Report on the 12th Africa Alliance of YMCAs General Assembly

Nairobi, Kenya, November 16-18, 2023

The 12th General Assembly of the African Alliance of YMCA convened in Nairobi, Kenya, spanning three days of insightful deliberations and spirited discussions. The assembly opened with a poignant devotion led by Masiye from the Zimbabwe YMCA, setting a reflective tone for the proceedings. Mr. Alex Olamide then paid homage to departed YMCA members, emphasizing their embodiment of diversity within the organization.

The assembly's diversity was palpable as George Dela Coffie from the Ghana YMCA addressed the gathering in his local dialect, extending warm greetings. Tito Kiprono from the Kenya YMCA followed, offering a thoughtful reflection on the pressing issue of gang violence among African youth. These reflections laid the foundation for the assembly's discussions, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities facing the continent's youth.

Rev. Dr. Simon Khaemba took the podium next, acknowledging the complexities confronting today's youth, from an overflow of university graduates to limited employment opportunities. Expressing concern over the perceived undervaluation of education, he urged the audience to reflect on positive influences that could inspire the youth to be catalysts for positive change. Drawing from scripture, he underscored the YMCA's responsibility in imparting understanding and knowledge to the youth.

The Flag Ceremony and Opening Ceremony, showcased the global representation at the assembly. Delegates from various African countries and associate members from across the world were duly recognized.

Pius Nganga, representing the Kenya YMCA, addressed the assembly, acknowledging the continent's conundrum of challenges and opportunities. He highlighted the resilience and adaptability of young people, exemplifying hope for the future. Adrien Coly, President of AAYMCA, introduced the guiding principles of innovation, co-creation, and sustainability. Soheila Hayek, President of World YMCA, spotlighted Africa's youth as a beacon of hope, emphasizing the shift from degrees to skills in the evolving job market.

Fraternal greetings were exchanged. Keynote addresses by Ms. Prudence Nonkululeko Ngwenya and Dr. John Kipkorir Chumo underscored the African Union's commitment to youth engagement and Mama Doing Good's multifaceted mandate, respectively.

Hot Bench

The Discussions entered the Hot Bench Discussions. Throughout the session, insightful discussions ensued, addressing critical questions on leadership, character development, and the challenges faced in initiatives like the Mama Fua App. Mr. Ngutah stressed the importance of internal structures in building character and highlighted the sacrifices made in pursuing entrepreneurial endeavours. Ms Ngwenya underscored the significance of decision-making spaces, introducing the 4 As—Aptitude, Attitude, Awareness, and Actions—as critical elements for success.

Prof. Ogara provided valuable perspectives on youth integrity and character formation, emphasizing the responsibility to nurture future leaders. During the second session of the hot bench, Lloyd welcomed Prof. Tim Kiruhi, Vice Chancellor of the International Leadership University, and Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui, Secretary-General to the NCCK, who shared insightful perspectives on critical issues. Prof. Kiruhi highlighted the economic disparity in Africa, emphasizing the imperative to bridge the gap between abundant resources and low living standards. Rev. Kinyanjui, echoing the sentiment, urged a shift from overreliance on foreign aid and emphasized leveraging internal structures for organizational sustainability.

The assembly then turned its attention to the approval of minutes, with discussions around youth participation in the executive team. The President's report provided a comprehensive overview of the YMCA's activities, partnerships, impact, and governance reforms. Financials, staff acknowledgment, and new subject matters such as climate change were discussed, culminating in a series of recommendations for future endeavors.

The General Secretary's report highlighted the movement's alignment with Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and solidarity. The strategic plan, presented by Mr. Lloyd, outlined pillars for sustainable growth, innovation, and organizational development, emphasizing the importance of staff and volunteers' well-being.

The 12th General Assembly concluded with a sense of accomplishment and a shared commitment to creating a sustainable future for African youth. The narratives shared, recommendations made, and strategic plan unveiled set the stage for the YMCA's continued impact on the continent and beyond. The assembly demonstrated the YMCA's resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to its mission of empowering young people and fostering positive change.

Day Two

Spiritual Enrichment and Reflections

The second day of the General Assembly began with a solemn devotion session led by Charelle Tchamdjou from YMCA Cameroon. The assembly immersed itself in a moment of prayer, elevated by a soulful musical rendition of "Narekele mo."

The morning devotion featured reflective segments led by Purity and George Dela Coffie, shedding light on the challenges faced by youth in overcoming gang violence and illiteracy. A scripture reading from Jeremiah underscored the divine call to action. Reverend Esther Wachira, a distinguished vicar, delivered a powerful sermon on God’s providence and transformative power. The day concluded with a musical homage to departed leaders, leaving the assembly with a sense of reverence and gratitude for the spiritual enrichment shared.

The sun rose on the final day of the 12th General Assembly, casting its warm glow over the assembly venue in Nairobi. The morning began with a sense of anticipation as the delegates gathered for a session that promised to delve into critical issues of resilience and sustainability.

As the clock struck 8:30 AM, the sounds of a melodic presentation by the band filled the air, setting the stage for Mr. Alex Durojaiye, the Master of Ceremony, to usher in the attendees. The morning commenced with a word of prayer led by Dela Coffie, invoking a sense of reverence and unity among the participants.

Vibes

The discussions entered The Vibes Sessions. The assembly was divided into three thematic areas, that is, sustainability, membership, and youth empowerment, to discuss the problems, the audience that problem impacts most, and the solutions within the respective aspects of the movement as shared.

During the sessions, some of the teams went through the YMCA customer journey which aimed to understand in detail what users and /customers experience is, when interacting with companies, products or services, which establishes a common understanding within the team in order to realize a unique experience.

The report reflects the co-creation session and the vibes discussion on the consecutive dates from 17th and 18th November 2023.

Key thematic areas were facilitated by;

• Empowering Youth – ‘Accelerating our Innovative Model’ was facilitated by Lawrence
• Creating a New Membership Model was facilitated by Lloyd
• Improving Sustainability for Greater Impact was facilitated by Osborne.

The objectives of the sessions were;

• To identify what the problem is around sustainability
• To define who receives the direct impact as a result of the described problem – Emotionally, physically, and psychologically?
• To generate solutions

Excursions

As part of the General Assembly proceedings, delegates embarked on insightful excursions that not only expanded their knowledge but also aligned with the broader view of Vision 2030. One of the excursions took the delegates to the Limuru YMCA's Climate Smart Agriculture project, a commendable initiative contributing to environmental resilience and sustainable practices.

During the visit to the Limuru YMCA, a symbolic act marked the occasion—a profound tree-planting ceremony. A total of 80 trees were planted on the institution's grounds, signifying a commitment to environmental stewardship and underscoring the importance of addressing climate change through tangible actions. This tree-planting initiative resonated deeply with the principles of sustainable planet outlined in Vision 2030, emphasizing the need for responsible and environmentally conscious practices to ensure a sustainable planet for future generations. By engaging in this collective effort, the General Assembly delegates demonstrated a shared dedication to the Sustainable Planet pillar, contributing to the larger goal of building a resilient and environmentally sustainable future.

Another team of delegates visited the Mama Fua Project site during the excursions, showcasing the diversity of initiatives embraced by the YMCA. The Mama Fua Project, with its focus on social enterprise, particularly in creating job opportunities for women and young people, aligns seamlessly with the principles of creating meaningful work. This project not only provides economic empowerment but also addresses social challenges, aligning with the multifaceted approach advocated in Vision 2030.

Importantly, the Mama Fua Project resonated with the Pillar on Meaningful Work of Vision 2030. By creating employment opportunities for women and young individuals, the project exemplifies the transformative power of meaningful work. It goes beyond economic considerations, contributing to the broader vision of Vision 2030 by promoting dignity, empowerment, and purpose in the workforce. This alignment reinforces the YMCA's commitment to holistic development, acknowledging that meaningful work is a cornerstone for building sustainable, thriving communities.

In essence, the excursions undertaken by General Assembly delegates went beyond traditional learning experiences. They became a tangible embodiment of the YMCA's commitment to Vision 2030, especially the Sustainable Planet and Meaningful Work pillars. 

Day 3 

Ebenezer Davies took the podium, ready to share a compelling narrative, one that unfolded in the heart of Madagascar. The story of Leone, a young girl grappling with the unpredictable consequences of climate change, captivated the audience. Leone’s journey, from vulnerability to resilience, became a powerful metaphor for the challenges faced by communities in the wake of environmental adversities. The YMCA's role in fostering reforestation initiatives and empowering the youth to secure a sustainable future echoed as a beacon of hope.

