Youth Empowerment
Uni-Y Presentation at the ECM
Last Updated (Friday, 05 June 2026 20:07)
Greetings to you all.
I am Jo Ye-eun, President of the National Council of University YMCAs of Korea.
Thank you for inviting me to the morning devotion on this second day of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs’ Executive Committee meeting.
Reflecting on your desire to hear the voices of Korean YMCA youth during this meeting, I was reminded of a particular scripture: John 17:21 – “That they all may be one.”
As you know well, this biblical verse symbolizes and represents the Global YMCA Movement adopted by the World YMCA long ago. The core of this verse can be summed up in one word: UNITY.
Today, we live in a world of countless connections. However, true "faith" and "trust" are gradually disappearing. If so, who will be the subjects to rebuild this faith?
Today, I would like to speak about the name ‘Uni YMCA’—not merely as an abbreviation, but as a message created by young people.
* U - Unity: Though we come from diverse backgrounds, we become one through shared values. The moment different people gather toward a single direction marks our beginning.
* N - Network: This connection does not stop at simple relationships. It expands into sustainable cooperation. Through our last General Assembly, six new University Ys joined our federation, and currently, 13 University YMCAs are working together. This is not just a number; it is the expansion of a connection built on mutual trust.
* I - Impact: The connections we build ultimately create change in society. We do not remain within our own circles; we step out into the world.
* Y - Youth: Just as George Williams and his friends did 182 years ago, we are not objects to be protected, but subjects who create change.
* M - Movement: We do not stop. Small actions gather to create a unified one flow.
* C - Connect: We connect people to people, and the world to values. As these
connections accumulate, they expand into greater solidarity.
* A - Action: We prove ourselves through actions, not just words. I believe that what changes the world is not a massive system, but the small actions of youth who trust each other and are connected to one another. And we have already begun that change.
Ultimately, Uni YMCA is creating continuous movement and change based on the connection of young people. Let me share a practical example of how this change is taking place.
In particular, the National Council of University YMCAs in Korea is preparing a Peace Pilgrimage this coming May.
The Peace Pilgrimage is an initiative where we visit places in our society that call for peace, and reflect on the role young people must take in building a more peaceful world.
This year, the pilgrimage will also serve as a time to remember the significance of the May 18 Democratic Movement in Korea,
Through this journey, we hope to deepen our understanding of trust, solidarity, and our shared responsibility in shaping a better society.
The University YMCA moves through every moment—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—as youth create change for themselves. This year, under the slogan “From Connection to Solidarity, From Solidarity to Change,” we aim to create a community that binds us even more firmly together.
Within this movement, Uni YMCA is not just an organization; it is a living network of youth moving toward the world for betterment. We are not just connected. We are creating change.
I ask for your unwavering support for Youth Empowerment so that University YMCAs across all 24 member countries of APAY, as well as in Korea, can keep their faith in God and the world, remain connected, and build a common vision for transformation.
The world is currently in a whirlwind of violence and war. In places like Lebanon, Iran, Palestine, and Ukraine, countless innocent lives are being lost. In this era of violence, injustice and chaos, I ask for your support and solidarity so that many "George Williamses" (who founded the London YMCA at age 23) can embark on a collective journey of self-transformation and world transformation toward a “New Heaven and New Earth” filled with God’s justice, peace, and love.
Thank you very much.
Youth Camp & Worship 2026 YMCA Malang
Last Updated (Friday, 05 June 2026 20:06)
YMCA MALANG – INDONESIA
Youth Camp & Worship
By Aleycia Parameitha & A. Kambodji
Empowering youth through health and environmental awareness
YMCA Malang - Indonesia successfully held a Youth Camp, Worship and Compost Training under the theme: “Rooted & Renewed – Respect your body, Respond to Climate Change” on April 25 – 26, 2026. The first day was an offline seminar attended by 45 youth participants, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting health awareness and environmental responsibility. The event brought together three medical professionals who delivered insightful sessions from their respective fields, creating a well-rounded and engaging learning experience.
