The YMCA Change Agent programme is a global leadership development programme to empower young leaders to be change makers in their own communities. After three cohorts, the programme went through an assessment period led by a Task Force comprised of YMCA young leaders from each Area Alliance. Their goal was to review programme objectives and develop future enhancements to maximise the programme’s potential.
The group began its work in July 2018. Members included:
- Jessica Nkongolo, YMCA Canada
- Lloyd Wamai, YMCA Africa
- Sharnelle Cader, YMCA Africa (South Africa)
- Jayden Parsons, YMCA Asia-Pacific (Australia)
- Siu Ting Cheung, YMCA Asia-Pacific (Hong Kong)
- Marta Huretska, YMCA Europe (Ukraine)
- Joseph Curran, YMCA Europe (UK)
- Daniel Galan, YMCA Latin America-Caribbean
- Christelle Hawila, Middle East (Lebanon)
- Adriana Stanovici (Coordinator), YMCA of the USA
- Adrian Davies (Coordinator), World YMCA
The Task Force reviewed the programme’s approach and curriculum. They created sub-committees with other Change Agents alumni to get insight and concrete feedback. Then, the members submitted their recommendations via a report last February, delivering new concepts and improvements.
Among their recommendations, the Task Force advised for more flexibility and proposed to reduce the programme from two years to 12 or 18 months according to the need of the Change Agent and National Movement. They emphasised the importance of ensuring the programme’s alignment with the Area YMCA programmes. The group also expressed the need for a better balance between theoretical and experiential learning. Currently, they are working on developing a new online platform for better communication.
The Fourth Cohort Global Gathering took place over three days at the end of July hosted by YMCA Fairthorne Group in Southampton, England before all 150 Change Agents move on to YMCA175 in London. The Task Force will transition to a Global Resource Team to shape the programme until its next cohort in 2021.
This review process exemplifies YMCA spirit bringing young leaders from all over the world together to collaborate in an analytical and creative way, to bring innovation for generations to come.
Read more about the Change Agent programme
Read more about YMCA175