Workshop on cybersecurity by YMCA Pakistan

The virtual world can sometimes prove to be a trap for young people, often targeted by malicious elements with nefarious designs. There is a need to be aware of such elements and blackmailers.

The Lahore YMCA, keeping up with the tradition of staying abreast of the latest developments, held a training workshop for young people to equip them with skills regarding cyber security. The workshop called 'Cyber Friday' was held at the YMCA Hall on Friday, attracting a large number of students from different institutions. The one-day workshop was also attended by leaders in different fields.

The workshop trained the participants on how to avoid being exploited on social media and explained to them tools for ensuring cyber security. The workshop practically trained the participants on how to safeguard themselves from issues related to cyber security.

Director, Lahore YMCA Haroon Rehmat was the chief guest on the occasion, and he, along with Emanuel Sarfraz, the General Secretary of YMCA gave certificates to the participants at the conclusion of the workshop. "YMCA will continue to hold such programs for the welfare of communities, and hopefully people benefiting from them will be able to safeguard themselves in challenging times," Rehmat said.

By Emanuel Sarfraz, General Secretary of YMCA Pakistan

Japanese and Ukrainian youth shared experiences through a photo exhibition and talk, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Last Updated (Friday, 12 January 2024 16:52)

I am Mizuki Sakachi from the Yokohama YMCA and I am also a member of the Change Agent cohort 5.0 from Japan. I got involved in the YMCA when I was a university student and I have been working in the Yokohama YMCA for about 8 years now. This time I got the opportunity to work with Ukrainian youth refugees so I would like to share my experience.

We held a photo exhibition and talk event "We love Yokohama as well as my hometown" on November 11, 2023. This event is a collaborative project among Yokohama City, Yokohama International Friendship Association, Yokohama City University, and Yokohama YMCA, aimed to facilitate friendship between youths from Ukraine and local Yokohama youths, encouraging them to explore each other's positive aspects. This collaborative project was started because Ms. Soheila, the president of the world YMCA visited Yokohama in June and met the mayor of Yokohama city. During her Courtesy call to Yokohama she emphasized Youth empowerment. So we decided to start this project. My role in this project was as the program coordinator, as a youth staff member of the YMCA. I planned the meeting, and an in-person gathering, and created the webpage for this event, designed the poster and invitation format, and translated the subtitles of Ukrainian youths' speech, presentation and interview video. I was also a facilitator of each gathering and event. I learned a lot from this project and this was a great opportunity for me to think about “Just world” and “Youth empowerment”.

The preparation period for this event was approximately two months. Initially, a kickoff meeting was held on September 9th at Yokohama Central YMCA, where youths met face-to-face and online to discuss their interests and preferences.

Subsequently, on October 8th, a photo session took place. Ukrainian and Yokohama youths were divided into small groups and explored different districts of Yokohama. Before the exploration, a guest speaker session was conducted at the Yokohama Central YMCA. Ms. Katsuta, a member of the Yokohama YMCA English School, shared her experiences working as an elementary school teacher in Yokohama and explained her experiences during the East Japan Great Earthquake. Following that, Mr. Mishima from Yokohama City spoke about the history, development, and current initiatives in Yokohama. Afterwards, 16 youth participants were given disposable cameras and explored different places in Yokohama city.

On October 21st, an online meeting was held where volunteer members introduced their hometowns. Following the meeting, our members were requested to prepare photos and accompanying texts to introduce their hometowns at the photo exhibition.

On October 27th and 30th, Kateryna, a Ukrainian staff member at Yokohama YMCA, conducted interviews with Ukrainian youths. The interviews were conducted at Yokohama Park, Yokohama Central YMCA, and also online. Liliia who is also an Ukrainian staff member edited the video and translated it into English.

On November 1st, a press release for the event was issued by Yokohama City. We started off the PR through SNS. And the poster illustration used for publicity was created by a student member of Yokohama City University.

The exhibition at the venue included photos of Odessa, Ukraine since Odessa is a sister town with Yokohama city. And posters with photos and explanations of Ukrainian youth's hometowns followed, Yokohama youth's hometowns, and instant camera photos from the exploration of Yokohama.

Visitors engaged in lively conversations with youths, asking questions about their hometowns in a friendly atmosphere. Following that, Kateryna and Liliia from Ukraine delivered speeches in Ukrainian, sharing their experiences of coming to Japan and living in Yokohama, and discussing their future plans. Afterwards, we watched the interview video of Ukrainian youths together.

After the speech session, we had a small gathering involving tasting Ukrainian bread, Piroshki. This provided an excellent opportunity for youths to build friendships. 

In conclusion, I had never talked with a Ukrainian before, and I hadn't really thought about what kind of country Ukraine is, what language they speak, or what kind of people live there. Being in Japan, it's easy to be insensitive to what's happening in Ukraine. However, making friends from Ukraine has made me feel more connected to the situation. Yet, I  communicate with Ukrainian youths in English, it's a second or third language for both of us. I am not sure how much we truly grasp each other's intentions. Through this project, I got to know their hometowns. Their beautiful cities and nature which look totally different from Japan. It makes me want to visit Ukraine someday. I believe encounters and experiences during the critical time of their youth can change their entire life. I hope that the years they spend in Japan bring positive influences to their lives and peace will come to Ukraine very soon.