Purity, representing KYMCA, followed with another poignant reflection. The narrative centered around Maxwell, a young man in Ghana whose life was upended by a river's destructive force. The YMCA's intervention, providing not just financial support but also capacity building on disaster management, showcased a commitment to youth-led initiatives in tackling climate adversities. Maxwell's story became an inspiration, a testament to the impact achievable when communities and organizations collaborate for sustainable solutions.

As the narratives resonated, the assembly paused to reflect on the world's previous state before climate changes took hold. Louis Armstrong’s timeless melody, "What a Wonderful World," filled the venue, creating a contemplative ambiance.

Morning Devotion Address by Pastor Florence Irungu

With hearts still stirred by the narratives, the assembly turned its attention to Pastor Florence Irungu, who led the morning devotion. Drawing inspiration from Proverbs 6:6-8, she emphasized the divine call to care for the environment and the importance of embracing work as a means of fulfilling God's plan. The invocation to work and be a source of inspiration to the world echoed through the assembly, urging the youth to take an active role in shaping the future.

Pastor Irungu's words resonated deeply, aligning spirituality with a call to environmental stewardship and purposeful action. The devotion concluded with the band's rendition of the uplifting hymn, "See What the Lord Has Done," leaving a lingering sense of spiritual fulfillment.

Treasurer’s Report

The transition from the devotional to the practical was seamless as Ms. Nerina invited Mr. Duprince to present the Treasurer's Report, a comprehensive overview of the financial health of the institution spanning the years 2019-2022.

Mr. Duprince navigated through the complexities of financial data, highlighting challenges faced during the COVID period, the status of joint venture projects, economic models, and debt rescheduling agreements. The figures and facts presented painted a nuanced picture of financial resilience, challenges, and a strategic roadmap for sustainability.

In conclusion, Mr. Duprince shared key lessons learned and outlined a forward-looking strategy, emphasizing sustainability, economic diversification, and collaborative strengthening of financial relations between AAY and its National Movements.

Comments from the Audience and Resolutions Adoption

The report triggered insightful comments from the assembly. Concerns, clarifications, and suggestions were addressed, reflecting a collective commitment to financial transparency and accountability. A proposal to circulate audited financial statements before General Assembly meetings was discussed and affirmed.

The session transitioned seamlessly into the adoption of resolutions. Under the adept moderation of Mr. James, the assembly discussed and adopted resolutions addressing the timing of the General Assembly, membership issues, representation of youth and women, a constitutional review, and the implementation of gender policies.

Resolution 1: Convening General Assembly and Presidential Term

The assembly resolved that the General Assembly should be convened before the scheduled start date of the World Council of the World Alliance of YMCAs. It was further agreed that the newly-elected President would commence their term as an Executive Committee member of the World Alliance of YMCAs immediately after the World Council elects its new Executive Committee members. The term of the President as a World Alliance of YMCAs Executive Committee member would be fully aligned with the term of the Executive Committee of the World Alliance of YMCAs. The resolution aimed at ensuring consistency and timely transitions within the leadership.

Resolution 2: Membership of the World Alliance and Fair Share Transfer

Acknowledging challenges with double membership, the assembly resolved to adopt a practical approach for transferring both due fair shares to the World Alliance. The World Alliance would then redistribute the funds due to the Africa Alliance. The resolution aimed at simplifying financial processes and addressing concerns related to transfer costs. The motion was carried with support from the majority, underscoring the importance of efficient financial transactions between the two bodies.

Resolution 3: Youth and Women Representation in the Executive Committee

The assembly recognized the need for enhanced representation of youth and women in the Executive Committee. Resolution 3 sought to amend the constitution to ensure that 30% of the committee comprises both youth and women, cutting across the entire composition. The amendment aimed at easing the nomination and election process, aligning with the broader goal of fostering inclusivity. With overwhelming support, the resolution was adopted, signaling a commitment to youth and women empowerment.

Resolution 4: Review of the Constitution

In response to observed ambiguities and challenges in the current constitution, the assembly adopted Resolution 4. The resolution mandated the incoming executive committee to commence the process of amending the constitution for approval at the next General Assembly. The assembly provided inputs, outlined gray areas, and endorsed a two-year grace period for amendments, introducing flexibility with a virtual assembly and collaborative participation. The adoption demonstrated a commitment to ensuring a clear and effective constitutional framework.

