea was that after the one-on-one session, people would be able to go out with their cool gear and when asked about the t-shirt or bag etc, they would be able to tell others about HIV/AIDS and the YMCA. Youth started coming to the YMCA to find out about the exciting campaign.
The “Sexposition” campaign was supplemented by school initiatives, posters, radio and TV publicity for full saturation.PSI, S.Concepts, Family Planning Association, Red Cross, The National AIDS Coordinating Committee got on board and endorsed and supported the campaign.
The campaigns have contributed to the stabilisation of HIV prevalence in Trinidad and Tobago and are documented as a best practice according to UNDP. For more info please contact:
Gleeson Job at gleeson@ymca.int or gleesonjob@hotmail.com
Reading of gender injustice in the Bible
Mutale Chanda
National Youth Chairperson
Zambia YMCA
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Youth Summit Creed
Now I have a choice
I trust in God
I have a purpose
I pursue my purpose
I believe I can
I stand up for what I believe
I take responsibility
I take action
I am a citizen
I move forward x 3
For the African Renaissance
Maintenant j’ai le choix!
Je crois en Dieu!
J’ai un but!
J’atteins mon but!
Je crois que je peux!
Je prends position pour mes convictions!
Je prends mes responsibilities!
Je m’engage!
Je suis un citoyen!
Je vais de l’avant! (3x)
Pour la Renaissance Africaine!
I trust in God
I have a purpose
I pursue my purpose
I believe I can
I stand up for what I believe
I take responsibility
I take action
I am a citizen
I move forward x 3
For the African Renaissance
Maintenant j’ai le choix!
Je crois en Dieu!
J’ai un but!
J’atteins mon but!
Je crois que je peux!
Je prends position pour mes convictions!
Je prends mes responsibilities!
Je m’engage!
Je suis un citoyen!
Je vais de l’avant! (3x)
Pour la Renaissance Africaine!
We are at the Summit!
Today we reached the Summit!!!
We have looked our sorrows and shames straight in the eye. We’ve analysed crises and their root causes discussed our beliefs and values and looked at advocacy tools.
We choose now to turn our backs on focusing on problems. We have decided that ‘we don’t want’, ‘we cannot’ and other such ways of thinking are left behind now. We realised that if we keep saying ‘we don’t want to be subjects’, we may stay within the subject mindset.
So now… we say ‘ we ARE citizens’, ‘we do want’, ‘we will change this particular thing’.
This is empowerment for us.
Youth taking up advocacy
We had a really experiential advocacy session where we learnt about tools and how to influence for positive change in our countries and in the continent.
Daniel Ceesay, from The Gambia wrote:
When it comes to advocacy, it is like putting your own feelings into practical aspects to make a difference in your society and community or nation as a whole. The only way you can make a difference using advocacy is when you have the voice and you are able to create a space to influence people in authority to take action towards your problems that you as young people are encountering.
After a day of training on advocacy this is what we think:
“Strategic thinking and positioning and a clearer organized way to do advocacy”
“Advocacy is a process that takes thought a clear head”
“With unity and change of mind we can make a change”
“Citizenship begins in the minds of individuals and this can be manifested into action”
“Le debut de la renaissance”
“We have a role to play in changing our world…now!”
“It is my role to take up the challenge”
“It’s not about you it’s about me.”
“I am ready to make a change”
“If you have nothing to die for, then you have nothing to live for… it is our time”
“Recognize the power you have as a young people and most importantly learn how to use it influence to make a positive change”
“If as young people we cannot change the world for ourselves, then we should do it for our children and their children… for the coming generations.”
Governments and youth need to work together
The Youth Summit has highlighted the crises that affect the African youth in general. It provides the tools and skills the youth need to advocate for their empowerment and development for good governance in Africa.
I call on all governments to give the youth and the YMCA the needed support and cooperation that will bring about holistic youth empowerment and the African Renaissance: turning the youth from ‘subjects’ to ‘citizens’.
-- Alson C Armah, Liberia YMCA
I call on all governments to give the youth and the YMCA the needed support and cooperation that will bring about holistic youth empowerment and the African Renaissance: turning the youth from ‘subjects’ to ‘citizens’.
-- Alson C Armah, Liberia YMCA
The African Youth Charter - Now We Know
So now we know about the African Youth Charter.
Dr Raymonde Agossou came and told us all about . We know she has done amazing work advocating for the rights of the young people and to get the Charter accepted and ratified by so many of our governments. The Charter states we have a right to particpation at the highest level, that we have rights that protect us against the many crises we have discussed this week such as unemployment, HIV/AIDS, Migration, education and bad governance.
We now know about our responsibilitites in the Charter too. And we know we are now challenged to take these on too, as citizens.
We know some of our countries have ratified it but that we also know we are nowhere near enjoying the rights it says
We also know that will only remain as useful as the paper booklets were handed unless we tell other young people about it and the power it could have, and unless we, collectivley, advocate and hold our governments to account.
So click this link, print it out and tell people
Dr Raymonde Agossou came and told us all about . We know she has done amazing work advocating for the rights of the young people and to get the Charter accepted and ratified by so many of our governments. The Charter states we have a right to particpation at the highest level, that we have rights that protect us against the many crises we have discussed this week such as unemployment, HIV/AIDS, Migration, education and bad governance.
We now know about our responsibilitites in the Charter too. And we know we are now challenged to take these on too, as citizens.
We know some of our countries have ratified it but that we also know we are nowhere near enjoying the rights it says
We also know that will only remain as useful as the paper booklets were handed unless we tell other young people about it and the power it could have, and unless we, collectivley, advocate and hold our governments to account.
So click this link, print it out and tell people
Monday, November 2, 2009
Reflections on site visits
After the site visits on African Youth Day, we did a reflection session, looking at some key questions:
• Show love
• Mentor
• Provide leadership
• Person who connects those who have knowledge and those who don’t
• Role model that can block out negatives
• To be a tour guide for lifestyle
• Give direction and psychological support
What do OVCs represent?
• Hope
• Represent purpose of YMCA existence
• Poverty
• Development challenges
• Bad leadership
• Mirror of our failures
What are the YMCA’s biggest assets?
• Power to influence
• Information sharing
• Youth as assets
• ‘Us’
Ethiopia site visits on African Youth Day
On African Youth Day, participants at the Youth Summit went on site visits to YMCA Addis Ketema and Urael branches and to the YWCA. We interacted with peer educators and they told of their training, work and impact in the communities through peer education. We looked at the vocational training being offered. A particular project was highlighted – ADVANCE (AIDS Volunteerism and Civic Action).
The Ethiopia YMCA is partnering with YMCA of the USA and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Ethiopia Mission.
With a focus on peer leaders and orphans and vulnerable children, the project includes:
• Extensive outreach
• Creation of youth-friendly services
• Community mobilisation
• Training
• Resource mobilisation
We were struck by the hope and happiness, the smiles and laughter and a sense of belonging. This in the context of the harsh realities of what appears to be under-resourced buildings.
With a focus on peer leaders and orphans and vulnerable children, the project includes:
• Extensive outreach
• Creation of youth-friendly services
• Community mobilisation
• Training
• Resource mobilisation
We were struck by the hope and happiness, the smiles and laughter and a sense of belonging. This in the context of the harsh realities of what appears to be under-resourced buildings.
Celebrating African Youth Day
African Youth Day aims to encourage innovation and creativity among young people, and to strengthen youth participation in economic, social and political development of their countries.
You can read this on the Africa Alliance website: www.africaymca.org
The African Youth Charter serves as a reference document for African youth and highlights the need for young people to assert their rights and fulfil their responsibilities in the development of the African continent.
