A blog written by our Chief Executive, Marie Clare Tully:
At Columba 1400, we often say: the most important person is the next young person to cross our threshold – no matter how old that young person is.
This June, we marked 25 years of being alongside young people and the key adults in their lives.
Columba 1400 has provided a turning point for more than 25,000 young people and key adults across Scotland ad further afield, including our sister organisation, Columba Leadership in South Africa, staying true to our core purpose while continuing to grow and evolve.
The quality and depth of our work has never been stronger. We never stop learning. We hold ourselves to the highest standards so that every young person who crosses our threshold receives the transformational experience they deserve through our values-based leadership academies.
We would not be here without the vision of my Dad, Norman, and the commitment of my Mum, Elizabeth. Without the belief of the North End of Skye community. Without our Board of Trustees. Without our Columban Team. Without our Columba 1400 Graduates. Without the backing of our Columba 1400 Funders, Supporters and Volunteers.
Most of all, we would not be here without all of these people and many more, who offer kindness, goodness, hope and belief in our shared purpose.
Our work is always shaped by our founding principles:
- The warmth of welcome
- The warmth of hospitality
- The warmth of a shared journey
At our 25th anniversary celebration for our community, at our Purpose-built Community and International Leadership Centre in Staffin on the Isle of Skye, I brought my son, Hector the Hero, along with me. He was welcomed with such care and joy. He was made to feel seen, valued and included – not because of me, but because that is what we do.
One moment in particular stayed with me was during the celebrations, Hector the Hero made one of his sharp dashes to the accommodation and I watched as he tried to open the door. In that small, simple act, I saw something much bigger – the courage it takes for a young person to step across our threshold, and the importance of the warmth that awaits them on the other side.
In that moment, I was reminded – deeply and personally – how true it is:
The most important person at Columba 1400 really is the next young person – no matter their age – to cross our threshold.
Our approach creates a sense of place, builds trust, and hope for all that is possible. Our work has never been more needed nor more vital. Listening to a young person. Being alongside them. Letting them know they matter. Is the core value of service, which is Columba 1400.
We are committed to real, lasting change by contributing to a Scotland where more people have their ‘North Star’ through having a shared sense of purpose, direction, and belonging. This commitment drives us to continue enabling young people – especially those from tough realities – and the key adults in their lives to lead lives of meaning, purpose, and contribution.
If you’d like to support us to be alongside the next young person to cross our threshold please find out how to get involved here.
