Chris Millward of Youth Services, Barrie and I, Michelle Runge, Supervisor of C & Y, Innisfil have been given the opportunity of a lifetime.

On August 12th, we will be travelling for two weeks to Sierra Leone with eight youth of YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, otherwise known as, YAC (Youth Advisory Council).

These individuals have been selected through submission of an application and resume process.   They have been chosen and recognized for their dedication, leadership, volunteerism within our communities and our own local YMCA’s.

What is the purpose of this venture?

YAC will be visiting our partnering YMCA of Sierra Leone.  We will travel to large communities, small towns and slums, with our main focus on working with Youth in YMCA program initiatives supported by our YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka Association.

Sierra Leone is among the top five poorest countries in the world.  A decade ago, the country was encompassed in an eleven year civil war.  This left many citizens poor, homeless and injured.  Over the past ten years the YMCA of Sierra Leone has worked on implementing programs that will educate, provide skills and build hope of a better life for future generations.

Our youth will be taking part in these initiatives.  They will be exposed to destitute situations, new and unique experiences, also, from what I have heard will meet and build relationships with some of the happiest people in the world.

I have no doubt this will be one of the most impactful experiences in all our lives.

Thank you YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka for giving us this opportunity.

 Sincerely,

YAC