The Charter entered into force in August, following the deposit of the 15th instrument of ratification by member states.
The challenge now lies in the implementation of the Charter in member States and, of great importance, the central involvement of youth in the implementation, according to Dr. Raymonde Agossou, Head of the Youth Division in the AU Commission
“Participants at the Africa YMCA Youth Summit are developing action plans on advocacy around implementing the Charter at country level, to ensure that it is used across Africa to tangibly improve the lives of youth and their active participation in issues that affect them,” said Mr Sanvee.
Participants celebrated African Youth Day with cultural celebrations in the morning and site visits to YMCA and YMCA projects in the afternoon.
Ex-child soldier shares his story of courage
A young man of 26 shared his story of his journey from subject in the jungle during the civil war of Sierra Leone… to citizen now as a teacher in YMCA vocational training and mentor to young boys in his community.
Participants were struck by his honesty and bravery in reliving his story to show the transformation of his life – which many other young ex-combatants have also been able to do.
Captured at the age of 9, he spent 7 years in the jungle and today bears the physical scars of a young boy not big enough to even carry the gun that became his most consistent companion. The emotional scars are still there and the process of recovery is long – he took part in disarmament in 2000. While he was reunited with his father soon after disarmament, he has never again seen his mother since that day when his childhood and everything that felt secure, was ripped apart.
He struggled at the beginning, but through his father’s guidance and that of his pastor, he has been able to work through most of the emotional impact.
He enrolled at the YMCA vocational training centre and is now skilled in tailoring and is a trainer for this course. He also enrolled in schooling through the YMCA and has basic education now. He spends much time with youth in his area, encouraging them to fulfill their potential and have a positive influence on their peers too.
He expressed desire to continue with his schooling. So moved by his journey and determination, one participant stood up and offered a donation towards this.
Participant comments:
When I listened to his story I felt sad. He was taken by force – he did not choose what happened to him. So the consequence I think when that kind of thing happens, is that healing takes so much longer.
- Wangeci
Young people need the kind of courage he has. It was good for us to realise that no matter how bad things are and even if we feel we have past the point of no return, there is purpose for our lives. So we need to all look for this purpose – and we should look for this by helping others and saving others.
- David
Participants were struck by his honesty and bravery in reliving his story to show the transformation of his life – which many other young ex-combatants have also been able to do.
Captured at the age of 9, he spent 7 years in the jungle and today bears the physical scars of a young boy not big enough to even carry the gun that became his most consistent companion. The emotional scars are still there and the process of recovery is long – he took part in disarmament in 2000. While he was reunited with his father soon after disarmament, he has never again seen his mother since that day when his childhood and everything that felt secure, was ripped apart.
He struggled at the beginning, but through his father’s guidance and that of his pastor, he has been able to work through most of the emotional impact.
He enrolled at the YMCA vocational training centre and is now skilled in tailoring and is a trainer for this course. He also enrolled in schooling through the YMCA and has basic education now. He spends much time with youth in his area, encouraging them to fulfill their potential and have a positive influence on their peers too.
He expressed desire to continue with his schooling. So moved by his journey and determination, one participant stood up and offered a donation towards this.
Participant comments:
When I listened to his story I felt sad. He was taken by force – he did not choose what happened to him. So the consequence I think when that kind of thing happens, is that healing takes so much longer.
- Wangeci
Young people need the kind of courage he has. It was good for us to realise that no matter how bad things are and even if we feel we have past the point of no return, there is purpose for our lives. So we need to all look for this purpose – and we should look for this by helping others and saving others.
- David
Friday, October 30, 2009
Kenya Burning
Today we were presented with a particularly sobering example of the youth crisis in Kenya. Images of rioters gone wild, young men wheeling machetes, shops being looted and citizens beaten to death. It had a major impact on us all!
