YMCA Pietermaritzburg is a registered nonprofit youth development organisation – serving the Pietermaritzburg youth and community since 1875. Being an affiliate of the South African National Council of YMCA’s, Africa Alliance of YMCA’s and World Alliance of YMCA’s on a global scale, the organisation’s core mandate is to seek to develop holistic youth leadership development programmes and services building youth in mind, body and spirit.While the YMCA roots its founding principles and ethos in Christian values, its programmatic approach remains a non-discriminatory and inclusive reach to all youth. The YMCA provides a welcoming space to all youth, irrespective of socio-economic background, gender, religion, race, culture and/or ethnicity.
Our valuesWe know that lasting individual and social change comes about when we all work together. The spirit and values of the YMCA Pietermaritzburg are defined by five words: Caring, Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and Ubuntu.
Caring – We see the value in each person´s personal and professional wellbeing and success. From a holistic perspective, we care for each person´s body, mind and spirit.
Respect – We see the value in each and everyone´s rights, personal qualities and dreams. Therefore, we value respectful treatment towards one another, respecting a person´s free expression.
Responsibility – We take responsibility for our community and community members. We aim to be a reliable actor in our community, where we work together with individuals and other actors for the sake of the community.
Honesty – We believe, that to be truly successful, we must always be honest and open with our beneficiaries, partners, volunteers and employees. We believe in building relationships characterized by trust and faith.
Ubuntu – We believe in solidarity. We value Ubuntu as a sense of giving and a sense of selflessness. Ubuntu is also about seeing your next in a way where you sense what the person wants or needs without asking.