 By Mizuki Sakachi, Yokohama YMCA, Japan

Youth Exchange Program 2023 in Bangladesh

Last Updated (Friday, 12 January 2024 16:51)

National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh

Youth Exchange Program 2023

Youth Exchange Program 2023 was held on June 15-18, 2023. It was organized by the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh (NCYB) at the premises of Birisiri YMCA, Durgapur, Netrokona, Bangladesh. Thirty five (35) young people attended the program from nine (9) Local YMCAs, namely: Barisal YMCA, Birisiri YMCA, Bogra YMCA, Edilpur YMCA, Foiljana YMCA, Jeshor YMCA, Gopalgonj YMCA, Kaligram YMCA, and Savar YMCA. Upon arrival on June 15, 2023 Birisiri YMCA (Host YMCA) youth forum organized reception and cultural program in the evening for youth participants and NCYB Staff. For maximum learning, the program was designed around educating young people on Vision 2030 content, Mental Health Wellbeing, Debate Competition, Quiz Competition, football site seeing and cultural program.

The group photo of the Youth Exchange Program 2023

Objectives of the Action

The National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh mobilize young people through the Youth Exchange Program, with the objective to engage and empower young people to become active citizens, connect them to different local YMCAs to help them acquire and develop competences for their life and future.

More specifically, Youth Exchanges aim to:

• develop skills and attitudes of young people;
• strengthen Local YMCAs values and build up more bonds among the youth forum member;
• raise awareness about the social media negatives impact and build confidence through learning about mental health situation.
• Strengthen young people's body, mind, and spirit through various events like game, song and exploring amazing nature.

The first day on June 16, 2023 of Youth Exchange Program started with devotion praising our Almighty and inauguration ceremony. During the inauguration ceremony, beautiful speeches were given by Mr. Nipun Sangma, National General Secretary, NCYB and Mr. Rumon Rangsa, Vice President, NCYB. Immediately after the inauguration ceremony the participants were introduced to Vision 2030. During the session the youth participants learned the contents of YMCA Vision 2030, its four (4) pillars, the programmes/activities of Bangladesh YMCA relating to Vision 2030 and Local YMCAs's alignment and execution of Community Wellbeing, Meaningful work, Sustainable planet and Just world through different programs and activities. To conclude the session the participants were divided in to four (4) groups to discuss on how each of them can contribute in their local community under four pillars of Vision 2030. In the afternoon the participants enthusiastically participated in debate competition on the topic “How Social Media Impacts our Socialization”. For recreation, in the evening the participants played football, basketball and chess. The participants also tried local Garo traditional dish “Do’o Khapa” (Chicken dish) prepared by the Birisiri YMCA youth forum.

Different events photo of the Youth Exchange Program

The next day on June 17, the day started with morning devotion and recap session from the previous day. In recent days, mental health is a burning issue around the globe. Especially it is seen amongst the young people from age of 15-30. With this objective the participants were introduced about Mental Health Wellbeing and its key components; the way to build self-confidence and to lead a successful life and to live depression- and anxiety-free life. This session was followed by a Quiz competition on the topic Vision 2030 and Mental Health Wellbeing. In the afternoon, the participants went on a famous site seeing places in Birisiri; Bijoypur (famous for Blue Lake), Ranikong mission, and Indian Boarder Market.

Two days program concluded with cultural program where the participants preformed drama, song and dance. Finally, all participants showed their energy to learn and sing the song composed by our pride Dr. Bartholomew Shaha, former Secretary General of WAY who dedicated his entire life in giving service for YMCA, at Local, Regional and World YMCA. This is our initial initiative of singing the song 'YMCA my address (YMCA mor thikana)'.

Reported by Biplob Rangsa, Executive Secretary of Programme, NCYB

The Asia Pacific Youth Mobilisation Summit 2023 and Climate Defenders Workshop

Last Updated (Tuesday, 04 July 2023 16:51)

Attending two regional events “back-to-back” was like a double lucky strike for me! 

The first event was the Asia Pacific Youth Mobilisation Summit 2023, which was held on June 15-18 in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Initiated and hosted by the Scout Movement of Malaysia, about 160 participants from 5 members of the Big 6 Youth Organisations participated in the event. The main mission of the Summit was to investigate and establish a collaborative, multi-stakeholder project among the young people of the Big 6 Youth Organisations on the subject of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

YMCA moderating forum at the Summit

Over the years, the extreme episodes of climate changes have led to a chain of climate events that need our attention more than ever. APAY has taken the stand as the advocates not just with regards to climate awareness, but also as the educators and solution providers for climate defenders across the Asia Pacific. Through the E-learning platforms, climate action campaigns, exchange programs, and the Global Alternative Tourism Network, APAY has enlightened the individuals, primarily the younger demographic, on their role in combating climate change and ecological concerns. 

