They say that the best moments in life are the ones you don’t plan for, and we didn’t think that completing the YAM Instructor Course would fall into that category. We began our journey as 16 adults from a vast array of professional backgrounds (teachers from both Public and Catholic schools, therapists, volunteer workers, social workers, and counsellors), all eager eyed and open to learning. Over the course of five days, guided by three amazing Trainers, we engaged in a variety of tasks, including listening and talking, reflections, role-playing, guided discussions, and practical activities – all underscored by lots of laughter and beautiful moments along the way.
It was not apparent from the first couple of days, but toward the end of the week we realised that our Trainers used the principles of non-judgement and guided discussions to train us to become YAM Instructors. This was an illuminating part of the process as even during the incidental moments we realised that we had three phenomenal role models who not only talked the talk, but also walked the walk, delivering the program in the same pace, tone, and methodology as we would with young people when we deliver YAM.
At the end of the week, we all transitioned from being glam to YAM, proudly holding our certificates acknowledging our accreditation to deliver the program as certified YAM Instructors.
The week was nothing short of magical in helping us all connect with our higher purpose and passion for supporting the mental health of young people, whilst having the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals. We look forward to being admitted as exclusive YAM Fairy Residents in the YAM Fairy Castle far far away, where we will thank people for sharing, always answer questions with “What does the group think?”, and above all to proudly say that we all had the opportunity to meet each other and to now be able to hopefully empower young people as YAM Instructors.
Written by Marwan Malak, YAM Instructor and course participant, Australia
In the name of all newly inducted YAM Fairies