Once a Columban Always a Columban

Wed, Aug 30th 2023 at 12:40 pm - 2:00 pm

John Christie told us of the life changing work done by Columba 1400

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Speaker at the meeting was past president John Christie who gave an inspiring talk about the work of Columba 1400, an organisation with which he has a role as a tutor. Established by Norman Drummond in 2000 following his experience as both a chaplain and school headmaster, the organisation provides leadership academies for both young people and head teachers. Residential courses are provided from the organisation's bases on the Isle of Skye and the Blair Estate in Dalry, or by place-based academies delivered entirely in the young person's local community. The six core values of the organisation, described as the essential qualities needed in a leader, include awareness, focus, integrity, perseverance and service.
Candidates for the academies are put forward by schools and may be individuals or young carers who attend in groups of sixteen supported by four tutors. Over 12000 young people have attended academies with results which have encouraged the establishment of similar organisations in Australia and South Africa, all based on the same criteria to bring about the best outcomes for participants and their communities.

Funding of the organisation in Scotland has been by a combination of private individuals and government sources who recognise the significant outcomes from the work of the organisation. Rotarian Alan MacDonald proposed the Vote of thanks to the speaker.