| YMCA Global Teens head to Japan, South Korea, Colombia and Senegal |
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| Monday, 25 April 2011 12:24 |
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This summer over 40 teens from high schools in the Greater Seattle area will head to Asia, Africa and Latin America to learn about teen life, serve in the community, and explore social issues such as environment, disaster, peace, energy and poverty. The Global Teens Program of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, which includes four months of pre-trip training in leadership, culture, and language, will expose teens to other countries and engage members of this next generation in issues confronting our world. Working with partner YMCAs in the local communities, these young global citizens will be integrated for service, fun, and learning.
A few slots remain on these global adventures, interested parents and teens should apply now by contacting David Kelly-Hedrick at 206.382.5343.
In the midst of responding to the immediate needs of natural disasters, the YMCA is dedicated more than ever in helping youth become people who will work with their fellow citizens of the world to address common global problems. Global Teens meet twice a month at local branches with volunteer leaders—often from the destination country--to learn about culture, history, language and customs. When they return from their 14 day trips, teens will share their experience with the community through presentations, videos, photography and at the annual YMCA Growing Global Connections Celebration on October 13th.
Global teens are taking part in individual and group fundraising to support their international experience. The South Korea group will host a Korea Culture Night at the Dale Turner Family YMCA on May 21st from 6-8 pm. Teens will sell raffle tickets, demonstrate K pop dancing and Korean games, the Korean community will also provide food and performances. “The program gives us a way to link and celebrate the rich diversity of our community”, says Courtney Whitaker, Dale Turner Family YMCA Branch Executive.
The Global Teen-Japan program started with exchanges between Seattle and Kobe YMCA in 1986 and has been a mainstay exchange ever since, but this year faced challenges given the disaster in Northeast Japan. Kobe is over 500 miles from the disaster but that community faced its own earthquake disaster in 1996 and is now lending its expertise to those in the Northeast. This year’s Global Teens will pack extra suitcases filled with supplies and letters that will be sent from Kobe to teens and families who have had to evacuate from their homes in Japan.
The YMCA of Greater Seattle invites teens to apply to the 2011 program. Community members can help by volunteering as country consultants, supporting teen hosted culture nights at local branches or donating to Global Teen scholarships. Contact David Kelly-Hedrick(dkhedrick@ Press Release by YMCA of Greater Seattle About the YThe Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. |
| Last Updated on Monday, 25 April 2011 12:34 |
