To carry out our mission of transforming lives of individuals and communities, YMCAs have to continually develop their capacity to deliver relevant and professional services, strengthen their knowledge and ensure strong governance and administration. Here, the Africa Alliance of YMCAs, along with our partners, has a vital role to play.

As part of the YMCA’s Global Operating Plan (GOP) for movement strengthening, several Africa Alliance movements are engaged in Country Focus Strategies with partners. These strategies and Road Map plans are aimed at strengthening the YMCA from the bottom up, enabling sustainability and self-determination in the areas of Mission Clarity, Programme Relevance and Institutional Viability. Sierra Leone, Ghana, Ethiopia and Zambia GOP1 (first phase) countries have developed with very good results. GOP2 for Madagascar, Togo and South Africa laid the foundation for more focused and measurable movement development.

The Africa Alliance also engages African YMCAs on an annual basis through National General Secretary and Board Development training. This training is aimed at developing senior staff leadership capacity, enhancing governance of the YMCAs, and developing capacity for national resource mobilisation.