The first session was presented by Kristina Linggam Puspaningtyas (Dentist), who discussed the importance of maintaining dental health. In addition to raising awareness about proper oral hygiene practices, she also highlighted the serious consequences that may arise when oral health is neglected. These include severe infections, tooth loss, and the potential impact on overall health, emphasizing that dental issues should not be underestimated as they can develop into more critical conditions if left untreated.
The second session was delivered by Oryzasativa Giovanni, MD who addressed the importance of maintaining overall physical health, with a particular focus on reproductive health. He also explained what constitutes a balanced and nutritious diet, helping participants understand appropriate food portions and the importance of meeting daily nutritional needs. Furthermore, the session included an educational overview of how sexually transmitted infections can occur, along with clear and responsible guidance on preventive measures, reinforcing the importance of awareness, informed choices, and healthy behaviors among young people.
The final session was presented by Aplhinus Kambodji, MD under the theme “Relationship Between Human & Nature: Nature as Our Sibling.” In his discussion, he emphasized that despite rapid advancements in various aspects of human life and civilization, it remains essential for us to maintain awareness and care for the natural environment. He reminded participants that no matter how advanced our society becomes, humans continue to coexist with nature, making it crucial to preserve and respect it as an integral part of our lives.
Beyond the presentations, the seminar was designed to be interactive. Participants actively engaged in a question-and-answer session and open discussions. One notable contribution came from a participant named Myra, who raised a question regarding the implementation of the NOHOT (Now One House One Tree) program, particularly in the context of limited residential space. This sparked a meaningful discussion, highlighting practical and adaptable solutions such as utilizing hydroponic systems, planting in pots, and selecting small or low-maintenance plant species.
Reconnecting youth with nature through reflection and action
In the second of Youth Camp & Worship on April 26, 2026, the program continued with the participation of youth in a reflective outdoor worship session. This activity was held in an open natural setting at Purwodadi Botanical Garden, allowing participants to experience a more immersive and meaningful connection with nature.
The worship was intentionally designed to take place amidst greenery, where participants could observe various plants and listen to the natural sounds of birds and insects. This setting encouraged them to slow down and reflect. Through this experience, many participants realized that in the midst of their daily routines and personal responsibilities, they often overlook and neglect nature despite its essential role in sustaining human life. The moment served as a reminder that nature is not separate from us, but rather a “close companion” that we depend on.
This growing awareness fostered a sense of responsibility among the participants to care for and preserve the environment. Recognizing nature as something we coexist with and not merely utilize encourages more sustainable attitudes and actions for the continuity of life.
Following the worship session, the activity continued with a hands-on learning experience on how to produce organic compost using natural materials available in the botanical garden. Participants learned that the process of producing compost typically takes around four to five months, during which dry leaves and plant debris are naturally decomposed by detritivores (organisms that feed on organic matter), such as millipedes, larvae, and earthworms. This process highlighted the importance of natural cycles and the role of even the smallest organisms in maintaining ecological balance.
In addition to composting, participants also practiced planting bromeliad plants using the organic compost they had learned about. This activity not only reinforced their understanding but also provided a practical application of environmentally friendly practices.
Throughout the visit, participants observed and explored a wide variety of flora, including both local species and those that have adapted and evolved within the botanical garden. This direct interaction with biodiversity enriched their appreciation of nature’s complexity and further strengthened their awareness of the need for environmental stewardship.
2nd Artificial Intelligence Workshop at Lahore YMCA
Last Updated (Friday, 05 June 2026 20:06)
2nd Artificial Intelligence Workshop at Lahore YMCA
Date: May 16, 2026
The 2nd Artificial Intelligence Workshop was held at Lahore YMCA with the participation of more than 31 enthusiastic youth, students, teachers and YMCA staff members interested in learning about emerging technologies and digital skills. The workshop served as a continuation of the first AI workshop and focused more deeply on practical applications of artificial intelligence in creative and professional fields.
