As we reached 25 years since the doors of our purpose-built Community and International Leadership Centre were opened by our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, we wanted to celebrate and mark all that has been achieved so far. This milestone gave us the chance to stop, listen and reflect on what these 25 years have taught us about what matters most.
Over the last 18 months we have revisited and shared 25 stories from across Columba 1400. Stories of young people, teachers, headteachers, parents, communities and leaders who have been part of our journey. Each one reflects a point where something changed – a shift in confidence, a change in perspective or a decision to do something differently.
Taken together, these stories show the transformational impact of our work. They have also reminded us that change begins with people. They arrive at a Columban experience often carrying a great deal with them – tough realities, and sometimes a sense of uncertainty about who they are or what their future holds. What matters is not that we have all the answers but that we create the space for people to feel listened to, valued and seen – to know that they matter, realise their potential – and to take time to reflect on who they are and what matters to them.
In that space, something begins to shift. Not always in a dramatic or immediate way, but often in quieter, more lasting ways. A young person begins to see themselves differently. A teacher remembers the potential that there is in every young person. A head teacher is reminded as to why they went into teaching in the first place. A parent finds renewed confidence. A senior leader reflects on the kind of culture they want to create. These changes may sound small, but they are significant, and often lifechanging.
Looking across these 25 stories, we have also been reminded that the impact of our work does not end when the 6–9-month Leadership Academy finishes. We know that when people reconnect with what matters to them – their values, their purpose, their self-belief – that shift stays with them. It finds its way back into their everyday life, into schools, into homes, into communities and into the systems that shape everyday life.
Over time, those individual moments begin to connect. A young person’s confidence influences their peers. A Head Teacher shapes the culture of a school. A parent strengthens the foundations of a family or makes a positive contribution in their community. A senior leader begins to influence the way services are delivered. Gradually, these ripple effects build into something more significant – stronger relationships, stronger communities and a stronger sense of trust, hope and belonging.
This is how real lasting change happens – one on one, one by one and then in partnerships.
This is so important in the context we are working in today. Scotland has a clear and ambitious vision for its young people, yet the reality for many is shaped by poverty, inequality and increasing pressure on families and services. Our reflection over the past year has not changed that reality, but it has reinforced where we believe our contribution lies.
We know that sustainable change does not begin with systems alone. It begins with people. When people feel listened to, understood and valued, they open up and trust grows. Relationships strengthen and from there, the possibility of doing things differently begins.
This is where we sit – alongside young people, schools, families, communities and public service partners. Scotland faces significant challenges in relation to child poverty, educational inequality, wellbeing and youth transitions into adulthood. While policy and services remain important, lasting change depends upon whether young people experience trust, hope, belonging and meaningful relationships. Columba 1400’s contribution is to strengthen these foundations so that young people, families and communities can thrive.
Everything we do flows from our warmth of welcome, the warmth of hospitality and the warmth of being on a shared journey – they shape how every experience feels. They influence how people are welcomed, how they are listened to, and how safe they feel to reflect and grow, because we know that the most important person is always the next young person to cross our threshold and how they are welcomed and looked after will have an impact their whole life long.
As we have reflected on these stories, our sense of direction has not changed, but it has become more focused. Our North Star remains clear. We exist so that young people, and the key adults in their lives, can discover not only who they are, but most importantly, who they might yet become.
Read our 25 stories here.
