Lahore YMCA Celebrated the 181st Foundation Day
Lahore YMCA Celebrated the 181st Foundation Day
The foundation day of Lahore YMCA was commemorated on June 04, 2025 with a special celebration. The event highlighted the importance, history and service of YMCA. This event was followed by a very special achievement: the opening of Lahore YMCA’s official anthem which was Emanuel Sarfraz’s enduring wish.
- The primary objective was to celebrate the 181st foundation day. The program’s significant focus was on making students aware about the history of World YMCA movement and the history of Lahore YMCA.
- To highlight the services and contributions of Lahore YMCA in terms of community welfare, women and youth empowerment.
- The opening of Lahore YMCA’s anthem as major highlight of the celebrations.
The Foundation day event was attended by students, teachers and the staff of Lahore YMCA. The event included thought- provoking speeches, opening of the Lahore YMCA’s anthem and the cake cutting ceremony. The opening of the Lahore YMCA’s anthem fueled by a dance performance deeply touched the hearts of the students and the staff.
The 181st foundation day event was led by the Program Secretary; Irum Nelson. The event commenced with the recitation of the Bible and prayer led by Mala Nazar. It was followed by the speech of Lahore YMCA’s President Asghar Suleman who talked about Lahore YMCA’s mission and emphasized on youth empowerment and skills development. He also paid tribute to the former General Secretary Emanuel Sarfraz for his passionate dedication and services to Lahore YMCA.
Youth Coordinator; Ramis John discussed the 2030 vision with its focus on building youth through skills, peace and purpose. The Media Coordinator; Augustine Shakeel Zafar introduced the Lahore YMCA’s anthem which was followed by a dance performance carried out by participants named Sania Ashiq and Kinret Waris. Saiman Sam sang melodiously and touched the hearts of the attendees.
General Secretary Ghazala Sarfraz shared a captivating speech highlighting the features YMCA provides including skill- based education, peace-building, women empowerment, affordable fee structures and professional learning. She also talked about the history of Lahore YMCA highlighting that it is the oldest and most active YMCA’s in Asia. The teachers also shared their speeches. The event concluded with the cake cutting ceremony.
The 181st Foundation day celebration proved to be a successful output, with an attendance of 100 people including students, teachers and the YMCA staff. Moreover, the event also featured six speakers who delivered captivating speeches to provoke, empower and spread awareness about YMCA.
The 181st Foundation day fostered many positive outcomes as some of the students shared their experience being a part of YMCA which was recorded in the form of video clips. In addition, the students were fully engaged and felt more connected to YMCA community as they learnt about the long-standing history of Lahore YMCA established in 1876, about its mission, values, significance of YMCA’s certification and about the legacy of Emanuel Sarfraz.
Through this event students gained a deeper understanding of YMCA’s 181- year legacy of community service and youth empowerment. From the speeches of General Secretary and President, students learnt about valuable perspectives on leadership and the importance of community involvement. The official release of YMCA’s anthem instilled a sense of pride and connection to YMCA’s history and future vision.
Feedback and Quotes from participants:
“My experience being a part of YMCA is outstanding and the teachers of YMCA are highly qualified.”
– Student, Lahore YMCA
– Student, Lahore YMCA
By: Ghazala Sarfraz,
General Secretary,
Lahore YMCA.