During the session, the participants were introduced to modern AI tools such as Leonardo AI, Ideogram, Nano banana Pro and others. The resource person, Augustine Shakeel Zafar, explained how effective prompts can improve AI-generated results and demonstrated different ways AI can support creativity, productivity, and future-ready digital skills. The effective prompts discussed during the workshop included expert analysis prompts, rewrite prompts, comparison prompts, verification prompts, and the overall content system prompt.
Moreover, the workshop also comprised of interactive discussions with participants where attendees shared their thoughts, ideas and questions regarding artificial intelligence and its applications. Participants showed great interest throughout the session and actively engaged in learning practical uses of AI in various areas such as education, media and communication.
Objectives of the Program:
The objective of the Artificial Intelligence Workshop was to make the participants aware of the importance of AI and its growing role in today’s world. The workshop also focused on increasing awareness of modern AI tools, ways to create effective content through AI and understanding the different types of prompts, prompt engineering and cybersecurity. Conducted as a continuation of the first workshop, this session provided participants with an opportunity to dive deeper into the world of artificial intelligence and understand its practical applications in creative and professional fields such as poster designing, reels creation, and digital communication.
Proceedings, Outputs and Outcomes:
The 2nd Artificial Intelligence Workshop was led by the Assistant Secretary; Sania Ashiq who served as the stage host. The workshop commenced with an opening prayer and recitation of the Holy Bible. During the proceedings, the resource person Augustine Shakeel Zafar conducted detailed sessions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and AI-powered content creation. The participants were introduced to various prompt engineering techniques as mentioned above. The session emphasized the importance of effective prompting in generating accurate and high-quality AI results.
Participants were also guided on how AI content production systems and workflows operate in real-world media environments. The workshop highlighted concepts such as audience research, content pipelines, hooks for reels and short-form content, and methods of creating engaging digital media within the first few seconds of a video.
Furthermore, practical demonstrations of modern AI tools including Leonardo AI, Ideogram, Nano Banana Pro, YouTube create, Proplexity AI, Claude, Meta AI, Eleven labs and other AI tools were provided to help participants understand AI- assisted poster designing, content creation and digital communication strategies.
Discussions were also held on the ethical use of AI and cybersecurity concerns related to AI and digital technologies. The resource person also instructed on how to make temp mail which can actually be a beneficial tool to stay safe and avoid spam. The workshop also included contributions from youth committee members, who recorded reflections and feedback from the participants.
Moreover, the General Secretary of Lahore YMCA, Ghazala Sarfraz, also addressed the participants during the workshop. In her speech, she encouraged youth empowerment, learning, and preparation for the future through technology and digital skills. She emphasized the importance of growth, awareness, and the responsible use of modern technology in today’s rapidly changing world.
New Insights Gained:
The workshop provided several important insights for participants. Many participants realized that artificial intelligence is not only a future technology but already a part of everyday life. They learned how AI can support education, research, communication, and creative work while also understanding the importance of human responsibility in using these tools ethically. They also learnt about the importance of cybersecurity, how to ensure privacy on social media platforms and the usage of temp mail (temporary mail) which is considered a practical privacy and security tool.
Conclusion:
The workshop enhanced participants’ understanding of artificial intelligence and its practical applications in various fields. Participants gained awareness regarding prompt engineering, AI-assisted content creation, and the responsible use of modern AI technologies. The participants were pleased to gain this valuable knowledge.
Participants appreciated the workshop for being informative, interactive and relevant to current technological progress.
Participants shared their reflections, saying:
“Today I had the opportunity of learning about AI in detail. Before this workshop, I did not know much about artificial intelligence,”
“My experience of workshop was great! I learnt how to create content through AI, how to stay safe from cyber scams and how to do automation. It was a wonderful experience.”
“I attended the first AI workshop and got the opportunity to learn a lot. I was excited to learn even more this time so that I can implement it in my daily life.”
Participant Contributions:
The participants actively contributed to the workshop through interactive discussions, asking questions and listening to the information provided to them.
As earlier stated; the youth committee members also contributed by recording participant reflections and feedback regarding their learning experiences. They also assisted in participant registrations. The active participation and engagement of attendees made the session more collaborative, informative, and impactful.
Sarah Sarfraz,
Student Counselor,
YMCA Lahore