Youth Development Achievements Spotlighted in Program Mid-term Review Meeting of YMCA Myanmar

Last Updated (Saturday, 01 March 2025 12:41)

The Program Mid-term Review Meeting was successfully held at Myanmar Centre, bringing together key stakeholders to evaluate the progress of youth development initiatives under the Sustainable Development through Strengthening Youth Employment program. Implemented by Myanmar YMCA, this program aims to empower young people by enhancing their socio-economic well-being. Through initiatives such as Youth Camps, Speaker Programs, Youth Learning and Sharing Workshops, Scholarships, and Internship Programs, the project provides critical opportunities for young individuals to develop professional skills and gain hands-on work experience.

The review meeting gathered 42 participants, including the General Secretary, Honourary Treasurer, Youth Department Committee Chairperson, committee members, executive secretaries from Myanmar YMCA, resource persons from training programs, and youth beneficiaries. Discussions focused on evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, outcomes, and recommendations for the programs conducted over the past year.

Key Findings and Observations

The review emphasized the success of the Speaker Program and Youth Camp, both of which fall under the broader “Youth Employment Opportunities for Sustainable Development” initiative. Participants noted that these programs have made a significant impact on youth development, fostering personal growth and career readiness. Additionally, the review highlighted the effectiveness of innovative methods, engaging activities, and dynamic teaching approaches incorporated into the training programs. These elements were recognized as setting Myanmar YMCA’s initiatives apart from similar programs run by other organizations.

Recommendations for Future Growth

Several key recommendations emerged from the discussions:

• Extending the Duration of Training Programs: Some training modules could be expanded to allow for deeper learning and skill-building.
• Increasing Regional Participation: Encouraging youth from other regional YMCAs outside the current project area to take part in programs.
• Developing a Long-Term Strategic Plan: To sustain and expand the impact of these initiatives, a comprehensive strategy should be devised to increase program duration and geographical reach.

Recognizing YMCA’s Youth Development Impact

The review also underscored the growing recognition of Youth Camps and Speaker Programs as a YMCA brand. These initiatives have become well-known among young people as key platforms for skill development, networking, and career-building. With the continued success of these programs, Myanmar YMCA is committed to strengthening its efforts to enhance employment opportunities and sustainable development for youth. The organization looks forward to expanding its reach and further solidifying its role in empowering the next generation.

The “ Sustainable Development through Strengthening youth Employment " project is a joint initiative between Myanmar YMCA and Bread for the World (Germany). Running from September 2023 to February 2026, the project is being implemented in Yangon Region and Ayeyarwady Region, specifically in Pathein and Maubin Townships. Throughout its duration, the initiative aims to equip 900 young people aged 15-35 with essential skills to improve their employment prospects and contribute to long-term sustainable development. As of the current reporting period, the project has successfully provided 847 young individuals (378 males, 458 females, and 11 others) with the necessary competencies to enhance their career opportunities and economic stability.

Myanmar YMCA is committed to empowering youth by designing development programs aligned with Vision 2030. With a strong focus on four key pillars—community well-being, meaningful work, a sustainable planet, and a just world—Myanmar YMCA strives to create impactful opportunities for young people to grow and contribute to society.

Saw Tun Lu

Program Manager

Sustainable Development through Strengthening Youth Employment Program

Engaging Youth Leadership in APAY Decision-Making Processes

Last Updated (Wednesday, 05 March 2025 22:06)

We believe in the power of youth leadership and participation, and we are proud to introduce the voices that shape our future. We are excited to introduce our youth leaders who are not only working to ensure youth perspectives are integrated into YMCA's Vision 2030, but are also actively driving meaningful change in their communities.

Introducing youth on APAY Board: Youth Leadership and Impact

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

A: My name is Lin Chi Sheng (Sammy) from YMCA Taiwan. I’m an MBA graduate and currently working as a brand marketing specialist in Taiwan’s largest logistics real estate group. My profession extends beyond the corporate world—I am passionate about using my expertise to raise awareness of critical social issues that shape YMCA communities.

Q: What does YMCA mean to you?

A: YMCA has shaped my values through international programs and volunteering, teaching me principles like honesty, respect, care, and responsibility. A turning point in my journey was attending the Global Youth Conference in Osaka, where I saw firsthand how youth-led initiatives drive change in schools, communities, and national policies. That experience made me realize the power that young people have to influence public issues, which inspired me to become more involved.

Q: What is the significance of your work in YMCA?

A: I’m passionate about ensuring youth voices aren’t just heard but actively shape YMCA’s Vision 2030.

