Season to help change lives at World Council published: 02 Feb 2007 — 10:51 last modified: 02 Feb 2007 — 10:59  Northern News Season-Mary Downs.

YWCA of Aotearoa/New Zealand From the home of the Affco freezing works to a land known for its wildlife, Moerewa's Season-Mary Downs is in a for a change when she leaves New Zealand in June.

The 19-year-old university student will spend three weeks in Nairobi, Kenya, where she will represent the YWCA of Aotearoa/New Zealand at the World YWCA Council meeting.

This year's World Council theme is 'Changing lives, Changing communities'.

Season looks forward to the experience. She believes it will be an eye opener. Throughout the visit, Season will experience practical training, education on global priority issues, and an opportunity to network and share practices from every region of the world. It will include the International Women's Summit, which focuses on Women's Leadership on HIV and AIDS.

Season has been a member of the YWCA since she was awarded a scholarship while studying at Waikato University. She became a member of the Hamilton YWCA management committee and the Y-Dub committee. "Joining the Y has been a great step in my life. It's inspiring to be part of a team of women who work together to address issues facing women of Aotearoa and the world and seek positive solutions ," she says. "My time with the YWCA has been invaluable."

Since joining the YWCA, Season has gained valuable skills that she'll be able to use in the future. Many opportunities have arisen for her and other young women.

Last year Sarah Davies of Rawene was nominated to attend the World Council in Nairobi.

She has since been granted a year's internship in Switzerland where she'll work at the YWCA's head office. Now she'll help to organise the World Council.

Six women from New Zealand will attend the twelve day meeting at a cost of about $10,000 per delegate.
YWCA will cover the cost of attendance but additional costs must be met by the delegates.

Season is running a barbecue and stall at the Kawakawa St John's market next Sunday to assist with funding for the World Council.