Hernán Antonio Romero Matute, affectionately known as Don Hernán, recently celebrated his 100th birthday. He is the only surviving founder of Venezuela’s first YMCA and a man who devoted more than 62 years of his life to youth development across Latin America.
When asked about writing his biography, Don Hernán would simply reply: “Biographies, there is really no time for that. What matters is not receiving credit for what one has done, but the impact on the hearts of young people.”
Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on 25 January 1926, Don Hernán grew up in a Christian family that instilled strong moral values. His father was a distinguished physician, and his mother an exemplary educator. From childhood, he participated actively in the Presbyterian Church of Venezuela, where he emerged as a youth leader.
At only 20 years old, while still a university student, Don Hernán helped establish Venezuela’s first YMCA in Caracas on 9 April 1946. Venezuela became the 69th national movement affiliated with the World Alliance of YMCAs.
Building a movement
A passionate athlete, Don Hernán played volleyball, practiced athletics and swimming, and especially loved baseball, Venezuela’s national sport. He earned a degree in Education from the Central University of Venezuela and later received a scholarship to specialise at the historic Technical Institute in Montevideo, Uruguay. In December 1950, he graduated with honours as a Professional YMCA Director.
Throughout his career, Don Hernán served as founder and director in multiple Venezuelan cities and as Executive Director of the National YMCA Federation. His colleagues called him the “Master of masters” for his natural teaching ability. Between 1962 and 1967, under his leadership, the YMCA expanded to cities including Anaco, Barquisimeto, Maracaibo, Morón, Puerto La Cruz, and Valencia, creating 21 decentralised operations in popular neighbourhoods of Caracas.
Don Hernán was innovative in introducing the concept of “Guided Recreation” in 1955 and promoting vacation camps as formative tools. In 1954, he created the YMCA Award for the “Good Sportsman of Venezuela,” recognising not only athletic achievements but also moral integrity.
Don Hernán’s legacy:
- Only surviving founder of Venezuela’s first YMCA (established 1946)
- Served the YMCA for more than 62 years
- Inducted into the Venezuelan Sports Hall of Fame in 2005
- Father of five children and grandfather of five grandchildren
- At 100, still active in his church and a founding member of Latinet, a group of retired YMCA leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean
His life motto captures his spirit: “Steadfast and forward, without any fear, walking attentively through this world, with faith and joy, and always striving to do what must be done for others.”
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