YMCA STORIES
Investments in Youth - Stories
Mexican Federation of YMCAs (Baja California YMCA) - In
Mario's words
YMCA Homes for Migrant
Youth
My name is Mario. My parents were divorced and my dad once told
me that my mom lives in Baja California, maybe in Tijuana or
Rosarito. Since their divorce, my grandmother took care of me.
Since then, I talk to my dad once in a while over the phone, but
never with my mom. My friend and I decided to try to cross to
the U.S. and find some work. When we arrived to Tijuana, we had no
place to stay. We asked for help at the Salvation Army shelter and
we stayed there for two nights. Then, we decided to cross. Like
many others, we got arrested when trying to cross through the
mountains. As my friend was older, we got separated and I was
interviewed by many people and got sent to the Casa YMCA.
During my stay here at the Casa YMCA, I have been trying to help
Mari (YMCA staff in charge of the Home) in whatever she
needs. She is very kind and always tries to help me to remember any
address or phone number. I hope soon I will be able to remember
them. Today it will be my first day at work in a carwash. I wish I
could find my friend so we can both be together and maybe settle
here in Tijuana. But for now, I know that my home is the Casa YMCA
and even if Mari is not my family, she takes care of me and other
guys that come in the same situation as me.
YMCA of Sierra Leone - Report from a Canadian
visitor
Vocational Training Program
Samson is 18 and born and raised in the Kroo Bay community.
Samson became a student of the YMCA of Sierra Leone's Vocational
Training program, which works with youth and young adults
providing them with training in trades - carpentry, masonry, hair
dressing, catering, tailoring, auto mechanics and electrical.
Samson's whole being changes when he deals with tailoring; he is
particularly skilled in this area and everyone recognized his
abilities. He engages with his clients and fellow students
and is enthusiastic and energized in discussing creative tailoring
solutions. He found an area where he could support himself
and his family, excel at a unique skill, and provide a needed
service within his community. His efforts and contributions were
recognized and valued by his community- all because of the
investment in him of the YMCA of Sierra Leone.
Samson is an individual whose body language and attitude most
obviously illustrates the positive impact of this YMCA program, but
he was one of 40 youth and young women that graduated from this
program. The impact on each of these young people is also
evident and is multiplied several times through the ripple effect
on their families, friends and community.
YMCA of Haiti
I am
Gaëlle, I'm 15 and
I was born in
Port-au-Prince
, Haiti. During the
disaster of 12 January,
I lost someone very
dear to me:
my mother. This
loss affected me a
lot. I still have to
get used to it. To get
rid of that stress
that makes me anxious,
I participate in the
activities of the YMCA
Camp in New York
Modeling, Drama,
Dance, Théâtre. I
must say that
these activities have
changed my life.
They gave me back the smile
and zest for
life.
YMCA of Haiti
I am
Stephanie, aged
17. I am a
member of the YMCA
since 2007. During
this period, I
attended the school
support, sculpture,
dancing, modeling,
singing and
drama.
I participated in the
program as a homework help
volunteer. The children were
interesting and encouraged me to
continue on this path.
It is through love
that I became a
volunteer. Helping
others, especially
those who are
most needy, is
a good thing. I
have the opportunity to
share with them the
knowledge I acquired
at the YMCA.
My dream is to see
the YMCA grow
and spread throughout the
country and the
children we help today
will also become
volunteers.