These were images taken by Boniface Mwangi, a photographer who documented the post election riots in the slums of Kenya. From the frontline he bravely captured the images of death and destruction taking place in his country so the world could see the truth for itself. Since then the Kwani Trust (a Kenyan based literary network) has toured the country with their exhibition. The Kenyan govenment has refused to accept any of their publications.
This is the film we saw.
It was an extremely powerful, and at times harrowing, example of the violence and brutality that disempowerment and corruption can lead to. We need to become active citizens to stop politicians exploiting our tribal heritages and seeing these images repeated, not only again in Kenya, but across Africa. Our quest to move from subjects to citizens is an ever urgent one.
Read more at http://kenyaburning.org and http://kwani.org
These were images taken by Boniface Mwangi, a photographer who documented the post election riots in the slums of Kenya. From the frontline he bravely captured the images of death and destruction taking place in his country so the world could see the truth for itself. Since then the Kwani Trust (a Kenyan based literary network) has toured the country with their exhibition. The Kenyan govenment has refused to accept any of their publications.
This is the film we saw.
It was an extremely powerful, and at times harrowing, example of the violence and brutality that disempowerment and corruption can lead to. We need to become active citizens to stop politicians exploiting our tribal heritages and seeing these images repeated, not only again in Kenya, but across Africa. Our quest to move from subjects to citizens is an ever urgent one.
Read more at http://kenyaburning.org and http://kwani.org
Carlos's Sheep
The ‘Sheep Experiment’
‘A scientist put a herd of sheep in line. He then placed a stick in front of them, two feet from the ground. The first sheep came and jumped over the stick. The second did the same. After the third sheep, he removed the stick.
To his surprise, when the fourth sheep came, it jumped over an imaginary stick. Every sheep thereafter jumped over this imaginary stick. Their minds were fixed on a stick; they never realised it had been removed.’
In Africa, we have been jumping over imaginary sticks for many years. Since colonial times, our fathers were trained to jump and we are following them. External powers have set targets for our leaders to jump over and they are happy jumping. Because we are following them, we are also jumping. We are like the fourth or the fifth sheep. At least our leaders can see the stick. They know why they are jumping. But we are busy jumping, blindly using their standard.
This what mean when we talk of being a subject. A subject is someone who has limited rights and obligations beyond loyalty to the Master. Being a citizen and civic competence is the ability to think before you jump over the stick, whether it is imaginary or real. The ability to think about why we are jumping, and decide whether it is the best time to jump or not.
-Shared by Carlos Sanvee at the Opening Ceremony of the Africa Youth Summit 2009
‘A scientist put a herd of sheep in line. He then placed a stick in front of them, two feet from the ground. The first sheep came and jumped over the stick. The second did the same. After the third sheep, he removed the stick.
To his surprise, when the fourth sheep came, it jumped over an imaginary stick. Every sheep thereafter jumped over this imaginary stick. Their minds were fixed on a stick; they never realised it had been removed.’
In Africa, we have been jumping over imaginary sticks for many years. Since colonial times, our fathers were trained to jump and we are following them. External powers have set targets for our leaders to jump over and they are happy jumping. Because we are following them, we are also jumping. We are like the fourth or the fifth sheep. At least our leaders can see the stick. They know why they are jumping. But we are busy jumping, blindly using their standard.
This what mean when we talk of being a subject. A subject is someone who has limited rights and obligations beyond loyalty to the Master. Being a citizen and civic competence is the ability to think before you jump over the stick, whether it is imaginary or real. The ability to think about why we are jumping, and decide whether it is the best time to jump or not.
-Shared by Carlos Sanvee at the Opening Ceremony of the Africa Youth Summit 2009
Its open! The Opening ceremony
Youth spoke out today of their pride in their countries and continent during a colourful opening ceremony at the Africa Hall of the Economic Commission for Africa (United Nations Building). Representatives from each of the 12 participating countries (with the exception of the Liberians as at that point, they were into their 16th hour in visa negotiations at the airport) took to the podium and shared something of their heritage and hopes. They were joined by youth reps from YMCA global partners who are attending.
