NEWS
QUEBEC-CAMEROON EXCHANGE PROGRAM: FOLLOW UP
Did you know that YWCA hosted four women from Cameroon (Marie-Madeleine Kepatou, Rosette Yvette Ngankou, Elise Ngonsu, Florence Ernest) during a two week visit from June 7 to 22? The aim of this exchange program between YWCA Montreal and YWCA Cameroon was to share best practices on issues of social and economic development.
For almost ten years, our organization has been paired with YWCA Cameroon through YWCA Canada. In 2002, Claudette Demers Godley, former executive director of the YWCA Montreal, visited the YWCA Cameroon to better understand their programs, their successes and their challenges. Since then, we have continued to learn about each other’s intervention approaches and the issues related to our common social commitment. For over a year, the YWCA International Committee has been preparing for the arrival of the President of the YWCA Cameroon and three of her colleagues.
During their time in Montreal, they participated in various workshops, trainings and professional exchanges created specifically for them which explored several themes such as:
- Advocacy for women’s and children’s rights;
- Literacy and strengthening of parental capacities;
- Prevention of HIV/AIDS transmission;
- Women’s mental health and well-being;
- Leadership development for women and girls, etc.
The visit has been an unforgettable experience for them as well as for us. Their energy, along with a determination to learn and understand our working methods, allowed them to integrate the YWCA’s tools and practices as well as those of our partner organ- izations – namely, Action des femmes handicapées, GAP-VIES, Solidarité Sawa, Mouvement contre le viol et l’inceste, etc. – which they will share with their community on their return.
To make their stay even more enjoyable, we added some cultural and leisure activities to their very busy agendas. We accompanied them to the Biodôme, to Jean-Talon Market, to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Science Museum, to the Francofolies and on numerous walks in Montreal’s parks and neighbourhoods.
Before they returned home, a festive evening was held in their honour on June 17th at the YWCA, filled with the colours and flavours of Cameroon. On the program: a night of dancing, celebrating and tasty Cameroonian cuisine! In addition, a silent auction of handmade crafts raised $300 which will help pay for their trip!
For more information, call Niki Paquin at 514.866.9941, poste 232
NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE YWCA MONTREAL
A well-known figure in Montreal’s community sector, Geneviève Grégoire joins the YWCA Montreal team as executive director after seven years at the helm of la Maison du Père.
The YWCA Montreal, a vital part of the Montreal landscape since 1875, is celebrating its 135th anniversary serving Montreal women. Through its programs and diverse activities, the organization fulfills its mission – empowering women and girls to achieve.
Ms. Grégoire heads a dynamic team of almost 70 employees and 400 volunteers. A graduate of the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) in management studies, she has just received her diploma in public administration from the École nationale d'administration publique (ENAP).