Every year, Columba 1400 welcomes young people from Levenmouth Academy in Fife onto the Donaldson’s Leadership Academy through our Young People’s Leadership Academy (YPLA). This is made possible thanks to the long-standing investment of the Donaldson Group, in partnership with Fife Council. Established in 2008, the Donaldson Leadership Academy was created to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the local area, helping them to realise their potential as leaders and contributors within their own communities.
In 2023/4 five young people from Levenmouth Academy – Hayley, Hannah, Sophie, Maisie and Coby – began their Columban journey feeling nervous and not quite knowing what to expect. For each of them, the experience was life-changing, shaping their confidence, leadership and sense of purpose – and ultimately taking them all the way to Zimbabwe.
Our YPLA takes place over three phases: an introductory phase exploring an introduction to values and self-awareness; followed by the residential element at our purpose-built Community and International Leadership Centre in Staffin, Isle of Skye where the young people continue to explore what is important to them, whilst taking part in immersive, values-based leadership experiences, and finally, the third phase where young people bring what they have discovered about themselves back into their schools and communities to make a difference.
At first, they were a little unsure of what awaited them on Skye:
“I was quite nervous,” Hayley admitted, “but it was such a good opportunity – I had to take it.”
For some of them, it was their first time away from home for more than a few days. For all of them it was their first trip to Skye. The unfamiliar setting and activities could have been daunting, but the warm welcome and the hospitality in such a beautiful and inclusive space made everyone feel listened to and respected which put them all at ease.
“We always sat in a circle – it made everyone feel equal,” remembered Hannah.
“The team in Skye were so welcoming. The cooks were some of the nicest people I’ve ever met,” said Coby with a grin as he recalls the delicious food served up to the group every day.
Over the course of their time in Skye, they felt something change. Outdoor challenges like ‘Search and Rescue’, reflective conversations, mixed group activities and lots of laughter drew them closer together. Each day brought new insights about themselves and about what leadership means.
Hayley remembers a key moment vividly: “In one of the activities, I realised something wasn’t working, and it was one of the first times I remember I felt like speaking up. I’d never really done that before.”
By the end of the residential element, they had built new friendships and a deeper understanding of their own strengths – and how they could use them to make positive changes in their own communities and further afield.
A Journey Beyond Skye
When an opportunity came up to take part in a school trip to Zimbabwe, it felt like a natural next step – a chance to put what they had learnt about themselves into action. Their school was offering fully funded places for a trip to Africa, giving pupils the chance to work with local schools, learn about daily life there, and support fundraising for much needed supplies and facilities.
Hayley explained how the experience on Skye had prepared her:
“Before Columba 1400, I hadn’t been away from home for that long before. But I remembered how nervous I’d been before Skye and realised I felt more ready for it this time because of all the experiences I’d had with Columba 1400. I felt much more comfortable.”
Maisie agreed, smiling: “I don’t think I’d have had the same confidence going to Africa if I hadn’t done Columba 1400 first. I was never homesick – I was just excited to be there.”
Their time in Zimbabwe brought the Columban values to life – especially creativity, focus and service. When classroom plans had to change unexpectedly, the group drew on what they had learned on Skye.
“We’d planned classroom activities,” said Maisie, “but ended up outside, so we thought about the games we’d done at Columba 1400. We had to improvise and be creative.”
Back home, they had organised a race-night fundraiser, raising more than £3,300 to improve facilities at one of the schools in Victoria Falls.
“We wanted to do something permanent,” Maisie said. “So, we used the money raised to build toilet blocks – the old long-drop ones kept caving in. We painted them and put our handprints and names on the walls.”
Becoming Leaders Who Believe in Themselves
Each of the five young leaders reflected on what they were most proud of about themselves, after their experiences with Columba 1400 and travelling to Africa.
“When I came home from Columba 1400, it opened my eyes to what more I could do in my own community. But going to Zimbabwe made me realise what I could do for other communities too,” Maisie explains.
“I was proud of getting to know the kids in Africa,” said Hannah. “I stepped out of my comfort zone and even taught some of them Highland dancing!”
“I’m a gymnast,” added Maisie. “It was a really good experience for me to teach them some moves and give them a unique experience.”
“Just being there and making an impact on their lives – it amazes me that I actually went,” said Coby.
Columba 1400 facilitator Jon, who worked closely with the group, said seeing their growth over time was remarkable.
“I remember how quiet some of them were initially – it was probably our fourth session before Hayley spoke! To see how far they’ve come, how they’ve kept pushing themselves out of their comfort zone, building new relationships and making an impact on others – I just think that’s lovely.”
For Elaine Belford, Levenmouth Academy’s Depute Headteacher and Columba 1400 HTLA Graduate the transformation has been powerful to witness.
“Seeing them interact with the pupils in the schools in Zimbabwe is something I’ll never forget. I’m so proud of them. They were such wonderful ambassadors for the school and community. They’ve really started to believe in themselves – they’ve grown up so much and turned into young adults.”
Elaine described how their experience embodied Columba 1400’s core values:
“They’ve lived the values of awareness, service and focus. Through Columba 1400 they were supported to build their confidence, their motivation and their desire to create a better place in their community and beyond. It encouraged them to do things that they might never have done. For me it is so rewarding to see our young people be passionate about something; to stand up, have belief in themselves and have that vision to create meaningful change. Our pupils didn’t just talk about making a difference, they lived and breathed it and put their leadership skills into action… Seeing them interact with the children in the schools in Victoria Falls was so emotional and something the staff will never forget. Such a meaningful exchange of culture, knowledge and compassion. Painting their hands on the toilet blocks, their faces full of emotion and pride was unforgettable.”
Mike Donaldson, Executive Chairman of The Donaldson Group adds: “The Donaldson Leadership Academy was created because we believe in the potential of young people in Scotland, with a particular focus on our local community here in Levenmouth. Being alongside Levenmouth Academy and Columba 1400 for many years, we have seen how the right belief, support, space and encouragement can help young people grow in confidence and self-belief. It is incredibly special to see that ripple out into their school, their community and beyond.”
Advice for future Columban participants
When asked what advice they would give to other young people thinking about taking part in a Young People’s Leadership Academy, their answer was unanimous:
“Just go for it,” said Hayley. “I was nervous at first, but I don’t regret a single minute.”
“Even if you don’t know anyone,” added Hannah, “that’s the best bit – you’ll meet so many new people.”
“You don’t realise how much you’ve learned until you sit down and think about it,” said Maisie. “100% go for it.”
From their time on Skye to their experiences in Zimbabwe, these five young people have shown what values-based leadership looks like in real life. Their story is one of courage, and self-belief, and a reminder that leadership isn’t about who is the loudest in the room but about acting on your values to make a meaningful and positive difference in your own community and beyond.
We invite you to find out more about our Young People’s Leadership Academies here and to get in touch with us at [email protected] if you would like to explore this opportunity for your young people.