The YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters have joined forces to offer an innovative, year-long youth leadership initiative for 20 highschool students from Sarnia-Lambton. This pilot project has been designed in conjunction with the YMCA's new Leadership & Challenge Centre, opening May 2012. This new centre will be housed at the current YMCA Learning and Career Centre, located at 660 Oakdale Ave, Sarnia, Ontario.
Project Kenya has been designed to build upon the mission based priorities of two organizations that have a rich tradition of providing quality, values based programs and services for young people. This unique pilot project involves participants in a wide variety of leadership development experiences with a special focus on community service and philanthropy. Applicants are gaining insight into their personal leadership potential and abilities, group dynamics, communication, volunteerism and philanthropy as well as developing a new perspective and sense of responsibility as members of the global community.
After a year of training, raising money and research and planning, participants will depart on February 1, 2013 for a 3-week trip to Kenya. While in Kenya, the group will partner with a group of local Kenyan youth in a hands-on community service -- helping to build the much-needed Chris Morrone Kiamathaga Secondary School in Tigithi, Kenya. Additionally, the group will have an opportunity to climb Mt. Kenya and go on a safari to experience the unique and plentiful wildlife abundant in this part of the world. Upon return to Sarnia, participants will engage in a series of community presentations to share their learnings and experiences with the community.
UPDATE:
After an amazing few weeks, our team has arrived safely home to Sarnia with many new perspectives and experiences, excited to move forward and share their experiences. On Monday April 22, 2013 we will be hosting a Community Appreciation Presentation at 7:00pm at the Sarnia Imperial Theatre. There is no admission fee, so please come out and share in the education and adventures of these amazing young people!
