Goodbye Zimbabwe

Sitting in Schipol Airport in Amsterdam reflecting on the last week spent in Kadoma, Zimbabwe. The week was really an inspiring time particularly when hearing about the great work being done by young people, most of whom are volunteers, all over the African continent "empowering young people for the African Renaissance" .

I have to admit that some of my preconceived ideas about serving young people and communities in Africa have been shattered and programmes such as Subject to Citizen really seems to be having a profound affect with young people's voices being heard from local to national levels advocating on behalf of others.

This was phase one of the training with phase two taking place at some point in February 2013 where the trainee ambassador's will continue their training.

I'm going home inspired, motivated and challenged about how I can help these voices be heard not just in Africa but across the globe.

There & Back Again

'Battersea Power Station, just one of the views from the Gatwick Express'

I am sat in a rather quiet and empty Pendelino Train back home now, and despite the glorious sunny evening, this past week has come around too fast. I cannot say that I could've done more... because I don't think I could have got much more involved in the project than I did.


I did it all! Got involved in all the activities, met crazy new friends, learnt new skills, shared my own skills, and pegged lots and lots... and lots of people. 


Cool Fact: Over 200 Pegs were used during the course of the week!!!

'Maybe this time next year pegs will be banned too!!!'

The weather was nice and hot all of the time I was there in Banska Bystrica to the envy of any of those who had rain.


I think the greatest thing I took away from this expedition has got to be inspiration.


I now have plans.


*evil laughter*


Just kidding, but I plan to put my media skills to much greater use within the YMCA in the near future.


Have a chuckle on me at the shots below:

'Some wore theirs with Pride'

'Some wore theirs as accessories'

'Some wore theirs without knowing'

'...and some should've kept one eye open'

Cheers

Alex D-B

SLOVAKIA ROCKS!!!

'Work In Progress'

So... I have been having so much fun and been so busy at the Video & Social Media Training in Slovakia, that I havn't found the time to Post much.

Getting here was rather an expedition, involving several trains, tubes, a plane and a taxi detour, and it was 10PM local time when we arrived, despite me setting off on the quest at 4am!!! :P

They say pictures say a thousand words, so please check out the photos below. ;)

'Here some of us are practicing recording an interview.'

'A still image I took for another exercise, can you identify the meanings and themes conveyed?'

'The Gang!!!'

:D

First there was Planking...

Then came Owling...

Finally Pegging came along...

...a craze which took the YMCA in Banska Bystrica by Storm!!!

Day 6 In Slovakia - Final Project

We have started to plan our final team project. Nerves are running high. My team is filled with insperation. Planning is crucial in anything we do especially if it is for the first time. What should we film?

Quotes  & notes for the day :

Create great content. Nurture a network of people who care about you. Be kind.The influence will take care of itself.

Day 4 African Alliance Youth Summit

Day 4 of the Youth Summit saw the end of Phase 1 of training for the S2C programme. The group looked at how to effect change using press releases, group statements, social media and more... There was also sessions looking at what was expected of an S2C Ambassador and what supported they would need from their local and national YMCA's.

While attending the Summit we have been inspired and challenged by the S2C (Subject to Citizen) programme which seeks to empower and equip the young people in Africa and it's partnering countries to have at first a voice. By this we mean giving them the skills and confidence to articulate opinions, viewpoints and meaningful contribution to public debate. Secondly it aims to give the young people the space to be heard in appropriate places whether that's regionally, nationally or internationally. And finally the ability to influence by making a positive impact on decision making that improves the situation for young people in Africa and its partnering countries.

We believe that this programme could make a huge difference in tackling the way young people all around the world both think, act and influence the changes that need implementing within their retrospective countries. This is evidenced by the numerous success stories that we heard from the graduating ambassadors, who's voices have been heard in influencing the policies and strategies throughout Africa, even in the face of contravercy and resistance. Making the transition from subject to citizen has made such a dramatic change within their lives and the lives of those who live within their communities

We're looking forward to the closing ceremony in the capital city of Harare tomorrow night... more details on the S2C programme and Youth Summit can be found at www.africaymca.org

4 days In, Friendship and Trust Is Growing

We have decided not to go to the restaurant today and cooked a splendid home cook meal.




Step 2 - The Cooking

Step 1- The Preparation



Step 3 - The Serving





1st Day In Slovakia

1st day in Slovakia. Everyone i  met has been great. I am so happy to be apart of this project.

On Route To Slovakia 16th June 2012

Me, Alex and Kim on the way to Slovakia 2 hour down 4 more to go.

