ToF Fund from Y’s Men International Empowers Youth Leadership, Action in Peace and Climate Change through APAY
Last Updated (Wednesday, 30 April 2025 20:30)
Time of Fast Fund from Y’s Men International Empowers Youth Leadership and Action in Peace and Climate Change through APAY
The Time of Fast (ToF) Fund, initiated by Y’s Men International, is a global campaign that encourages members to fast for one meal and donate the cost to support projects addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through these small but powerful acts of solidarity, the ToF Fund generates life-changing support for grassroots initiatives around the world. (See https://www.ysmen.org/our-work/international-support/time-of-fast/)
In 2024, the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) became a proud recipient of ToF funding to support the development of its Jeju Office and its pilot youth program for the Global Peace and Ecology Center (GPEC) initiative. APAY extends its deepest gratitude to Y’s Men International for their visionary support through the Time of Fast Fund.
Thanks to the ToF Fund, the APAY Jeju Office has been transformed into a fully equipped office with a conference room, including essential infrastructure such as projectors and audio systems. In addition, it enabled the successful hosting of three major youth programs shown below, reaching over 140 youth from Asia Pacific region, and also benefited 200 YMCA members and partners who attended the Executive Committee Meeting 2024.
l Climate Change Workshop (June 2024, in collaboration with US Embassy Seoul): Pre-service teachers from Korea and Japan gained the knowledge and tools to integrate climate change education into secondary classrooms. This multiplies the impact by reaching hundreds more students through these future educators.
l Korea-Japan Youth Peace Forum Opening and Workshop (August 2024, in collaboration with Korea YMCA): Youth participants engaged in intercultural dialogue and peacebuilding training, fostering reconciliation and regional solidarity.
l 1st Asia Pacific Christian Youth Assembly (September 2024, co-organized with Korea YMCA)
: Youth from 12 countries were empowered to become advocates for climate justice and peace. This included exposure visits, collaborative learning, and the formation of a regional youth network committed to joint action.
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This impact extends beyond the initial participants. Youth returned to their communities equipped to share new perspectives on peace and environmental issues, to launch local awareness campaigns or education programs, and to lead conversations and actions within their communities.
The ToF Fund truly laid a solid foundation for the long-term development of GPEC by equipping the APAY Jeju Office for youth programs. The development of GPEC will include the onsite accommodations to solve the current logistical challenges. APAY remains committed to empowering youth leadership and participation in peacebuilding and environmental initiatives.
by Yura Rhee, Junior Executive Secretary, APAY