Change Agent Cohort 5 Regional & Global Gathering

Last Updated (Wednesday, 18 December 2024 17:25)

The YMCA Change Agent program is a global leadership development initiative designed to empower young leaders to become change-makers within their own communities. The Cohort 5.0 of the Change Agent program officially launched in April 2023, and since then, participants have engaged in nearly two years of online training, learning labs, mentoring, and Youth-led solution Team projects.

Finally, from October 20-25, 2024, 115 Change Agents from 56 countries gathered in Mombasa, Kenya, for their in-person Global Gathering and Graduation Ceremony during 2024 Accelerator Summit, marking the culmination of nearly two years of learning and development. Among them were 16 Change Agents from the Asia Pacific regions, representing Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. These young leaders are volunteers and/or staff from local or national YMCAs.

Online Regional Gathering

Before gathering in Kenya, the Asia Pacific Change Agents participated in a virtual regional gathering on October 15, 2024 from 7:00 to 9:30pm Korea time. The online gathering, attended by 10 Change Agents, began with a fun ice-breaker and introductions. Mr. Nam Boo Won, General Secretary of APAY, and Ms. Yura Rhee, Secretary for Youth Empowerment, shared insights into the mission and vision of YMCA movement in Asia Pacific Context, focusing particularly on its historical and theological perspectives.

In addition, Mr. Alvin Kang, a Change Agent from Cohort 1.0, joined to share his personal experiences and reflections from his post-Change Agent journey. Ms. Mahima Turhi, a member of APAY Youth Committee, offered a heartfelt vote of thanks at the conclusion of the gathering.

The regional gathering provided a valuable opportunity for Change Agents to connect with one another, deepen their understanding of regional context and reflect on how these insights can help form their future work. Even after the Change Agent program concludes, APAY remains committed to support the continued work of these Change Agents as they carry forward their learnings and project initiated during the program.

Global Gathering and Graduation

The Global Gathering took place over two days, from October 20-21, 2024, just ahead of the 2024 Accelerator Summit. This was the first-and last-chance for Cohort 5 to meet in person as a group. During this time, the Change Agents participated in a range of team building activities and workshops, which not only strengthened their collaboration but also prepared them to effectively present their work and network with YMCA leaders at the Summit.

On October 25, the final day of the Summit, the Change Agents celebrated their achievement at the Graduation Ceremony, marking the official conclusion of their participation in the program. However, for these young leaders, this graduation represents just the beginning of a new phase in their journey as change-makers.

During the Summit, the Asia Pacific Change Agents gathered for a special Q&A session with Mr. Nam Boo Won. The key question on everyone’s mind was, “What’s next?” The session was an opportunity for them to reflect on their future paths and the ongoing work that lies ahead as change-maker in their own YMCAs and communities. With renewed energy and a deep sense of commitment, the group agreed to continue their collaborative work, supporting one another through regular online check-ins to update each other on their projects and activities.

Looking Ahead: Change Agent Cohort 6.0

As Cohort 5 prepares to embark on the next chapter of their journey, preparations are underway for the Change Agent Cohort 6.0, which will be launched in 2025 and continues through 2026 World Council in July in Toronto, Canada. The call for applications will be announced by World YMCA in the first quarter of next year, providing new young leaders with the opportunities to join this global movement.

For more information about the Change Agent Program, visit YMCA Change Agent page: https://www.ymca.int/what-we-do/programmes/change-agents/

By Yura Rhee, Secretary of Youth Empowerment and Admin, APAY