Some taught the group greetings in their local languages and the vuvuzela (1) was blown, a circus act performed and a really vibey band had participants dancing. Wow! Who would have thought this could happen in this hall – the very place our African leaders decided on the formation of the African Union!
The official part of the ceremony was really good too. It was officiated by the patron of the YMCA who is the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abba Paulos, and also the President of the World Council of Churches. He urged youth participants to use their time to produce fuitful results for our future generation.
Youth Minister Aster Mamo spoke of the importance of synergising and harmonising programmes and resources under the National Youth Policy in Ethiopia. She encouraged the YMCA to sustain its activities for youth impact.
Dr Berhanu Tadesse, President of the Ethiopia YMCA, spoke about the need to transform our youth from spectators to players and from mere subjects to citizens. He said transformative change will come through providing space for dialogue, open and transparent communication and building the capacity to tolerate and accommodate new ideas and differences.
Carlos Sanvee, General Secretary of the Africa Alliance of YMCAs, said our problem in Africa is not just one of leadership – but actually more one of followership. He gave a great illustration – read it in another comment on the blog about the ‘sheep experiment’.
1. Used at soccer matches, it emits a really loud and authentically African sound to show appreciation and encouragement for the team you are supporting.
Some taught the group greetings in their local languages and the vuvuzela (1) was blown, a circus act performed and a really vibey band had participants dancing. Wow! Who would have thought this could happen in this hall – the very place our African leaders decided on the formation of the African Union!
The official part of the ceremony was really good too. It was officiated by the patron of the YMCA who is the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abba Paulos, and also the President of the World Council of Churches. He urged youth participants to use their time to produce fuitful results for our future generation.
Youth Minister Aster Mamo spoke of the importance of synergising and harmonising programmes and resources under the National Youth Policy in Ethiopia. She encouraged the YMCA to sustain its activities for youth impact.
Dr Berhanu Tadesse, President of the Ethiopia YMCA, spoke about the need to transform our youth from spectators to players and from mere subjects to citizens. He said transformative change will come through providing space for dialogue, open and transparent communication and building the capacity to tolerate and accommodate new ideas and differences.
Carlos Sanvee, General Secretary of the Africa Alliance of YMCAs, said our problem in Africa is not just one of leadership – but actually more one of followership. He gave a great illustration – read it in another comment on the blog about the ‘sheep experiment’.
1. Used at soccer matches, it emits a really loud and authentically African sound to show appreciation and encouragement for the team you are supporting.
Expectations from Ghana
We are passing through an important and exciting phase not only
in the reconstruction and development of our continent, but also
in the struggle for the freedom and unity of young people on the
continent.
In this great task of getting ourselves accomplished for this struggle,
the importance of such periodic meetings like Umoja, the Africa YMCA
Youth Summit cannot be over emphasized.
Our greatest challenge is our status as youth "more of SUBJECTS"
Our accomplishment is to exist more as Citizen even as youth.
Where we able to identify and help solve the issues that underpins
our very existence. Where we are able to engage with duty bearers
on issues that pertains to our development. Where we are able to build a voice that would be listened to. Where our stake in the socio-economic
development of our countries and the continent is recognized by all.
I share our youthful feelings as we assemble from different parts of
the continent to celebrate our identity and the course ahead in Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia.
To us young people, this is an important occasion. Meeting at a time
Africa is celebrating the centenary of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah
coupled with the Africa Youth Charter entering into force, there is
every cause for us to say WE CAN MAKE IT given the lessons available.
We can affect a new generation of youth from our Ethiopia Assembly "Umoja II".
A time we will all reflect on our duty to mother Africa, on the cultivation of those virtues and skills which will promote the well being of us all, and our aspirations and hopes for the future.
It is therefore fitting that we should remind ourselves of the great
responsibilities we owe to our continent through our noble Association.