Resolution 5: Gender Policy Implementation

Resolution 5 addressed the need for improved gender policy implementation within the movement. Recognizing gaps in achieving desired gender equity, the assembly resolved to task the incoming executive committee to consider a position paper on gender. The aim was to set in place actions for better implementation of the gender policy, making gender equity a practiced culture within the movement. The resolutions were proposed, discussed, and adopted, emphasizing a commitment to fostering gender inclusivity and equity across all facets of the organization.

Chairman of the Nominations Committee Report

The narrative shifted to the Nominations Committee, tasked with presenting candidates for various positions. The Chairman highlighted observations, challenges faced in the nomination process, and recommendations for future improvements. The audience absorbed the insights, recognizing the need for a more competitive process and greater clarity in constitutional provisions.

The recommendations put forth included enacting by-laws, provisions for absenteeism in the youth and women representatives, and addressing zonal nomination quotas. The report sparked discussions on constitutional amendments, election calendars, and the concept of a succession plan within the Alliance.

Election Results Announcement

Ms. Nirina took the podium to facilitate the much-anticipated election results. The assembly witnessed the culmination of an intricate democratic process as members exercised their right to vote, selecting leaders to steer the Alliance into the future.

The newly elected Executive Committee members were presented, marking a momentous occasion in the history of the African Alliance YMCA. The introduction of the new board set the stage for the subsequent acceptance speech by the President-elect.

The following board members were therefore presented to the assembly after the election results;

Esther Angwenyi                        Women representative

Lethu Kuthula Shungwe            Member

George Dela Coffie                    Youth Representattive

Emphremm Lema                      Eastern zone representative

Eho Kokouvi                                 Western zone representative

Vakai Matutu                              Southern zone representative 

Du Prince Tchakote                   Honorary treasurer

Ethipia Tilahun                          Vice president

Adrien Coly                              President

Acceptance Speech by Dr. Adrien Coly

Dr. Adrien Coly, declared the President of the 12th General Assembly, took the stage to deliver his acceptance speech. His words resonated with a vision for the renewal of the organization, centered on the youth, climate change, and constitutional amendments. Dr. Coly's commitment to innovation, research, and social audits aimed at empowering the youth was met with applause and anticipation.

The acceptance speech encapsulated not only a vision for the future but also a call for unity, collaboration, and the active involvement of every member in realizing the aspirations of the YMCA movement.

End Note Address by Mr. Carlos Sanvee

As the proceedings neared their conclusion, Mr. Carlos Sanvee, the General Secretary of the World YMCA, delivered an end note address. Congratulations were extended to the newly elected committee, accompanied by a challenge to uphold responsibility and leadership. Mr. Sanvee urged the assembly to resolve internal issues promptly and emphasized the need to shed colonial structures that hinder progress.

His words echoed a call for a unified, responsible, and self-driven African YMCA, free from the shackles of historical legacies.

Closing Ceremony and Awards Presentation

The final segment of the General Assembly unfolded with Mr. Alex Durojaiye leading the presentation of awards and certificates. Ambassadors, partners, outstanding individuals, and the previous Executive Committee were acknowledged for their contributions. Gifts and appreciations were exchanged, symbolizing gratitude and recognition.

Ms. Nirina, in her vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to the assembly, concluding the formalities with a call for unity and collaboration.

Closing Prayer and Conclusion

As the clock approached 10:45 PM, Dr. James Eko Rule stepped forward to offer the closing prayer. The echoes of gratitude, accomplishment, and anticipation for the future lingered in the air as the 12th General Assembly of the African Alliance YMCA drew to a close.

The journey that began with reflective devotions, traversed through financial intricacies, adopted resolutions, elected new leaders, and concluded with acknowledgments and awards, left an indelible mark on the collective spirit of the assembly.

With a resounding sense of accomplishment, the delegates departed, carrying with them the narratives, resolutions, and aspirations that would shape the path of the African Alliance YMCA in the years to come. The 12th General Assembly had not just concluded; it had set in motion a renewed era of purpose, resilience, and sustainability for the YMCA movement in Africa.

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