Global Youth Conference (GYC)

In 2023, the 7th Global Youth Conference (GYC) split into two sessions. The first, "Towards Sustainable Living," merged a hybrid keynote and panel discussion on February 26. The August 11-13 event engaged 36 participants from 19 countries and 11 global volunteers, focusing on Environmental Action. Discussions tackled individual and societal impacts on the environment, addressing greenwashing. Culminating in a 'Call to Action,' the conference urged support for combating global warming and climate change, fostering collaborative solutions for a sustainable future.
 

Youth for Causes (YFC)

In the year 2023, the "Youth for Causes" initiative at Osaka YMCA International College International Business Course continued to thrive with the active engagement of eight passionate teams. Their collective efforts resulted in a total revenue of 217,543 yen, reflecting their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. Notably, amidst their endeavors, these teams allocated a significant fund of 73,513 yen towards charitable causes, reaffirming their commitment to social impact and community welfare. 

Global Youth Conference (GYC)

In 2022, the 6th Global Youth Conference (GYC) convened online from March 25th to 27th. Engaging 40 participants from 14 countries and supported by 30 global volunteers spanning seven nations, the focus centered on "Youth Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital World." Discussions highlighted challenges like online isolation and unrealistic digital expectations, culminating in a 'Call to Action' urging community stakeholders to bolster support systems for youth mental health. Participants collaborated across borders, exploring AI and social media's impact on mental health, fostering a successful conference and setting a model for future online GYC events, all thanks to the dedication of volunteers.
 

Youth for Causes (YFC)

In the year 2022, the "Youth for Causes" initiative at Osaka YMCA International College International Business Course witnessed a vibrant engagement with the participation of seven dedicated teams. Together, their collective efforts yielded a commendable total revenue of 275,748 yen. Remarkably, amid their pursuit of entrepreneurial success, these teams displayed an admirable commitment to social welfare, directing a substantial sum of XXX,XXX yen towards charitable causes.

Youth for Causes (YFC)

In the year 2021, the "Youth for Causes" initiative at Osaka YMCA International College International Business Course marked a notable chapter in its journey. Six determined teams took center stage, collectively generating a substantial revenue of 229,023 yen. Amidst their entrepreneurial endeavors, these teams remained steadfast in their commitment to social responsibility, directing a commendable sum of 94,500 yen towards charitable causes.

Youth for Causes (YFC)

In the vibrant landscape of 2020, the "Youth for Causes" program at Osaka YMCA International College International Business Course experienced a surge in participation, engaging eight impassioned teams. Their collective efforts resulted in a remarkable revenue of 164,900 yen. Notably, these teams exemplified their commitment to societal impact by dedicating a substantial sum of 104,500 yen to charitable causes.
 

Global Studies Program (GSP)

In 2020, the Global Studies Program expanded with eight students from Whittlesea YMCA. Over three immersive weeks, the program emphasized Japanese language and culture, offering 60 hours of classes. Participants engaged in a variety of cultural experiences and day trips, all curated to enrich their understanding of Japan's language and vibrant heritage.

Global Youth Conference (GYC)

In 2019 August 6-9, 94 young people from around the world came together to discuss important global issues at the fifth annual Global Youth Conference at Mt Rokko.
Participants from 13 different countries explored 2019 GYC's topic, the Environment. There were 4 workshops on Sustainable Cities, Understanding Ecological Footprint, Human Wastefulness & Post consumer decision.
We had keynote speaker Bianca Yamaguchi, a pioneer in zero waste living in Japan and the author of The Zero Way.
For Japanese culture, we had Okinawan music performer, National and international award winning DJ Hi - C who was accompanied by breakdancer B-Boy Kossy, and a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony by Katone Baba.
 

Global Internship Program (GIP)

2019 Internship Program hosted 31 interns from 11 locations including America, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Canada, India, Indonesia, Phillippines, Korea and Japan. Interns worked as camp leaders at Camp Anan and the Global Learning Center at Mt Rokko, as conference facilitators for the GYC, Aquatics instructors at our international school (OYIS), teaching assisntant at International High School, teaching assisntant at our international kindergarten, teaching assistant at our highschool (Suito), early childhood development, communications specialists.
 

Youth for Causes (YFC)

In a significant shift in 2019, the "Youth for Causes" program at Osaka YMCA International College International Business Course broadened its scope from exclusively creating social businesses to offering students the opportunity to craft social campaigns dedicated solely to social impact. Simultaneously, the class structure transitioned from selective to mandatory, expanding the program from a single-semester format to a year-long commitment involving six dynamic teams. While their combined efforts generated a revenue of 160,395 yen, the allocation of 56,628 yen to charitable causes underscored their renewed emphasis on social impact beyond financial gains.
 

Global Studies Program (GSP)

In 2019, the Global Studies Program launched with three students from Whittlesea YMCA. This three-week initiative focused on immersing participants in Japanese language and culture, offering 60 hours of classes and a range of cultural experiences and day trips. Designed to enhance understanding, it aimed to enrich participants' grasp of Japan's language and vibrant heritage.