We are all involved. We have the energy, we have the passion, with
the finest intuition, our role as future leaders of the continent will be
promising.
Shalom!
in the reconstruction and development of our continent, but also
in the struggle for the freedom and unity of young people on the
continent.
In this great task of getting ourselves accomplished for this struggle,
the importance of such periodic meetings like Umoja, the Africa YMCA
Youth Summit cannot be over emphasized.
Our greatest challenge is our status as youth "more of SUBJECTS"
Our accomplishment is to exist more as Citizen even as youth.
Where we able to identify and help solve the issues that underpins
our very existence. Where we are able to engage with duty bearers
on issues that pertains to our development. Where we are able to build a voice that would be listened to. Where our stake in the socio-economic
development of our countries and the continent is recognized by all.
I share our youthful feelings as we assemble from different parts of
the continent to celebrate our identity and the course ahead in Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia.
To us young people, this is an important occasion. Meeting at a time
Africa is celebrating the centenary of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah
coupled with the Africa Youth Charter entering into force, there is
every cause for us to say WE CAN MAKE IT given the lessons available.
We can affect a new generation of youth from our Ethiopia Assembly "Umoja II".
A time we will all reflect on our duty to mother Africa, on the cultivation of those virtues and skills which will promote the well being of us all, and our aspirations and hopes for the future.
It is therefore fitting that we should remind ourselves of the great
responsibilities we owe to our continent through our noble Association.
We are all involved. We have the energy, we have the passion, with
the finest intuition, our role as future leaders of the continent will be
promising.
Shalom!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
For now and for the future!
The youth crisis in Africa has been with us for long enough a time, and it has now become imperative for each and every young person to make a paradigm shift of their mindset and take radical but strategic
steps to change the situation. In our arsenal we have the Subject to Citizen Concept. When grasped and put into meaningful action, the summit and indeed the continent will have at the end of the day, a
cadre of transformed, vibrant and responsible young leaders, for now and for the future!
Cheers!
Mutale Chanda
Zambia YMCA
steps to change the situation. In our arsenal we have the Subject to Citizen Concept. When grasped and put into meaningful action, the summit and indeed the continent will have at the end of the day, a
cadre of transformed, vibrant and responsible young leaders, for now and for the future!
Cheers!
Mutale Chanda
Zambia YMCA
You don't want to miss this opportunity to rise up and take action
Once upon a time, in a marshy swamp somewhere, the frogs wanted a king. After much consultation, they sent a petition to God saying, “Mighty one, send us a king who will rule over us and keep us in order”.
God laughed at the request and dropped a huge log into the swamp. At first, the frogs were horrified by this ‘monster king’. They grovelled and worshipped him. But with time, they discovered that the log was motionless.
He said nothing, did nothing and saw nothing. This frustrated them. Then the bravest of the frogs moved towards it and touched it with great fear. It did not move or strike back.
Days later, the “frog leader” in the kingdom climbed on the log and started dancing and jumping all over it. It did not move. Seeing this, all the other frogs mounted the log and danced their heads off on it. Still, it did not move.
That my fellow youth is our real problem: we have a huge log for our competence. We are motionless!! We are saying NOTHING, doing NOTHING and seeing NOTHING regarding the position and competence of young people in the continent. We have been told we are the leaders of tomorrow, the real change. But once we occupy the small space provided for us, we become dormant and bring no change! And this, therefore, causes our elders to ‘mount over us’ and ‘dance their heads off on us’. They misuse us for their own personal and political benefits. We need to stop this frustration and misuse from our so called ‘leaders’. We need to rise up and take action. We need to be the epitome of change in our continent.
The Youth Summit is our time and our chance to bring change and make a difference in our continent. At the Summit in Addis, young people shall be empowered to SAY something about the current position of young people in the continent, DO something to bring transformation of young people, and SEE something about the future of the youth in Africa.
