 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
APAY @ COP26 – A Reflection
Last Updated (Friday, 03 December 2021 16:26)
The United Kingdom hosted the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 31 October – 13 November 2021. The COP26 Summit brought parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. YMCA, which has ECOSOC consultative status with the UN, attended COP26 with a delegation of 18 young YMCA ambassadors worldwide.
Travel restrictions and availability of vaccinations for young people proved a big challenge for the Asia Pacific region. Except for a few countries in the NE Asia and Pacific region, all countries in AP were on the red list of UK immigration, which meant a 10-day quarantine upon arrival in the UK. Coupled with that, many young people within our region are still waiting to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Fortunately, the red list was removed at the last moment, and we were able to send Magda Gana, Makati YMCA, as our only youth YMCA Ambassador for COP26. She registered for an official badge for the 2nd week of COP26 (8-12 November 2021). Magda participated actively in Glasgow and made up for our small representation. Magda moderated the Global Online Briefing on COP26 and was interviewed by several media organisations. Magda was a member of the design committee for World YMCA’s Youth-Led Solutions Initiative.
Through the various activities and media publicity, we highlighted the voices, actions and commitment of young people in the YMCA combating climate change. A few selected youth-led initiatives were shown in the film premiere, and several outspoken youth interviewed by the global media were present at COP26. Some were fortunate to meet with and have short discussions with Party Members from their respective countries and including John Kerry from the USA. This was an excellent opportunity for the young people to challenge negotiators at COP26 to consider seriously the impact of their decisions on the earth that future generations will inherit.
The APAY and the Community of Impact on Climate Change were tasked to draft the strategy and roadmap for YMCA to increase our contributions and have higher visibility at COP-26. The two other major contributions of the APAY to the COP26 activities in Glasgow were:
i) The online Climate Change Briefing during the COP26 for the global YMCA community was conceived and organised by the APAY.
ii) APAY also helped draft the Policy Framework “COP26 and YMCA’s commitment to combating climate change - A Green New Deal for the global YMCA Movement,” shared during the online briefing.
Last Updated (Friday, 03 December 2021 20:44)
APAY National General Secretaries’ Meeting
November 23, 2021, through Zoom
The NGSs and national staff attended the National General Secretaries Meeting from the NCY of Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam. The APAY staff present were: Nam Boo Won, General Secretary; Maria Christina Miranda, Sunita Suna, Executive secretary for Programs; Chan Beng Seng, Coordinator- GATN, Muriel Montenegro, Coordinator- IFC and Magda R Gana – Prog. Secretary, Makati YMCA, Philippines.
The primary purpose of the NGSs meeting was to share and listen to the current situation and challenges faced by the YMCAs in the region, which will inform and guide the movements priorities and direction of the APAY in the coming year.
Beauty from Brokenness
Last Updated (Friday, 03 December 2021 21:35)
The whole world is passing through troubled times caused by COVID-19, and the vaccine against the COVID-19 virus has brought a ray of hope to our life.
The theme of World YWCA and World YMCA week of prayer and fellowship for this year, “Beauty from Brokenness” is indeed appropriate in the current situation. This is the time to ponder upon this theme and search for beauty in this brokenness. According to the scripture we cannot develop divine beauty unless we break down and come out from our personal ego.
Ranchi YMCA is going through troubled times may be the worst situation in the history of YMCA Ranchi. We are facing financial crisis as well as unable to operate in full-fledged due to the government Covid-19 guidelines. Amid the challenges the theme of the World Week of Prayer has given us meaning to our struggle. This is the time to ponder where we can improve and where we were lacking. This brokenness can be converted into opportunity by our collective efforts and submission to Almighty.
Due to restrictions YMCA Ranchi could not observe the World YWCA and World YMCA week of prayer and fellowship with the whole community, but this year on 10th & 13th of November’21with the members of YWCA and YMCA had the prayer meeeting. The speaker on 10th November’21 was Dr. Sheet Nihal Topno a educationist from one of the prestigious college in Ranchi. He deliberated on the theme in a very simple language but in an effective way. He gave examples of David and Paul in his message. He mentioned about their brokenness and they came out from the personal ego and how Almighty Lord used them for His Glory. On 13th November’21 the speaker was Mrs. Ranjeeta Alice Dungdung, Assistant Teacher, Bethsaida High School, Ranchi. She collectively reflected on all the sub themes chosen for day one to six. Further briefly related the sub themes to the main theme “Beauty from Brokenness”. The members of YWCA and YMCA were present during this occasion. We hope that this theme is not only for a week but for our lifetime. Throughout our life we need to ponder on the beautiful theme and follow.