I am a youth on APAY Board. Being an APAY Board Member is an honor, but more importantly, it is a responsibility. My role bridges the gap between vision and execution, ensuring that youth perspectives are embedded in YMCA’s decision-making processes.

For my local and national involvement, a key focus is aligning Vision 2030 across local YMCAs and ensuring our strategic planning supports real impact, providing young leaders the tools they need to turn ideas into action. I also work on resource allocation and coordination, ensuring young leaders have the tools to bring ideas into action.

Q: What is your thought about youth leadership?

A: As youth leaders, we must redefine what leadership means. Leadership isn’t about holding a title; it’s about driving meaningful change. It’s about being proactive, identifying issues, and stepping up to create solutions. The YMCA movement is proof that youth can be a force for change.

Q. How do you think YMCA support youth leadership?

YMCA provides a platform for youth to lead and make a difference. Through YMCA, young people are given the opportunity to not only lead but to do so in a way that impacts their communities, organizations, and even national policies. For example, initiatives like the 5th Youth Assembly enable young leaders to tackle issues like mental health, sustainability, and regional stability. It’s not just about reflecting on the past—it’s about addressing present-day challenges and actively shaping the future.

Q: What are some of the pressing issues young people face today?

A: Indifference is one of the biggest challenges. We are living in a world of uncertainty, and with economic pressures, rising living costs, limited job opportunities, and regional instability, it’s easy for young people to disengage. But passivity won’t solve our problems. Change is tough, but it’s necessary. There, we should show our leadership.

Q: What message would you like to leave with other young people?

A: YMCA is more than an institution – it is a movement with a legacy of social impact. Now, it’s our turn to carry that forward as youth leaders.

We have the power to gather.

We have the power to speak.

We have the power to act.

The question is—will we step up and make a difference?

Prepared by Lin Chi Sheng, APAY Board member

Reflection on the 1st Asia Pacific Christian Youth Assembly”

Last Updated (Thursday, 06 February 2025 22:43)

1st Asia Pacific Christian Youth Assembly

Repent and Turn to righteousness!

I, Arif Pedro Damanik, had the honor of participating in the 1st Asia Pacific Christian Youth Assembly, held from September 4-8, 2024, on Jeju Island, South Korea.

Participating in the 1st Asia Pacific Christian Youth Assembly has been an eye-opening and transformative experience. What impressed me the most was the depth of discussion around the interconnectedness of climate justice and peacebuilding. For the first time, I realized how deeply climate issues impact not only the environment but also the most vulnerable people in society, and how Christian values call us to act in both realms simultaneously.

One of the most memorable and inspiring moments was on September 7th, when we marched alongside various organizations to promote the importance of protecting nature, particularly the marine environment around Jeju. The march highlighted the urgent need to safeguard the coastal ecosystem, including the protection of coral reefs and marine animals. This experience not only deepened my awareness of environmental issues but also underscored the power of collective action in making a tangible difference. The solidarity among participants, all driven by a shared commitment to God’s creation, was a powerful reminder of our role as stewards of the Earth. Additionally, I gained a new understanding of repentance as it relates to climate justice. The idea that repentance is not merely an individual action but a collective transformation of our communities and society was profound. It gave me a fresh perspective on how we must work together to create systemic changes in how we approach environmental stewardship and justice.

The 4.3 Peace Park visit also had a lasting impact on me, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and peacebuilding in our communities. It made me reflect on how peace and environmental justice are intertwined, and how Christian youth can play a key role in both.

I was also deeply inspired by the solidarity and unity displayed by the Christian youth leaders from across Asia-Pacific. Despite coming from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, we all shared a common vision for a better future. This gave me a renewed sense of hope and commitment to continue advocating for climate justice and peace in Indonesia, knowing that I am part of a larger movement of young Christian leaders working toward the same goals.

In sum, this assembly has expanded my understanding of my role as a youth leader in a global context. It taught me that faith-based leadership has the power to address both spiritual and material injustices, and that it is through community transformation that we can create lasting change.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs, NCY Korea, and Uni-Y Korea for organizing this incredible assembly. The lessons learned, the bonds formed, and the collective energy generated during this event have inspired me to take these experiences back to Indonesia and apply them to my work with YAM (YMCA AiDS Ministry) Malang. It has strengthened my commitment to advocating for climate justice, peace, and the protection of vulnerable ecosystems.

This assembly reminded me that while the challenges we face are immense, together we can build a future that is just, peaceful, and sustainable.