Day 2 - African Youth Summit

Today has been an inspiration from start to finish. Throughout the day we have been reminded of why we continue to be a part of this glorious organisation that is the YMCA.

The day started out with devotions brought to us by the southern African participants of the summit.

We then learned more about the thinking and practice of the well established S2C (Subject 2 Citizens) programme, which has been running for he last 3 years across Africa.

This afternoon we were split into small groups where we were asked to discuss and identify the 3 most important issues that were affecting the young people across Africa today. From that we realised that even though the young people here are from all over the world the issues affecting them were the same issues that the young people in UK are facing, the lack of employment and affordable further education.

Then to close out the day we heard a very moving and motivating personal account of what it is like to work your way out of poverty and the courage it takes to return to the slums with which one came, to fight the current injustices that continue to run rife.

It is a testament to the African Alliance of YMCA's that we finished the day as we started. Motivated, inspired and energised to continue the legacy that is the YMCA in our retrospective countries.

Tune in tomorrow for day 3 of the African Youth Summit.

Toni and Dave

Opening of AAY Youth Summit 2012

The opening of the African Alliance Youth Summit has just taken place in Kadoma, Zimbabwe with presentations from the participating countries, local politicians and business men and local poetry and entertainment.

This afternoon will begin the official Subject to Citizen Training which will continue throughout the week.

Dave Bremner and Toni Cowan

The Slovakian adventure has begun...

... at 5:34 this morning!!! Had I been 30 seconds later arriving at Stockport Train Station, I'd probably still be there. Which would have been very inconvenient.

As I am posting this I am on the way to London Euston, just the first step in getting to my final destination; Slovakia, for the social media and video training that Kim is also on her way to.

Once I arrive at Euston, I will then have to catch a Tube, a 2nd Train, a Plane, a Bus, then a 3rd Train. Altogther a rather crazy journey, put I am looking forward to all the awesome new people I will meet & the great things I will learn, in particular what I can take back to my YMCA to improve our use of media and social networking.

Messages through Media - Slovakia

We are now the generation of ‘digital natives’.....

& I have just checked in online to attend International Media Training in Slovakia!!

We, as young people, have embraced media with all our hearts – Facebook, Youtube, tagging, photo uploading, Twitter, video games, blogging.....

& we are now showing our parents how to truly multitask – if we are not on our computer Skyping whilst watching TV in the evening; we are writing emails whilst simultaneously running for the bus on our smart phone!!

The easy & instant access & sharing of media through the wonderful World Wide Web has completely changed our world forever in all it’s corners!

However this freedom has it’s downfalls, as you may have seen on the disturbing frontpage tabloid headlines on Wednesday:-

“Children are being sexually exploited in every “town, village and hamlet” in England with social networking sites and easy access to pornography fuelling the problem” – Daily Telegraph

This is something actually close to my heart & a situation I spend much time & effort trying to improve for young people within Brighton area with Sussex Central YMCA’s WiSE project. With my interest in medias use in educating & helping vulnerable young people; I am very excited to have been selected to participate in the media training.

Earlier this year, created & produced an animation ‘Spud’s WiSE Words’, to educate & raise awareness of preventing & disrupting the cycle of sexual exploitation of young people. It will be shown in schools & other public places, & is uploaded on Youtube. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVa6sX_to04v )

When I created the film, I did so from the heart, & am very much looking forward to learning the theory & methodology of production behind the practise I used.

I’m hoping to come home from Slovakia, with the knowledge & inspiration of using media to it’s greatest features & most positive advantages to challenge & solves it’s current downfalls.  Also apply  it to future & more ambitious projects to successfully engage young people in ‘difficult’ subjects that affect our lives & our society.

If a digital camera, video uploading & Facebook can bring freedom for the countries in the Arab Springs....
Imagine the bigger picture, the potential 23 European participants could have on our world with the knowledge of how to properly convey messages through media!!!

Preparations For African Alliance YMCA's Youth Summit

I am excitedly getting packed and prepared for what should be an eye opening experience attending the African Alliance of YMCA's Youth Summit in Zimbabwe starting this weekend for one week.

This is a Youth Summit dealing specifically with African issues such as a single currency for Africa, the concern around climate change and looking at the possibility of a united campaign against poverty.

I'm sure that my preconceived ideas and stereotypes about African culture will be quickly squashed and can't wait to share ideas and stories in such a culturally diverse environment with a group who have the welfare of young people at the heart of all they say and do.