The inaugural World YMCA Impact Awards will be announced on 25 October 2024 at the closing ceremony of the YMCA Accelerator Summit in Mombasa.
“The Awards aim to acknowledge and honour exceptional projects, initiatives and programmes that demonstrate a profound commitment to improving their communities” says World YMCA Secretary-General Carlos Sanvee. “We see them as an exciting and fresh way of drawing in the entire Movement: we are all working in the same areas under the same strategy, so let’s share the best of what we do, and let’s acknowledge our external partners for their role in our work, too.”
There will be 8 Awards in total, made in three main categories:
- 4 Vision 2030 Impact Awards, made in each of the four Pillars of YMCA Vision 2030: Community Wellbeing, Meaningful Work, Sustainable Planet, Just World. The awards will recognise one project of exceptional impact from each of the Pillars.
- 1 Youth-Led Solution Impact Award 2024. This Award will honour one project which exemplifies the core YMCA belief that young people have the best solutions to the challenges which they and their communities face.
- 3 Partner Impact Award. This Award will highlight global partners that are playing an instrumental role in helping YMCAs reach their goals.
“Just as the best of our work is done by and for young people, the Awards are made by and for the entire worldwide YMCA Movement”, says Sanvee. “We plan to make them again at the 21st YMCA World Council in Toronto in July 2026.”
The Awards Committee comprises Maria Fernanda Giraldo of YMCA Latin America and the Caribbean, Ang Cuy of YMCA Australia, Nicole Cousins of YMCA Canada, Francisca Ohenewaa of YMCA Zambia and Emily Brewster of YMCA England & Wales. Earlier this year, World YMCA called for proposals, receiving nearly 60 in total. From this Long List, the Committee made to create a short-list of 12, having graded the submissions according to agreed criteria. They then sent them to the 4 official judges, who chose the winners. The judges are Lloyd Wamai of YMCA Africa, Czieloh Villajin of YMCA Philippines and Sebastian Gomez of YMCA Colombia (both YMCA Change Agents), and Lena Schickhaus of YMCA Germany (a World YMCA Executive Committee member).
There are three finalists in each category for the four Vision 2030 Impact Awards:
Vision 2030 Impact Award – Community Wellbeing
ELEVA Regional Mental Health Programme, Latin America Alliance of YMCAs
The mental health crisis in Latin America is alarming, with mental health accounting for a quarter of its health resource, and young people facing increased emotional challenges, particularly after the pandemic. ELEVA addresses this issue by focusing on prevention and destigmatization, empowering young people through peer-led interventions, and providing tools for mental well-being. Beneficiaries include 590 young people and 349 adults across seven countries, with participants reporting improved self-awareness, social skills, and family dynamics through tailored workshops and community outreach efforts.
Rehabilitation Programme, East Jerusalem YMCA
Addressing the chronic issues of mental health and economic dependency among persons with disabilities who are survivors of political violence, particularly in marginalized communities affected by the ongoing conflict. By adopting a holistic approach, the programme offers a comprehensive range of services including psychosocial counselling, vocational training, and community advocacy initiatives, empowering young individuals to participate fully in social and economic life. The beneficiaries of this program include children, women, and persons with disabilities, enabling them to improve their well-being and resilience in the face of adversity while fostering community engagement and inclusivity.
Digital Centres, YMCA Europe
There is a significant digital divide that affects disadvantaged communities in Kosovo, Albania, Serbia, Macedonia, and Moldova, resulting in unequal access to technology and resources. In response, YMCA Europe launched digital equity projects designed to promote digital inclusion by providing tailored training and resources, empowering marginalized communities to bridge this gap and participate fully in the digital world. The beneficiaries of these initiatives include over 290,000 individuals who gain improved access to technology, new economic opportunities, and enhanced employability, fostering a more equitable society and ensuring sustainable impact through community engagement and capacity building.
Vision 2030 Impact Award – Meaningful Work
E-Sports Academy, Wishaw YMCA (Scotland)
The project addresses the digital literacy gap and employment challenges for young people aged 12-24 in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, particularly those facing disadvantages like poor literacy or unstable home environments. Through a state-of-the-art E-Sports facility, participants gain skills in project management, teamwork, and social action, using gamification to enhance learning. The program also promotes female involvement in the tech sector by offering tailored activities to reduce gender disparity. Engaging over 370 young people annually, the Academy provides essential life skills and meaningful work opportunities in Scotland’s growing digital industry.
Vocational and Soft Skills Programme, YMCA Singapore
Young people in Singapore face barriers to employment due to a lack of soft skills and vocational training. The YMCA of Singapore’s Vocational and Soft Skills Programme (VaSSP) offers a 6-month training program, equipping youth aged 14-21 with essential soft and vocational skills to improve employability. Supported by donors and partners, the program covers 94% of costs and provides financial aid. Beneficiaries include 900 young people served since 2011, with a 70-75% success rate in securing employment or further education, helping them become independent contributors to society.
