How Nataliya, an 18 year old YMCA volunteer started a YMCA in Ukraine

"In the middle of difficulty lies your greatest opportunity", Sir Bob Geldorf.

"It starts with me" - this inspiration helped me to believe in myself. I realised that it is realistic to be an active member of our society and to work towards a better future - we are the future of our countries, we can make changes, it starts with us!

As soon as I turned 18 I went to West London YMCA as an International Volunteer not knowing what my trip would bring and what to expect from a new country, new people, new life. I was optimistic as previous experience has developed my passion for travelling, a desire to explore and grasp once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

I wanted the children in Ukraine to benefit from my experience at West London YMCA. "Would they like to have an English friend?", I thought. And a new Pen Pals project came to life.

Children shared their culture through writing letters to each other, and some of the children expressed an interest to see their new pen pal friend. I wondered if it would be possible for them to meet each other and luckily there was an opportunity for a group of Ukrainian children to come to the English YMCA Camp 'Stage-Fright' where West London YMCA children went in spring.

So, in order to support this project I discussed with other leaders of a Ukrainian English Language Club called 'Natlen'  the idea of turning the club into a YMCA.

And in February 2005 the new Sviatoshynska YMCA in Kiev, Ukraine was founded. The priceless experience West London YMCA gave me and our future partnership will be a key factor in developing my new YMCA.

I would like to say a huge thank you to all who have helped me, especially Michael Johnson who supervises my work at West London YMCA. And I also want to share this with you: take every opportunity, challenge yourself, do not waste your precious time as it won't wait for you. If it doesn't start with us, who does it start with?

Nataliya has completed her volunteer placement with us promoting international work, and is a President of Sviatoshynska YMCA in Kyiv, Ukraine.