YOU DONT WANT TO MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO RISE UP AND TAKE ACTION!
Wangeci Kago
Africa Alliance of YMCAs
God laughed at the request and dropped a huge log into the swamp. At first, the frogs were horrified by this ‘monster king’. They grovelled and worshipped him. But with time, they discovered that the log was motionless.
He said nothing, did nothing and saw nothing. This frustrated them. Then the bravest of the frogs moved towards it and touched it with great fear. It did not move or strike back.
Days later, the “frog leader” in the kingdom climbed on the log and started dancing and jumping all over it. It did not move. Seeing this, all the other frogs mounted the log and danced their heads off on it. Still, it did not move.
That my fellow youth is our real problem: we have a huge log for our competence. We are motionless!! We are saying NOTHING, doing NOTHING and seeing NOTHING regarding the position and competence of young people in the continent. We have been told we are the leaders of tomorrow, the real change. But once we occupy the small space provided for us, we become dormant and bring no change! And this, therefore, causes our elders to ‘mount over us’ and ‘dance their heads off on us’. They misuse us for their own personal and political benefits. We need to stop this frustration and misuse from our so called ‘leaders’. We need to rise up and take action. We need to be the epitome of change in our continent.
The Youth Summit is our time and our chance to bring change and make a difference in our continent. At the Summit in Addis, young people shall be empowered to SAY something about the current position of young people in the continent, DO something to bring transformation of young people, and SEE something about the future of the youth in Africa.
YOU DONT WANT TO MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO RISE UP AND TAKE ACTION!
Wangeci Kago
Africa Alliance of YMCAs
Monday, October 26, 2009
Vezi gives his thoughts as we get ready to begin!
As the lead facilitator of the Youth Summit, I am excited to share my vision and expectations. Let me say that this is not an event and it is not training, although participants will learn more than they have ever learnt in any training they have attended before.
So what is it? The Summit is a platform for change in our journey to true Renaissance in Africa. As the word suggests, the summit is a place where we will survey where we have come from and where we need to get to as young people in Africa. It will be an opportunity for us to confront what is on our way so we can get to where we need to go.
We will deliberate on and develop action plans for what it means to be a citizen – a young leader who has the skills and confidence to engage with churches, communities and governments to make positive changes. We will leave with belief that change starts with us and as we live this change, we will make significant positive impact in our societies. And then we will do it and make it happen!
I look forward to sharing more with you during the Summit…
Vezi Mncwango
Lead facilitator, Youth Summit
So what is it? The Summit is a platform for change in our journey to true Renaissance in Africa. As the word suggests, the summit is a place where we will survey where we have come from and where we need to get to as young people in Africa. It will be an opportunity for us to confront what is on our way so we can get to where we need to go.
We will deliberate on and develop action plans for what it means to be a citizen – a young leader who has the skills and confidence to engage with churches, communities and governments to make positive changes. We will leave with belief that change starts with us and as we live this change, we will make significant positive impact in our societies. And then we will do it and make it happen!
I look forward to sharing more with you during the Summit…
Vezi Mncwango
Lead facilitator, Youth Summit
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Hello everyone!
Welcome to the blog for Africa YMCA Youth Summit 2009. Young people from around Africa will be gathering in Addis Ababa from 28 Oct- 9 Nov to deliberate on an exciting Africa YMCA model called ‘Subject to Citizen’. It is time for young people to stop being the subjects of Africa – exploited and manipulated, and shackled in economic and political oppression. As youth, we will be exploring how to move to a state where we are citizens in our countries and continent. Where are voices are heard, where we have the space to make a difference and to influence decision-makers for positive change for the youth in Africa.
During the Summit we will post information to keep you all updated. Please share this link with your friends and associates and join the journey with us as we go forward for a better Africa.
During the Summit we will post information to keep you all updated. Please share this link with your friends and associates and join the journey with us as we go forward for a better Africa.
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