Long Beach Youth Institute, YMCA Long Beach, California (USA)
Low-income, culturally diverse young people in Long Beach face challenges in academic achievement and career readiness due to limited access to technology and pro-social adult mentorship. The Long Beach Youth Institute (YI) addresses these issues by offering a free, year-round programme focused on technology, academic support, and workforce development through hands-on, project-based learning. Beneficiaries include 115 young people enrolled in the 2023 Summer Youth Institute and 450 youth in year-round programs, with 98% graduating high school and 88% pursuing higher education or technical training.
Vision 2030 Impact Award – Sustainable Planet
Rønningen Solar Initiative, Rønningen Folk High School, YMCA Norway
Addressing the pressing need for sustainable energy in educational institutions, aiming to reduce reliance on external power and lower environmental impact. The initiative has installed 834 REC silicon solar panels that generate approximately 212,000 kWh annually, providing the school with energy independence and reducing its carbon footprint by replacing fossil fuel-derived power with clean solar energy. Benefiting both students and the wider community, the project serves as a practical educational tool, fostering awareness of renewable technologies and inspiring a broader shift towards sustainable energy practices in Norway.
Green Idea Project, YMCA Ghana
Addressing the critical issue of plastic waste management in Ghana, where single-use plastics contribute significantly to environmental degradation. This initiative, a collaboration between YMCA Ghana, the Africa Alliance of YMCAs, and YWCA-YMCA Sweden, empowers young people, especially women, to engage in innovative climate actions and gain professional skills within the growing Plastic Green Economy. By providing training and resources, the project has enabled 20 participants to develop practical solutions such as urban smart farming, plastic recycling, and public advocacy, leading to increased awareness and community engagement. Beneficiaries include young YMCA members and local communities, who now have enhanced job opportunities and are actively contributing to environmental preservation efforts.
JC InnoPower: Nature4Mind, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong
Addressing the rising prevalence of anxiety symptoms among primary school students in Hong Kong, which has escalated from 27.6% in 2019 to 52% in 2023. Recognizing the challenges low-income families face in accessing mental health resources, this initiative employs the Social Prescribing model to connect children aged 10-12 experiencing mild to moderate anxiety with community resources and nature-based activities. The project involves health assessments, personalized care plans, and engaging family-centred activities, all aimed at promoting overall well-being. Benefiting 22 children and 41 parents, the project fosters community connections while enhancing mental health, thereby reducing the economic and healthcare burdens associated with anxiety.
Vision 2030 Impact Award – Just World
Olive Tree Campaign, YMCA East Jerusalem
Addressing the critical issues of Israeli occupation and human rights issues in Palestine, providing a peaceful avenue for advocacy while promoting resilience among local farmers. By mobilizing global movements and organizations, the campaign sponsors the planting of olive trees across the West Bank, directly improving the economic well-being of Palestinian families through sustainable agriculture. This initiative benefits approximately 3,500 individuals by creating job opportunities and enhancing their livelihoods, while also restoring environmental health and preserving cultural heritage. The Campaign symbolizes hope and solidarity, fostering community engagement and raising international awareness for Palestinian rights.
Resilient Together: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Workplace, YMCA of Hong Kong
Addressing the challenges faced by the aging population, low fertility rates, and the growing need for diverse workforce representation in Hong Kong. In response, the YMCA of Hong Kong implemented a new Diversity and Inclusion model, which includes initiatives such as the alternative workforce and the Guestrooms for Displaced Domestic Helpers project. This model aims to create an inclusive workplace by employing older workers, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities, fostering a supportive atmosphere. Beneficiaries of this initiative include over 700 marginalized individuals, particularly displaced domestic helpers, who received temporary shelter and essential resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. By promoting equity and offering meaningful employment, the project significantly impacts the community and exemplifies the YMCA’s commitment to justice and inclusion.
Youth Justice III, YMCA Ghana
Addressing the challenges faced by young people in Ghana, particularly those at risk and in conflict with the law, who are often marginalized and lack opportunities for active participation in society. Many young individuals encounter barriers such as poverty, poor family dynamics, inadequate education, and limited access to public services, which hinder their ability to achieve their full potential. In response, the Ghana YMCA implemented a multi-stakeholder approach, focusing on empowering youth through the development of coping strategies and resilience-building interventions. This initiative has led to significant improvements, including the release of young inmates, enhanced mental health support for over 400 young people, strengthened relationships between prison officers and inmates, and increased self-awareness and independence among nearly 3,000 beneficiaries. The Youth Justice III programme is coordinated by YWCA-YMCA of Sweden and implemented in South Africa, Madagascar, Senegal – and Ghana.
