World YMCA stands with YMCA Czech Republic, the YMCA Change Agents and the entire YMCA global movement in mourning the tragic loss of Nina Beata Hustedová, 24, whose life was taken away this week.
We send our deepest condolences to Nina’s family and friends, and to the many who also knew and loved her in the YMCA. She was a volunteer and ‘tensinger’* (in the Prague YMCA. She was also a member of the 250-strong 3rd Cohort of the YMCA Change Agents Progamme from 2017 to 2018.
“In trying to make sense of this appalling loss, and in trying to find hope and light within this despair and darkness, we thank God for the rich legacy of Nina”, said World YMCA Secretary-General Carlos Sanvee. “All who knew her say that she will be treasured for her kindness, her energy, and her passion for inspiring young people to stand up and be the change they want to see. May she rest in peace, and may we hold a candle for her now, and carry on her work.”
We recall with deep sadness but also deep gratitude and admiration the words which Nina herself wrote as she looked back on her Change Agents experience:
“We talked about important themes, we motivated each other, we helped each other. We learned a lot about YMCA, and we made friends for life. … I found new motivation and learned new skills, on how to help young people. I heard a lot of ‘un’told stories, which gave me courage; I made friends who gave me love and unforgettable memories … and I found a new YMCA for me and in me. I will never stop the Change Agent in me”.
An online memorial service will be organised for Nina in the coming weeks.
* Ten Sing is a Christian youth programme within YMCA and YWCA, engaging teenagers in creative performing arts.