In September 2006, Carolyn Tyner, Manager YMCA Aquatics, visited YMCA of Kingston Jamaica with the Henry Labatte Scholarship.  The YMCA of Kingston Jamaica has been our international partner since 1984.

On her visit she had the opportunity to:

• Tour various Jamaican YMCA centres
• Share new training techniques with international swim instructors
• Make new friends with Jamaican YMCA staff and members
• Teach swim lessons to international children

By the end of her trip, Kingston staff were teaching side glides, incorporating the principles into front crawl progressions and using some of the Li’l Dipper pre-school progressions.  Kingston staff absorbed the knowledge Carolyn shared and were even open to trying singing in their children's swim lessons, despite claiming to be terrible singers.   

Carolyn has taken with her an increased understanding of International YMCAs and a new perspective on using resources creatively.  She continues to reflect on our current training methods here in Canada and how they can be enhanced.

Although the YMCA of Kingston is sometimes short on material resources, it never lacks effort, caring or hope. Her visit confirmed that the YMCA of Kingston builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

The Henry Labatte Scholarship Fund is one way the YMCA of Greater Toronto gives our staff opportunities to experience cross-cultural education through the International YMCA Movement.

It serves to strengthen our international understanding and promote our staff's personal and professional development as well as enhance the Association’s capacity to further the International Program goals and knowledge.