YMCA Scotland

Young people from Kirkcaldy Ymca and YMCA Tayside joined the first workshop of a new nationwide youth network to re-imagine the future of democracy. Four young people representing YMCA Scotland came together with over 30 of their peers from across the UK to work with the Windsor-based education charity Cumberland Lodge as part of its flagship Youth & Democracy project. Read more about the project, report and weekend here at ymca.scot https://lnkd.in/eq3_vUy6

Over 450 people from 60 countries gathered in Mombasa for the multi-day YMCA Accelerator Summit, which opened in spectacular fashion on 21 October 2024. Read about Scotland's perspective:

We’ve arrived in Azerbaijan for COP29, ready to get to work on Tuesday. 🌍 Pictured here is Nora Tafel, standing under the COP entrance and ready to go! Delegate Stefanie Tornow shared her excitement: “I’m inspired by so many people I’ve seen today who arrived at the COP venue in high spirits—especially after reconnecting with friends and colleagues.” Stay tuned for updates. 🌱

Solomuzi Mabuza from YMCA South Africa shares a powerful message on Day 4 of the World Week of Prayer, reflecting on inequality, poverty, and the call for justice: "Inequality, poverty, and unemployment are the consequences of sin. Women have been experiencing a world where they are not paid the same wages as men. Children are exploited by cruel employers. Youth are battling poverty in other parts of the world. The field is not levelled as desired by the Lord Jesus Christ. Walking through the field with faith requires a commitment to a just world where we are all treated equally." 🙏 Join us in prayer this week: https://bit.ly/47QSYoC Africa Alliance YMCA

Duncan Chowdhury from our organisation shares how fire has been a source of awe and fear since the beginning of time on Day 5 of the World Week of Prayer: "The modern world presents new forms of idolatry. Materialism, consumerism, corruption, abuse of power, and cultural domination are the golden statues of our age. Modern-day dictators and oppressive regimes seek to silence, dissent and restrict religious freedom. God stands with the marginalised and oppressed, providing them with the strength to endure and ultimately overcome". 🔥 🙏 Join us in reflection this week: https://bit.ly/47QSYoC

YMCA Scotland is proud to announce a significant step forward in youth-led advocacy as our Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs), Jonah Brooks MSYP and Andrew Will MSYP, successfully passed a motion to ban vaping advertisements in sports across the UK. Representing the voices of YMCA Scotland’s young people at the 82nd Sitting of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) in the Scottish Parliament Building, Holyrood, Jonah and Andrew presented their motion, winning decisive support from fellow MSYPs and officially making the motion SYP policy, following a debate in Holyrood’s debating chamber.

It’s a big night at the YMCA Accelerator Summit in Mombasa tonight. Alongside the upcoming inaugural World YMCA Impact Awards at the Closing Ceremony, the Change Agents will be celebrating their graduation. 🎓 A moment to reflect on their learning, the programme’s impact, and the lifelong friendships they’ve built.

How can you sum up two years of growth, learning, and connection for Change Agents 5.0? Sometimes, a single word says it all. ✨ See how the Change Agents sum up their journey! 👇

A new way to network. 🙌 At the YMCA Accelerator Summit, attendees began meeting in Tatu-Tatu groups. Based on the Swahili word for three, the Tatu groups of 3 will meet 3 times during the Summit, giving everyone a chance to explore common challenges and make new connections.

💡How is YMCA making a difference? We are curious to hear the perspectives of young leaders in our movement, so we asked Irene from YMCA España, to answer this important question as part of the EYRN workshop in Spain. ✨We cherish youth voices and continue to empower staff and volunteers to become the leaders of our movement. We are forever grateful for their work