There were only 16 of us from the YMCA at the Youth Summit, but we made up for our comparatively small number through our active participation and taking on leadership roles in various sessions during the Summit. Most significantly, we were able to share and highlight our work and programs on the environment and climate change with the other members of the Big 6. We now eagerly look forward to collaborating with them and having their support and participation in our future climate action campaigns such as the #EarthHour2Earth Day climate action challenge. 

YMCA Delegates at the Summit

Keeping up with the momentum from the Youth Summit, we continued with a workshop roundtable for our YMCA representatives of the Asia Pacific to share and enlighten each other on the various initiatives and future actions that can be implemented in their own organisations effectively. The Climate Defenders Workshop was held at and hosted by the Kuala Lumpur YMCA on June 19-20, 2023. Participants of the Workshop were staffs and youth leaders from YMCAs of Hong Kong, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. 

The Climate Defenders programme seeks to address and work towards achieving the long-term goal of educating and behavioural shift among individuals from various societies to practice sustainable lifestyle and habits. It also focuses on collaboration and idea exchange that can be replicated or implemented in their various respective organisations. A clear vision of improving climate advocacy was brought to understanding through the roundtable discussions. For example, YMCA of Hong Kong conducted several environmental activities of the past year such as second-hand bookstores, organic farming, bread recycling, and so much more as part of their goal to raise environmental conscious consumers alongside their larger scale collaborations with their government towards electricity consumption. New Bhedaghat YMCA in India focused on agriculture-based solutions to amplify their outreach of climate and environment awareness, by educating their people regarding the various plants that can be used for medicinal purpose, wellness consumption and used to leverage agriculture-based economy for their underprivileged communities as well. They shared their initiatives of Plant Adopting, Seed Donation, and river cleaning among the effective methods to cultivate green advocacy among the younger generation, primarily among children. 

Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand YMCAs shared their initiatives where they conducted campaigns through their collaborations alongside their government, corporate, and education system. They presented their implemented programmes and awareness of climate advocacy through environmental conservation practices such as reducing the use of air conditioners during certain hours, paper reduction in offices as well as the 3R method. Beyond corporate walls, they have also worked alongside their various government and education departments to bring awareness towards environmental welfare among their young minds. Organising camps, workshops, skill craft training, community visits, and interactive programmes have enabled them to reach out to their communities through the involvement of community leaders and decision makers within their vicinity. 

YMCA Kuala Lumpur shared their approach in promoting green environment and awareness through their various action plans such as “no 1-time plastic usage”, recycling initiatives organising interactive environment campaigns for children as well as conducting the Global Alternative Tourism Network among fellow YMCA around the world to make way for a sustainable tourism among individuals. 

The programmes that were implemented in their respective organisations became crucial blueprints for us to converge and create future recommendations and policies to be implemented within our own YMCAs in the long term. Certain projects were seen as potential effective policies that focused on the reduction of carbon emission as well as the enhancement to reach a larger audience engagement towards environment awareness. 

The guideline included methods in measuring action plans and engagement within their organisation over a period of time to evaluate the effectiveness of the policies. The policies included Green Resource management & training, electricity and resource management such as paper, water usage that can be done among the staffs, educating them as well in the process. 

A key component that was identified crucial in policy making was to increase the knowledge of the various climate and environmental concerns that require attention among the public. This is very important as only certain climate issues are brought to the public attention or they are aware of. For example, green environment awareness focuses on the 3Rs of environment conservation which the public do have the knowledge about, however there is only a handful that are well-equipped with the understanding of carbon emission and waste management or sustainable alternatives. Through proper workshops or expert guidance, the public can be well-educated on Climate Awareness and Actions as a whole and be environmentally responsible in all aspects of sustainable living. 

This effort is aligned with the effective promotion and marketing strategies in order to change the public perception and understanding towards climate issues that will in turn leverage YMCA exposure across the globe to be part of decision-making positions. 

In order to consider and implement these future recommendations and policies, the prime anchor was to identify and acknowledge the diversity of YMCAs across the globe and how to replicate the policies to be effective in the different levels of YMCAs in order to reach the ultimate motive: sustainability and combat climate issues. 

Through policy knowledge and resource exchange, whether in the form of manpower or financial support, YMCAs can collaborate together to introduce new and effective campaigns or programmes for increase of global effect and outreach. Through this synergy, YMCAs organisation can focus on bringing various programmes across the globe according to each of their target demographic without straining their resources or funds separately but equally and according to their concerning focuses. 

Alongside the Asia Pacific Youth Mobilization Summit and the Climate Defenders Workshop, several key initiatives and projects that were shared have high capability to be implemented and cultivated among the YMCAs organisation through well-constructed strategies in the near future. 

As a whole, the Summit and Workshop gave a platform for the youths and representatives of YMCAs to showcase and develop effective projects not only in the focus of environment conservation, but also to reserve and propose sustainable projects that are both cost-effective and resource-friendly.

Edited by Chan Beng Seng
Coordinator, APAY