The Power of Belief

For many young people, life can feel like a series of obstacles rather than opportunities.

Growing up in tough realities, they often learn to keep their expectations low, believing that leadership and success are reserved for others. But something shifts when they take part in a Columba 1400 Young People’s Leadership Academy (YPLA) – a space where they are truly seen, heard, and valued.

From the moment they begin, they can tell something is different. There are no lectures, no pressure – just an environment where their potential is recognised, even before they see it themselves.

Over the next few months, through deep conversations, personal reflection, and shared experiences, they begin to discover that they are capable of leading, of contributing, of shaping their own futures.

“Before Columba 1400 I just did not feel confident at all, I just felt scared to do anything. Now, after Columba 1400 I feel really confident in everything I do and I’m a lot more happy.”

This transformation is not an isolated event. Thousands of young people have walked this path with Columba 1400, discovering a sense of self-worth, confidence, and resilience that changes the course of their lives.

From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief

The first step in a young person’s journey with Columba 1400 is often the hardest: believing in themselves. Independent evaluations show that before joining a YPLA, many young people struggle with confidence and self-esteem. But after the experience:

  • 93% report high or very high confidence – up from 22% (University of Glasgow, 2015).
  • 85% say their self-esteem has improved (McKinlay, 2022).
  • 89% feel more resilient and ready to take on challenges (McKinlay, 2022).
  • 45% reported improved mental health, with many saying they now feel less anxious in social situations (University of Glasgow, 2015).

“I grew as a person, and I learned things about myself I never knew. I learned to believe in myself and my capabilities. My experience with Columba 1400 opened so many doors for me and I built relationships that have lasted to this day.”

Stepping Forward as Leaders

When young people start to see their own worth, they begin to act differently. They speak up more, take on responsibilities, and engage more positively with those around them.

  • 85% feel encouraged to take on leadership roles in school (McKinlay, 2022).
  • 62% step into more responsibilities in school or college (University of Glasgow, 2015).
  • 43% engage in volunteering after their experience (University of Glasgow, 2015).

Young people who once felt invisible now lead school initiatives, mentor their peers, and take ownership of their futures. They don’t just dream of change – they start making it happen.

A Future They Never Thought Possible

For many young people, the impact of Columba 1400 goes far beyond their time in the YPLA. It shapes their education, careers, and long-term aspirations.

  • 72% say their experience helped them achieve better qualifications (University of Glasgow, 2015).
  • 64% report higher aspirations after completing a YPLA (McKinlay, 2022).
  • 82% say they feel more confident in job-seeking and career planning (University of Glasgow, 2015).

“I don’t think I’d be here, where I am today or still in school if it weren’t for Columba 1400. I didn’t value school back then, I thought school was school and I was going to leave and get a job, do a 9 to 5. But now I feel I have a bigger purpose; it was life changing.”

Even years later, the impact remains. Alumni continue to use Columba 1400 values daily, with 77% drawing on integrity and 67% relying on focus to guide their choices (University of Glasgow, 2015).

Beyond the Individual: A Ripple Effect of Change

When a young person experiences this transformation, it doesn’t just affect them – it affects their families, schools, and communities.

They return home with a new sense of confidence, strengthening relationships with parents, teachers, and friends. They take what they’ve learned and apply it to help others, creating a ripple effect of leadership, resilience, and possibility.

For these young people, the future is no longer a distant, unreachable thing. It’s something they are building – one decision, one challenge, one act of leadership at a time.

This is the power of Columba 1400. This is the journey of transformation.

For individual stories about the impact of Columba 1400’s YPLA on young people visit Jessica’s Story and Kodie’s Story.

To find out more about our Young People’s Leadership Academies visit us here or email us at [email protected] – we would love to hear from you.