In 2024, YMCA Europe made significant strides in reinforcing the capacity and sustainability of its National Movements through a diverse range of structured interventions, tools, and collaborations. The full report for 2024 is available here.
Thirteen National Movements received personalised feedback through the 2024 Health Assessment process. This foundational tool continues to guide targeted support and identify development priorities, enabling data-driven organisational strengthening across the region.
Organisational Development
Tailored support was provided to National Movements engaged in organisational development planning, with customised roadmaps, KPIs, and expert guidance based on their Health Assessment outcomes. YMCA Malta, Romania, and Ukraine were actively supported in this process, with Albania and Slovakia newly entering the framework. Special attention was also offered to YMCA Belarus and Moldova, while emerging initiatives in Belgium, Cyprus, and Poland received focused mentorship and guidance.
Twenty-five young leaders graduated from the “Youth Educates” Leadership Academy, co-funded by the European Youth Foundation. The programme included two international sessions and the local implementation of 18 non-formal educational activities, directly benefiting 563 young people. All graduates expressed a high level of satisfaction, with 100% recommending the course to peers. The programme’s success led to the approval of a follow-up edition in 2025.
YMCA Europe concluded the “Measuring Impact of Youth Organisations” project, in partnership with WOSM and Maynooth University. A new impact measurement tool was developed and tested, with the dissemination event held at the European Parliament. This represents a major step toward evidence-based advocacy and strategic planning.
The Board Induction Guide was developed and published, with practical applications already underway. Workshops were delivered in Cyprus for new initiatives and in Romania as part of broader governance support. These efforts underline YMCA Europe’s commitment to building transparent, accountable, and well-governed organisations.
The Movement Strengthening Committee developed a comprehensive Educational Ecosystem approach, aligning strategic priorities with local realities. This model integrates health assessments, existing initiatives, and future-focused planning to support lifelong learning and leadership development within the movement.
The Movement Strengthening Library was expanded to include resources on “Future Foreseeing,” succession planning, and the new Board Induction Guide. These additions strengthen the movement’s knowledge base and support long-term planning.
Field and Regional Coordination
Regular coordination was maintained with YMCA Field Groups in Ukraine and Belarus, alongside engagement with the West Balkan Network and the SYRUS youth group, ensuring context-specific responses and solidarity across regions.
Close coordination with key partners such as YMCA Germany, YMCA USA, YMCA World (SAMS and LII groups), and Y’s Men International continued, reinforcing cross-border support and synergy in strengthening national movements.
The Movement Strengthening Committee held four official meetings (three online, one in person), developed a new Movement Strengthening Strategy, updated its Terms of Reference, and recruited four new members. The Action Plans and Toolkits for 2024 and 2025 were updated to align with current priorities.
Movement Strengthening Committee Team
Anthony Camilleri – YMCA Malta
Gerhard Wiebe – YMCA Germany
Ian McKenzie – YMCA Ireland
Jillian Law – YMCA Scotland
Marina Martynenko – ex Board Member YMCA Europe
Paul Smillie (Chair) – YMCA England & Wales
Roberto Gerace – YMCA Siderno, Italy
and Olga Lukina as dedicated staff
