Twenty-three young leaders and volunteers from 10 local YMCAs across the Czech Republic travelled to Munich from 16 to 18 October for an intensive weekend of leadership development, practical learning and international exchange.
The visit was organised through PraMeNy, a programme supporting young and promising YMCA leaders. Its YMCA Leadership Development Course combined 16 hours of structured learning with direct exposure to youth work in practice. Developed in cooperation with CVJM (YMCA) München, the programme focused on team leadership, volunteer coordination and the design of meaningful activities for children and young people.
Joachim Schmutz, Secretary of CVJM München, led a workshop exploring YMCA leadership, the movement’s development and the ways in which its mission is translated into local action. Participants were also able to compare experiences from their own communities and discuss how leadership principles can respond to different local realities.
Learning continued beyond the training room through visits to the LIFE and JUZE youth centres. At LIFE, the group met the centre’s director, René, and Milan, a volunteer originally from the Czech Republic, who shared practical approaches to engaging local young people. At JUZE, participants joined activities with children and volunteers, gaining first-hand insight into the centre’s methods.
Another session introduced a year-long programme that supports young students with career guidance and decisions about their future. Participants also learned about work with Ukrainian refugees and explored practical activities designed to build trust, strengthen team spirit and help people feel welcome in a new group.
The weekend also included opportunities to meet the wider YMCA community in Munich, including participation in Holy Ground, a local gathering that reflects the YMCA’s values and community life.
More than a study visit, the programme gave participants concrete methods and ideas that they can adapt within their local YMCAs. It also demonstrated the value of cooperation across national borders, connecting emerging leaders with experienced practitioners and different models of youth work.
The course was implemented within the European Union-funded Operational Programme Jan Amos Komenský (OP JAK), Šablony.
YMCA extends its thanks to CVJM München for its cooperation and hospitality, and to all participants for their active contribution throughout the programme.
