One Week, Big Change

By Mallory Hilkewich

Last year’s 2006 Take Action! Academy closes with a candlelight ceremony.

Summer was in full force. It was a hot and humid day in Toronto as I headed to the Take Action! Academy. I had never been to a leadership academy before and my emotions were an intense mix of nervousness, fear and excitement. I didn’t know anyone who was attending the Academy and my biggest dread was that I was going to be alone.

In spite of my anxieties, I was looking forward to the week. I had heard that I would learn leadership skills and a lot about social issues, so I thought I had a good idea about what the Academy would be like—but I never could have imagined what was to come.

I walked into the building where we were staying and saw young people of all ages walking around with huge smiles on their faces. Laughter and energetic conversation was all I heard. I signed in and started to walk around, timidly at first. Within minutes I met dozens of friendly people and my hesitance began to melt away. The most challenging part was remembering all of their names!

Within the hour I forgot all about my nerves. My excitement level rising, I could feel myself feeding off the happiness and energy of the Academy participants and facilitators. The week of action-oriented workshops and activities that followed extended my feast of positive energy.

More than 100 passionate young people come together at the Academy.

On the last night of the Academy, my workshop group held its final session outside. The sun had set and the dance marking the end of the week was about to begin. Forming a circle, our two facilitators sat down with us on the dewy grass and we began to close the week and say our goodbyes. Within minutes, silence and downward glances turned into hugging and crying. During one week that ended far too quickly, we had learned so much and come so far.

The next morning, after dancing the night away, the Academy officially ended and people made their way home—but I knew it was not the last time I would see these passionate people. The work we did together and the enthusiasm for change we shared continued well beyond the close of the Academy. Even though we live a plane, bus or train trip away from each other, we have kept in touch and shared love and encouragement as we continue to learn from one another.

I’ve heard past participants say that the Take Action! Academy was a life-changing experience. I always say that the Academy is a life-changing experience, continuing to shape the way I see the world and how we can change it together.

Learn more about Toronto Take Action! Academy
Attend the Beijing Take Action! Academy
Check out the Academy FAQs

Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.