Vision 2030 Community Wellbeing Pillar: Rehabilitation Programme, YMCA East Jerusalem
The project addresses the chronic issues of mental health and economic dependency among persons with disabilities who are survivors of political violence, particularly in marginalised communities affected by the ongoing conflict. By adopting a holistic approach, the programme offers a comprehensive range of services including psychosocial counselling, vocational training, and community advocacy initiatives, empowering young individuals to participate fully in social and economic life. The beneficiaries of this program include children, women, and persons with disabilities, enabling them to improve their well-being and resilience in the face of adversity while fostering community engagement and inclusivity.
Vision 2030 Meaningful Work Pillar: Vocational and Soft Skills Programme, YMCA Singapore
Young people in Singapore face barriers to employment due to a lack of soft skills and vocational training. The YMCA of Singapore’s Vocational and Soft Skills Programme (VaSSP) offers a 6-month training program, equipping youth aged 14-21 with essential soft and vocational skills to improve employability. Supported by donors and partners, the program covers 94% of costs and provides financial aid. Beneficiaries include 900 young people served since 2011, with a 70-75% success rate in securing employment or further education, helping them become independent contributors to society.
Vision 2030 Sustainable Planet Pillar: JC InnoPower: Nature4Mind, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong
The project addresses the rising prevalence of anxiety symptoms among primary school students in Hong Kong, which has escalated from 27.6% in 2019 to 52% in 2023. Recognizing the challenges low-income families face in accessing mental health resources, this initiative employs the Social Prescribing model to connect children aged 10-12 experiencing mild to moderate anxiety with community resources and nature-based activities. The project involves health assessments, personalised care plans, and engaging family-centred activities, all aimed at promoting overall well-being. Benefiting 22 children and 41 parents, the project fosters community connections while enhancing mental health, thereby reducing the economic and healthcare burdens associated with anxiety.
Vision 2030 Just World Pillar: African Youth Justice III
The project addresses the challenges faced by young people in Ghana, particularly those at risk and in conflict with the law, who are often marginalised and lack opportunities for active participation in society. Many young individuals encounter barriers such as poverty, poor family dynamics, inadequate education, and limited access to public services, which hinder their ability to achieve their full potential. In response, the Ghana YMCA implemented a multi-stakeholder approach, focusing on empowering youth through the development of coping strategies and resilience-building interventions. This initiative has led to significant improvements, including the release of young inmates, enhanced mental health support for over 400 young people, strengthened relationships between prison officers and inmates, and increased self-awareness and independence among nearly 3,000 beneficiaries. The Youth Justice III programme is coordinated by YWCA-YMCA of Sweden and implemented in South Africa, Madagascar, Senegal, Togo – and Ghana.
“The Awards aim to acknowledge and honour exceptional projects, initiatives and programmes that demonstrate a profound commitment to improving their communities”, said World YMCA Secretary-General Carlos Sanvee. “We see them as an exciting and fresh way of drawing in the entire Movement: we are all working in the same areas under the same strategy, so let’s share the best of what we do, and let’s acknowledge our external partners for their role in our work, too.”
1 Partner Impact Award