The 36th Advanced Studies Program
The 36th Advanced Studies Program of APAY had successfully concluded here in Hong Kong on 30th November 2018 with the holding of the grand Graduation Dinner. Commenced on 5th of November, the program was held at YMCA Youth Village, Wu Kwai Sha, Ma On Shan, New Territories, Hong Kong.
One of the oldest continuing program of APAY, the Advanced Studies Program was introduced in 1982. The main objectives of this month-long training is to enhance YMCA professional secretaries’ ability to critically analyze the ongoing social processes, based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and develop the YMCA professionals who are mission-responsive, socially relevant and effective institutional leaders.
A total of fourteen (14) Senior YMCA professionals participated at this program. They were (i) Ronel Francis Costa from Savar YMCA Bangladesh, (ii) Pu Wangyu from Shanghai YMCA and (iii) Zhu Aimin from Nanjing YMCA, China, (iv) Dion Chen from YMCA of Hong Kong, (v) Hung Suk Yan Beatrice and (vi) Chan Pik Yan Selina from the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, (vii) Sam Robert Ponnian from the National Council of YMCAs of India and (viii) E. V. Shaiju from Kottayam YMCA, India, (ix) Lee, Jeong-Hee from Guri YMCA and (x) Kim Youngil from Daegu YMCA, Korea, (xi) Hitoshi Kanda from Osaka YMCA, Japan, (xii) Wei Pao-Chen from Tainan YMCA, (xiii) Lin Pei-Yun and (xiv) Chen Yun-Ting from Taipei YMCA, Taiwan.
Dr. Geevarghese Mor Coorilos from South India, Dr. Ema Leslie from Cambodia, Dr. Tobias Bradner and Dr. Hope Anthone from Hong Kong were the external resource persons for conducting the course, beside Nam Boo Won, Duncan Chowdhury and Chan Beng Seng from APAY.
The main areas of study in the course curriculum were Contemporary Mission of the YMCA, Contextual Theology, Social Analysis, Practices of Biblical Reflections; possible YMCA program responses like Global Citizenship Education, Alternative Tourism, UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals, Gender Mainstreaming, Social & Solidarity Economy and final section was related to institutional development of the YMCA like the Board Governance, Movement Strengthening, Organizational Review & Strategic Planning.
At the concluding section of the program, all the participants were required to prepare a re-entry plan, a paper reflecting the learning of the participants and also the plan of a new action oriented program based on the teachings of ASP, that each of them will implement upon their return to their respective home country.
We are indebted to the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong and the YMCA of Hong Kong for their support to materialize this program. The YMCA of Hong Kong had hosted the Welcome Dinner for the participants on 5 November and the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong hosted the Graduation Dinner on 30 November 2018.
Dr. Arnold Cheng, Vice President of Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong welcomed all the participants and guests at the Graduation Dinner on behalf of the board of Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong. Mr. Ronald Yam, Treasurer of APAY and World Alliance of YMCAs, Mr. Karl Lau, General Secretary of Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong & Mr. Peter Ho, General Secretary of YMCA of Hong Kong also adorned the ceremony with their kind presence. Mr. Nam Boo Won, General Secretary of APAY delivered the words of felicitations and encouragement for the participants. The ceremony was also attended by key staff members of Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong and YMCA of Hong Kong, the resource persons of Advanced Studies Program and members of the APAY family.
Certificates were awarded to all the successful participants and they also pledged their firm commitment to serve their respective communities through the YMCA. We wish all the participants a bright and colourful YMCA career in future.
DUNCAN CHOWDHURY, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY