Learning Weeks Come to a Close

The YPN Learning Weeks for 2011 have ended. Erin and Elizabeth were the last group to complete this part of the program, and they had a busy week!

A HUGE thank-you to all of the organizations and individuals who were able to set aside some time to meet with participants. All in all, more than 40 organizations or individuals spent time with members of the Youth Peace Network this summer. A big shout-out to Oxfam Canada and Amnesty International who both met with groups of YPNers 5 out of 6 weeks! We really value your support.

Even though YPN is drawing to a close, there is still a lot going on. The YPNers are enjoying their last week working at camp, trying to cram in as many adventures as they can with their campers! After that comes a week of debrief and reflection. Each participant will create their own action plan, which will help them to put all of the knowledge they have gained and lessons they have learned into action when they return home. Finally, we are hosting a Farewell Event in their honour, giving them a chance to say goodbye to those people who have impacted them while in Vancouver.

Once again, thank you to all of the people who took part in the Learning Week experiences of YPN participants in 2011! Everyone had a great time and learned something new!

YPN 2011 Participant - Evita

Name: Evita, Huen Shuk Yee

Name you go by: Evita

Age: 23

Country: Hong Kong (China)

Name of YMCA: YMCA of Hong Kong

Role at the YMCA: I am a volunteer at the YMCA of Hong Kong. I am also a committee member of Campus Y in Hong Kong. I organise different kinds of activities for the youth in the universities.

Why you are participating in the Youth Peace Network: Firstly, I would like to learn more abuot other cultures from other participants and in Canada. It is great to experience the culture through direct interaction rather than from the books and internet. Moreover, I also want to learn more about myself. In a new environment, it is great to discover my own character and find my role. Last but not least, I desire to learn more about leadership, team building and conflict resolution.

YPN 2011 Participant - Erin

Name: Erin Reuland

Name you go by: Erin

Age: 24

Country: USA

Name of YMCA:

Intercollegiate YMCA of Greater Indianapolis

Role at YMCA:

Y-AmeriCorps Program Director

Why you are participating in the Youth Peace Network:

I decided to be part of the Youth Peace Network because I felt something was missing in my life in the US. I missed learning from and about other people and cultures different than my own. The Youth Peace Network has offered me a chance to do that and really start a dialogue about the challenges faced by our world today and how we can best work together to find a solution to these problems.

YPN Learning Week Update

Hey everyone,

Hope you have been enjoying the great Vancouver weather lately! The YPN'ers have been having great Learning Weeks, and are looking forward to a group weekend in the city this coming weekend. They'll get a chance to check out the Capilano Suspension Bridge - hope no one is scared of heights!

Here's a few photos supplied by a YNP'er of life at camp and Learning Week:

Thanks for checking out the blog and have a great week!

YPN 2011 Participant - Ting

Name: Ting Dai

Name you go by: Ting

Age: 25

Country: China

Name of YMCA: YMCA of Chengdu

Role at the YMCA: Staff

Why you are participating in the Youth Peace Network: I am participating in the Youth Peace Network because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to gain valuable skills in peace-building, conflict resolution, increase my leadership capacities, exchange ideas and make friends with people from YMCA’s all over the world. It’s also a chance for me to step out of my comfort zone and see a new, fresh perspective in life. With love and peace, I believe we can create a better world for everyone.

Richard from Zambia, YPN 2008

Richard is in an international counsellor program at the YMCA in Hawaii until  January 30 2012. He just got the position as a leadership instructor a month ago. The position is all about helping the program directors train new International staff in Various camp programs and activities.