It’s not often in Scotland that young people striving to make a difference in their schools and their lives, and the adults who support and empower them, have the opportunity to come together, share ideas and invite others in to their thinking.  But when they do, wonderful things happen.

On Friday 24th November 2006, Columba 1400 Ambassador graduates came together in the largest Columban gathering to date.  More than 250 young people, teachers and Columban supporters from all over Scotland travelled to share their own unique stories.  The event saw 17 of the 19 Ambassador Leadership Academy schools gather at the Pollock Halls of Residence in Edinburgh, to demonstrate beyond a doubt the difference that young people can make in their schools and their lives when given the opportunity to be heard, trusted and encouraged - to let their greatness shine.

The ambassadors of each school  - students and staff - had the chance to share their personal and collective journeys since returning from Columba, and participate in discussions with young people and adults from other schools around the things that mattered to them, making new friends on the way.

The day, however, was not just about swapping stories and ideas - it was also about community building, and with the help of some of Scotland’s finest drummers, led by Mat Clements of ‘Where’s the One’, our Columban graduates and guests achieved just that!  Drumming together highlighted that sense of realising there is always more, if we raise our awareness, if we open our eyes and ears to new possibilities.  When we take the time to consider our potential.

The afternoon saw every person with a drum or percussion instrument in their hands, right from the youngest ambassador, to some of Columba’s supporters, including Sir Tom Farmer, and many of our trustees.  Together, they formed Scotland’s largest ever Samba Band – 250 side drums, bass drums, snare drums, cow bells, shakers, and djembes.  The grand finale, when all 250 came together as one, demonstrated the power of what is possible when we harness and focus our energy.  As we raised the roof, the confident, forceful, unstoppable, ear shattering noise, reminded us that anything is possible.

As the day ended, it was clear that the young people and adults alike had renewed vigour for the tasks they would be facing in their own personal journeys and collectively in their schools.  A powerful day when you took the time to listen to what matters to the young people at the heart of our schools and the heart of our future.