| YMCA FOUNDER'S DAY | ||
The YMCA turned 181 on 6 June. YMCA across the world celebrated the Founder’s Day with various activities. Here are some of the activities organized by the local, national YMCAs in the Asia Pacific region: Barishal YMCA, Birisiri YMCA, Chittagonj YMCA, YMCA Cuttack, YMCA of Hong Kong, Kaligram YMCA, Lahore YMCA, & Savar YMCA
YMCA of Hong Kong - Read more | ||
| Local YMCAs in Bangladesh celebrated the Founder's day by large-scale plantation events in collaboration with School Students, Lay Leaders, Professionals, Youth and Volunteers in YMCAs of Barishal, Birisiri, Chittagonj, Kaligram, & Savar. Read more | ||
A Traffic Awareness Programme was organised by YMCA of Cuttack to celebrate Founder’s Day. Read more | ||
Lahore YMCA celebrated the Founder's Day by revisiting the history and service of the YMCA to the community. Read more | ||
 | ||
| YOUTH EMPOWERMENT & MEANINGFUL WORK | ||
 | ||
Share Your Voice with WhyNot WhyNot is a platform that amplifies the unfiltered thoughts, ideas, and stories of young people — wherever they are. If you’re aged 18–30 and have something to say through writing, art, video, or audio, WhyNot is your space to be heard. Published submissions are paid up to $250 AUD, and WhyNot always looking for fresh perspectives on everything from identity and climate to cost of living and wellbeing. Submit your story or explore more at: www.whynot.org.au | ||
| SUSTAINABLE PLANET | ||
World Ocean Day Observed by the YMCA Timor Leste On June 6, World Ocean Day, approximately 22 YMCA volunteers, including 15 children and 7 adults, participated in cleaning the beach along the Av. de Portugal road. Volunteers cleaned about two kilometres of the beach area that is regularly used for exercise and night markets. Read more | ||
Keep the Earth Clean, Save the Green Chittagong YMCA Beach Cleanup Initiative! “Keep the Earth Clean, Save the Green” an initiative, was a symbolic act of removing waste from a popular coastal site and a practical demonstration of the YMCA’s growing commitment to environmental awareness, stewardship, community mobilization, and global responsibility as outlined in YMCA Vision 2030. Read more | ||
| JUST WORLD | ||
2nd Korea Peace Day Sing for Peace: End Hostility, Build Peace On June 6, 2025, more than 3,200 citizens gathered at Imjingak in Paju, South Korea, near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), to participate in the 2nd Korea Peace Day. Marking the 80th year since Korea’s liberation and division, the event brought together people across Korea─including the representatives from religious communities, artists, youth, and civil society─under the slogan: “Sing for Peace: End Hostility, Build Peace”. Read more | ||
| COMMUNITY WELLBEING | ||
Alternative Tourism Program by Cambodia YMCA in Collaboration with Taichung YMCA A unique and impactful alternative tourism program took place in June 2025 in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where a group of young volunteers from the Taichung YMCA in Taiwan participated in a ten-day service and cultural exchange program. This initiative, organized in collaboration with the Cambodia YMCA. Read more | ||
 | ||
Celebration of “RAJA”: A Cultural Festival for the Community The "Raja Festival," also known as "Raja Parba / Utsav," is a unique three-day festival in Odisha that celebrates womanhood, fertility, and the arrival of the monsoon season, while honouring Mother Earth. It's a time for women to rest and rejuvenate, mirroring the Earth's own cycle. Read more | ||
| MOVEMENT STRENGTHENING | ||
Partner Support Group Meeting with the YMCA Cambodia The Partner Support Group (PSG) Meeting for the Cambodia YMCA was organized by the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs under its program on Movement Strengthening (MS). The meeting that was held in Phnom Penh on April 28-30, 2025, was the first in-person meeting post pandemic time. Read more | ||
14th National Council Meeting of YMCAs of Japan The National Council Meeting of YMCAs of Japan, an annual gathering of YMCA representatives from local YMCAs in Japan, was held on June 21 from the afternoon to June 22 at the YMCA Tozanso. Approximately 140 participants from YMCAs across Japan joined the Council meeting. Read more | ||
NCY India held its Annual Association of Secretaries (AOS) Conference The Annual Conference of YMCA AOS was held from the 16th to 18th May 2025 at YMCA Camp Center, Yellagiri, Tamil Nadu. The theme of the Conference was “Secretaryship a call to Discipleship”. Read more | ||
| CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT | ||
“ Who Will Roll Away the Stone for Us? “ (Mark 16:1-7) Biblical Reflection by Prof. Rev. Toshimasa Yamamoto | ||
Prof. Rev. Thoshimasa Yamamoto is a Japanese Christian leader, educator, and peace advoacte. He currently serves as the Treasurer of the Asia & Pacific Alliance of YMCAs, President of the YMCA of Japan and is also the Chairperson of the Board at the Asian Rural Institute. This Biblical reflection was presented at the Executive Committee Meeting of the APAY held during April 3-7, 2025, Penang, Malaysia. | ||
| REFLECTION AND INSIGHTS FROM PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS | ||
Reflections and Insights from Mavis Lam, Participant of the 40th Advanced Studies Program I understand the importance of staying informed about current issues, both locally and globally. As a leader, I have a responsibility to be aware of the challenges faced by others and to take action to address them. I am committed to planting seeds of hope and making a positive impact, even if only one plant flourishes. It is essential to remember those who are suffering and to work together to create a better world. Says Mavis Lam. Read more | ||
| ANNOUNCEMENTS | ||
| The name of the “Cambodia Young Men’s Christian Association” will be changed to the “Cambodia Young Men’s Christian Volunteer Association.” This change is made in accordance with national policy guidelines and protocols. | ||
| Save the Dates! | ||
Gender & Climate Justice Program will be organized in partnership with the Climate Defenders Project of the Asia Pacific YMCA in Manila, Philippines, from September 20-25, 2025 Photo credit: UN Global Goals | ||
Youth Transformation Program of APAY will be organized in collaboration with the Climate Defenders Project in Manila, Philippines, from October 13-18, 2025 | ||
Asia Pacific YMCA’s 41st Advanced Studies Program Heads to Bali, Indonesia from Oct 26 - Nov 23, 2025 | ||
An unexpected fire broke out at the
YMCA International Centre in Sri Lanka; buildings are partially damaged!