It was a high level start of this course with inspiring welcoming messages and an outstanding lecture by Professor Antonio Sampaio da Novoa with a focus on contemporary challenges affecting young people in Europe and globally.
Mr. Sampaio Novoa, has just finished his term as UNESCO Ambassador and is the honorary Rector of the University of Lisbon.
The students, all of them representing local or national YMCAs in Europe and beyond, were are greeted in person by Ana Catarina Mendes, Minister of Parliament Affairs.
Mrs Mendes, Minister of the Cabinet of the Prime Minister of the Portuguese Government, officially welcomed all participants to Portugal and highlighted the crucial role of organisations like the YMCA in addressing social issues at all levels, especially those affecting young people.
Professor Jose Crespo de Carvalho, President and Director of ISCTE-Executive Education, welcomed all students to the course and emphasized the affective partnership with YMCA Europe in the design of this programme which goal is to serve the needs of our movement in terms of management, sustainability and growth.
Professor Crespo de Carvalho introduced Mrs. Maria das Dores Guerreiro, University’s Vice-Rector for Internalisation spoke about the connection between formal education and the social sector creating spaces for networking and institutional development.
On behalf of the YMCA, Juan Simoes Iglesias thanked the Executive Education team, the students and the YMCAs that invested in this programme for their staff and volunteers as an effective tool for movement strengthening. The content and methodology aim to increase our impact at all levels.
The sessions finished by a round of introductions and expectations by each students, followed by some valuable information about the course led by Professors Luis Martins, Francisco Nunes and by YMCA Setubal’s Secretary General Luis Sebastiao.
The Master programme includes 3 week’s session in person in Lisbon (September 2022, January 2023 and September 2023) and monthly online sessions during the next 12 months with a practical methodology which will provide the capacities and skills to the students.
The post Graduation Diploma of the ISCTE University Institute of Lisbon is recognised by the Bolognia process. George Williams College as part of YMCA England & Wales cooperates with YMCA Europe in this programme
