For over a century, Young Christian Students (YCS) and Young Christian Workers (YCW) have been schools of leadership for thousands of young people across the globe. Rooted in the Gospel and formed through the renowned See–Judge–Act method of Cardinal Joseph Cardijn, these movements have equipped young leaders with the tools to reflect deeply, act courageously, and transform their communities. In July 2025, that legacy was on full display as two Western Sydney students—Taylah Cowley and Sudeep Velagapudi—took the floor of the NSW Youth Parliament, putting their faith into action in the heart of civic life.
A Century-Old Tradition of Leadership Formation
The participation of Taylah and Sudeep is not an isolated achievement, but a continuation of YCS–YCW’s enduring mission: to form leaders who are critically aware, socially engaged, and spiritually grounded. Since their origins—YCW was founded by Fr Joseph Cardijn in 1925, and YCS soon after—these movements have responded to the signs of the times, preparing young people not only to understand their world but to transform it.
In parishes, schools, universities and workplaces, YCS and YCW groups have nurtured the skills and confidence of young leaders through communal reflection, democratic action, and Gospel values. Taylah and Sudeep’s leadership journey—beginning in their school-based YCS and YCW groups—reflects this tried-and-tested formation process that continues to change lives today.
Faithful Leadership at the NSW Youth Parliament
During the 2025 NSW Youth Parliament (14–17 July), Taylah, a Year 12 student at St Columba’s Catholic College in Springwood and National YCS Representative, was appointed as the Youth MP for the Blue Mountains and Shadow Minister for Women’s Affairs. She was also named Youth Parliamentarian of the Year—a recognition of her integrity, vision, and passion for justice.
“It’s been an incredible opportunity to advocate, grow skills, and make life-long connections,” said Taylah.
Sudeep, a Year 11 student from St Luke’s Catholic College in Marsden Park and the National Secretary of YCW, served as Youth MP for Londonderry and Youth Minister for Health, taking a lead role in the Health and Medical Research Committee.
“I feel honoured beyond words,” he reflected. “I look forward to the future with confidence that NSW is in good hands.”
Both young leaders brought with them the richness of YCS–YCW formation: listening to others, discerning the deeper causes of social issues, and advocating for policies that serve the common good.
Issues That Matter, Voices That Inspire
Now in its 24th year, the NSW Youth Parliament program allows young people aged 15 to 18 to engage directly with the parliamentary process. They research, consult, draft, and debate Youth Bills on issues such as:
- Mental health and community-based care
- Justice reforms for young people
- First Nations empowerment
- Gender equity in medical research
- Education and regional workforce development
These are not just abstract policy debates. For YCS–YCW leaders, they are Gospel concerns—issues where human dignity is at stake.
Celebrating 100 Years of YCW: A Movement that Endures
The achievements of Taylah and Sudeep come at a historic moment: 2025 marks 100 years since the founding of YCW by Fr. Joseph Cardijn in Belgium. After witnessing firsthand the exploitation of young workers, Cardijn dedicated his life to defending their dignity and forming them as protagonists of social change.
From the factories of early 20th-century Europe to the schoolyards and suburbs of modern Australia, YCW and YCS have journeyed with young people, offering formation that empowers them to lead with both courage and compassion.
The movement will celebrate “100 Years of Action” at its National Leaders Conference in Melbourne from 29–30 November 2025—a fitting moment to honour the past and launch a new generation of leaders for the future.
Continuing the Mission of Cardijn Today
The story of Taylah and Sudeep is the story of YCS and YCW: ordinary young people, discovering their voices, reflecting through faith, and stepping into leadership for the good of others. In a time when many question the role of religion in public life, these movements stand as a beacon—proving that faith, when lived authentically, forms leaders who serve the world.
For more information about YCS or YCW, contact info@ycw.org.au or visit www.ycw.org.au.