Volunteer: Jason Douglas
Age: 18
Placement: Perth YMCA

Jason spent six months involved with the Their Past Your Future project through Perth YMCA. Their Past Your Future is a nationwide programme connecting different generations by sharing local histories. Jason’s team recorded the memories of war veterans at the Black Watch Regimental Museum.

Early in the project Jason came to understand the vital social importance of recording these stories for future generations. The significance of creating an historical record of these experiences was further highlighted by the sad deaths of several of the veterans
after the project’s completion. Jason’s commitment and effort ensured that these first hand accounts have survived for future generations.
Dave Bremner, a Perth YMCA Youth Worker, credits Jason’s success in interviewing the veterans to his natural ability to build relationships: “Jason is a really genuine guy, which means he can get people on side easily. Through his placement Jason has learnt that just being himself is a great asset which will help him get ahead in life.”

“I USED TO BE PRETTY SHY IN A BIG GROUP BUT NOW IF I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY I’LL JUST GO AHEAD AND SAY IT. IT’S REALLY GOOD TO FEEL LIKE I HAVE SOMETHING TO CONTRIBUTE .”