Day 2: Post written by Symone McGee
People like to use
the expression, "the world is small" to describe those funny moments
when you see a familiar person in a strange location or when your best friend
somehow knows your favorite cousin. We never really think about the ways in
which our world (which is, in reality, a VERY big place) is small. Small
because of the similarities we share with people all around the world. Today,
in a country thousands of miles away from my home, the size our world came into
focus in 3 ways.
1. Programs: We met the leaders of a program that helps young
adults to connect to the workforce. This program serves students in 6 countries
around the world. This reminded us all of our program in Charlotte, YAchievers
where we help to build bridges for students towards a brighter future. And get this...the program directors name was also SYMONE. :) We
also visited the classrooms of students in their primary school...shout out to
Y Readers!
2. Volunteerism: At our Y, volunteers are at the heart of how we
change lives in our community. In Dakar, volunteers serve as teachers at
schools in areas far from the city. Children who do not have access to a
quality education receive literacy training through a program called Amensence.
It is truly a Y without walls.
3. Our communities: After spending the morning choosing designs for
custom made dresses in the city, we ventured to the suburbs. The difference was
drastic and instantly noticeable. The biggest difference was the children. In
the city the students were in classrooms with desks and notebooks. Here, the
students were outside, most without shoes. The table in their classroom was a
large tire with a slab of wood across it. It made me realize that the "tale
of two cities" that we experience was not only an issue in Charlotte but here
as well.
I know that through
this experience I am changing as a person. I feel even more inspired to make a
change through our Y. "Ak Benn"- one more step.
Symone A. McGee
YMCA of Greater Charlotte
High School Initiatives Manager, Community Impact
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