Global Youth Conference (GYC)

In 2018 August 6-10, 102 young people from around the world came together to discuss important global issues at the fourth annual Global Youth Conference at Mt Rokko.
Participants from 21 different countries explored two main themes, Mental Health in Youth and Artificial Intelligence.  In Mental Health they discussed two main topics 'Mental Health and Stigma' and 'Mental Health in Education' and in Articifial Intelligence, 'AI and Companionship' and 'AI in the Workplace'.
We had keynote speaker photojournalist and filmmaker Travis Beard. For Japanese culture, we had Taiko group Kouryo Kinmei Daiko perform, Katsura Asakichi perform traditional Rakugo in English, and live painter Mon share the process of live painting by making art with all participants.
 

Global Internship Program (GIP)

2018 Internship Program hosted 42 interns from 10 locations including America, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Canada, Germany, Myanmar and Japan. Interns worked as camp leaders at Camp Anan and the Global Learning Center at Mt Rokko, as conference facilitators for the GYC, Aquatics instructors at our international school (OYIS), international kindergarten assistant teachers, communications specialists.
 

Youth for Causes (YFC)

In the spring semester of 2018, four enthusiastic teams joined the "Youth for Causes" initiative at Osaka YMCA International College International Business Course, collectively generating an impressive revenue of 337,400 yen. Notably, these teams exemplified their unwavering commitment to societal impact by generously donating 265,741 yen to charitable endeavors. Transitioning to the fall semester of 2018, the program continued with a single dedicated team, despite their limited numbers. Despite this, the team managed to achieve a commendable total fund of 18,800 yen. Remarkably, mirroring their profit, they wholeheartedly donated the entirety of their earnings, totaling 11,117 yen, to charitable causes.

Global Youth Conference (GYC)

2017 August 7-11th, 130 young people from around the world came together to discuss important global issues at the third annual Global Youth Conference at Mt Rokko.
Participants from 18 different countries gained new perspectives on issues such as 'Fake News', 'How to Identify and Overcome Cultural Sterotypes and Racism', 'Working Towards Gender Equality',  and 'Global Warming & Climate Change'. We had keynote speaker journalist, photographer and documentary producer Kjeld Duits, present on inspiration, finding your voice and self. For Japanese culture, we had a Biwa player, a Kendo presentation, and a world reknowned scratch DJ show his skills.
 

Global Internship Program (GIP)

2017 Internship Program hosted 36 interns from 8 locations including America, Australia, Colombia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Myanmar. Interns worked as camp leaders at Camp Anan and the Global Learning Center at Mt Rokko, as conference facilitators for the GYC, Aquatics instructors at our international school (OYIS), international kindergarten assistant teachers, communications specialists.
 

Youth for Causes (YFC)

In the spring of 2017, within Osaka YMCA International College International Business Course's selective program, "Youth for Causes," three pioneering teams launched a social enterprise initiative, amassing an impressive revenue of 98,600 yen. Demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility, these teams furthered their impact by generously donating 49,280 yen to charitable endeavors. Transitioning to the fall semester of 2017, two teams collectively raised a commendable total fund of 159,900 yen, going beyond financial gains by contributing 40,000 yen to charitable causes.

Global Youth Conference (GYC)

The 2016 2nd Global Youth Conference hosted 90 delegates from 13 countries. The Conference was supported for the first time by the GYC Youth Committee which was made up of representative interns, high-school students, university students and young Osaka YMCA staff. The workshop topics were: Social Enterprise, The Global Refugee Crisis, Internet Identity and Freedom of the Press with Freedom of the press voted as in as the topic of debate at the General Assembly. We also had guest keynote speakers Cosmic Lab, renown 3D visual artists, present on DIY culture and Michael Delaney on Youth Leadership.
 

Global Internship Program (GIP)

In 2016, Osaka YMCA hosted 35 interns from 8 countries including America, China (Hong Kong), Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, Germany, Taiwan and Japan. Interns worked as camp leaders at Camp Anan and the Global Learning Center at Mt Rokko, as conference facilitators for the GYC, Aquatics instructors at our international school (OYIS), international kindergarten assistant teachers, communications specialists and social enterprise researchers.

Global Youth Conference (GYC)

Our very first conference! We hosted 90 delegates from 14 countries and took our first steps to creating a dynamic, educational and empowering conference for youth run by youth. The conference had workshops on Fair Trade, Personal Development, Sustainable Living and Online Bullying which were run by our intern facilitators. We also hosted guest speakers Ms. Catherine Taylor, the Australian Consul-General to Japan at the time and Mr. TBC from University.
 

Global Internship Program (GIP)

In 2015, we hosted 24 interns from America (Honolulu), Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia & Taiwan. Interns worked at the Global Youth Conference. Interns worked as camp leaders at Camp Rokko and The Global Learning Center, Mt Rokko, pioneered as our first GYC Workshop facilitators, and teaching assistants and at our International High School and Kindergartens. We piloted a successful aquatics program for a week.