Youth Empowerment in Motion: The impact of YMCA Overseas Service Trips
Youth Empowerment in Motion: The impact of YMCA Overseas Service Trips
Q: Can you tell us about yourself?
A: I am Chan Pak Wai (Mars) from APAY Youth Participation and Leadership Development (YPLD) Committee. I have been a staff member at the YMCA of Hong Kong for almost four years, organizing three youth programs focused on leadership development and service learning at my YMCA. I am also a member of the Community Wellbeing working group here. My aim is to encourage youth development and empower young people with YMCA values.
Q: Tell us more about the program you are organizing.
A: One of the key programs I coordinate is the Overseas Service Trip where youth participants engage in meaningful service projects in partnership with other YMCAs and local communities abroad.
The program is designed to be experiential and collaborative. Before the trip, youth participants are involved in planning, preparation, and training. During the trip, they work closely with local partners on activities that respond to the needs of the community in the forms of educational programs, community outreach, or environmental initiatives.
We also incorporate group reflections and learning sessions to help participants connect their experiences to the YMCA’s values and mission.
Q: What is the impact of the overseas trip?
A: I believe that the program is not just a one-time activity - it changes the life of youth and local participants. The Overseas Service Trip is a meaningful and transformative experience for both young people and participating YMCAs. It allows youth to broaden their horizons, gain deeper cultural understanding, and reflect deeply on the meaning of service.
More than just serving the people and communities facing challenges, the program empowers participants to grow personally. It helps them to develop valuable skills in planning and communication and to practice servant leadership.
Each YMCA has its own unique strengths, and these trips offer a great opportunity to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and build stronger bonds across borders. Ultimately, it strengthens global YMCA solidarity while nurturing the next generation of compassionate and capable leaders.
Q: You work with youth. How can we know about the needs of the youth?
A: In addition to their basic needs, I believe youth are full of potential. We need to understand them better by communicating with them and providing different platforms for them to showcase their talents. Through communication, we can learn more about their situations and opinions, allowing us to decide how best to support them. Additionally, exploring different platforms not only helps youth learn and grow but also encourages them to think creatively about their development and how to utilize their abilities.
Q: Do you think that YMCA is meaningful and impactful to the youth?
A: Absolutely! The YMCA has a significant impact on youth. We provide various programs and opportunities for young people. Through these programs, we not only offer resources and teach various skills but also encourage them to become future leaders of society by embracing YMCA values. After participating in our programs, youth learn about important principles such as love, caring, and servanthood, which help them become better leaders. Many of them go on to volunteer and organize different events and services at our YMCA.
Q: What message would you like to leave with other young people?
A: The YMCA is a place full of possibilities. Don’t be shy to try new things and learn. There is always strong support available from the YMCA. Together, we can achieve more and make a positive impact on society through YMCA values.
Prepared by Mars Chan, YMCA of Hong Kong