Local YMCA-YWCA Cupar volunteer Nathan Bushell – based at Cupar Youth Café – is all set for “an experience of a lifetime” this autumn when he attends the World YMCA Accelerator Summit in Kenya, representing Scotland as one of two YMCA Change Agents.

He will travel to Mombasa next month to participate in a week-long gathering which brings together 2000 young people, volunteers, and staff to explore the development of the worldwide organisation and its work, based on the recently adopted World YMCA Vision 2030.

The vision has 4 key goals:

It will be “a time to learn, to share, to experience, to build lifelong contacts and friendships with delegates from across the globe“.

From this adventure, Nathan will come home to share his experiences and awareness – and support the delivery of these key goals with young people in Cupar.

Spare a shilling …

The currency in Mombasa is the Kenyan Shilling. Nathan is busy fundraising to cover the costs and the Cupar Y and Youth Cafe are doing all they can to make people aware so they might help him on his way.

If you would like to donate to Nathan’s fund, please pop your donations into the Y office in the Bonnygate or go to his just giving page: you can access it by clicking on the image below …

Eyes open …

Nathan grew up in Cupar, the youngest of four boys. He struggled a lot in high school and ended up leaving early due to some mental health issues. But fortunately, this is what got him involved in the YMCA and Cupar Youth Café.

He started in their 16+ Programme and after six months became a voluntary youth worker for their evening sessions.  Nathan says: “Those six months passed and I had a major focus on my CV, achieving the 200 hours voluntary award on Saltire Awards and completing multiple training courses for youth work.”

At the same time, a post opened in Fife Council for youth work. Nathan applied, got the job, realising his goal at the time of becoming a youth worker. He adds: “I never really traveled outside of Cupar until I got this job. It has sent me to various places around north-east Fife and allowed me to open my eyes to the different areas around me.”

Showcasing Cupar to the world …

Gemma, the Cupar Youth Café’s Co-ordinator, will be joining Nathan and the YMCA Scotland delegation – and the fund raising being undertaken is to ensure both of Cupar’s representatives get to Kenya.

Recently, Gemma graduated with a 1st Class BA degree in Community Education from University of Dundee. She has been invited to present her university research paper – highlighting the work undertaken at the Youth Cafe in Cupar – all tied in with implementing Vision 2030. Gemma says: “We are over the moon for Nathan. This is such a fantastic opportunity for him, chosen as one of only two youngsters from Scotland for their ‘Change Agents’ ideas.” Gemma adds: “He will get to meet other like-minded youngsters from all over the world, to share ideas and to bring that knowledge and experience back to help other youngsters in our town.” On her own role, she says: “I was so surprised to have been asked to attend. I really enjoyed the work I put into my degree. To have this recognition is brilliant but it also means we will be able to raise the profile of the Youth Cafe and all of the support work delivered by Cupar Y.“

Gemma and all of the at the Youth Café do an amazing job supporting and working with young people from across Cupar’s community. Together with Nathan, they will bring back a wealth of experiences, new skills and ideas which will only enhance and benefit the project’s work.

 

Thanks for reading!

Please feel free to share with anyone who might be interested in this story.