Capacity Building through Social Support & Training for Volunteers and Community
Last Updated (Friday, 03 December 2021 21:34)
Date：2021/09/07〜2021//11/07 (Duration :2 months)
(3 days in a week (Tuesday, Friday, Sunday) and 1 and half hour a day.)
“Capacity Building through Social Support and Training for Volunteers and Community”
Young people are facing challenges and losing hopes and aspirations for the future in Myanmar. Moreover, COVID 19 pandemic affected the opportunities to attend schools and deliver positive contributions of youth engagement in society and in education and political development.
We, Myitkyina YMCA, support positive development to build a successful future and to address psycho social concerns and support the young people through the most effective programmes.
“Capacity Building through Social Support and Training for Volunteers and Community” is one of the programs conducted virtually through zoom. 60 young people between the ages of 14 to 18 joined the virtual learning programme. They are young volunteers, of the community. The program is humanitarian and financially supported by Canada YMCA and Taiwan and Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCA.
There are 2 sections with 30 students each divided for morning and afternoon sessions. The duration of the course was for 2 months. The course basically focuses on self-study with instructions given by the instructors virtually. The instructors and students meet 3 days in a week (Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday). The aim for the course is to develop habits of self-study, improve knowledge, to upgrade their capacity, to know more about ways of using technical skills in their learning, and to motivate by support on psychosocial counseling for mentally depressed youth due to the pandemic and the political situations in the country. The course also includes topics such as English Skills development, Environment, Gender Equality, Equity, Peace, Community Services and other general knowledge development activities to keep in the flow of world’s trending.
Also Aim to open the eyes to see around the world, the things happening and how things works for the young generation for their future and community.
There will always be advantages and difficulties for programs such as technical problems and lack of knowledge on how to use and access the course online. Even though students are trying their best and working hard on their studies and despite difficulties it is a great opportunity for the young generation to gain something important in their life. No matter where you are or who you are, if you try your best, opportunities and great chances will come to you and you will gain success in one day. Just believe in yourself and keep going on. That’s what you need to do!
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence – International Essay Contest
Last Updated (Friday, 03 December 2021 14:56)
Gender Justice Program
International Essay Contest for Students, Youths & Young Adults
Campaign for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
November 25-December 10, 2021
Theme: “Towards a Better World for Women and Girls:
Gender Justice by 2030”
About APAY Gender Justice Program International Essay Contest
Essay writing contests are perfect opportunities for young minds to express and articulate their views, perspectives, creative imagination on diverse social issues and concerns. An avenue for young people to address the problems and dedication towards positive changes in society as responsible community members can make a difference in society. Several international essay competitions are organized worldwide, and many talented participants participate and get awarded every year.
Perhaps this is the first time the Gender Equity Committee (GEC) of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) is organizing an International Essay Contest through its Gender Justice Program. Annually the GEC observes the 16 days of activism against GBV through various programs and activities at national and regional levels. This year the GEC decided to organize the international essay contest to create awareness on 16 days of activism by mobilizing and engaging the youth through the essay contest. The international essay contest will engage the students, youth and young adults of the Asia and Pacific region. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic with Covid restrictions and protocols, the GEC would like to observe the 16 days of activism meaningfully.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is an annual international campaign that begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, and continues until 10 December, the Human Rights Day. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations worldwide to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. In support of this civil society initiative, the UN’s UNiTE campaign calls for global actions to End Violence against Women.
The theme for the Essay Contest is “Towards a Better World for Women and Girls: Gender Justice by 2030”
Commitment to Gender Justice remains an integral part of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY). The Gender Equity Committee is faithfully working towards promoting Gender Equity at all levels with a community-specific approach is one of the objectives of APAY. With an affirmation to the quest to elimination and discrimination, sexual and gender-based violence for a better and inclusive society is a collective vision of the APAY. It requires a collaborative undertaking irrespective of sex and gender by creating awareness and policies that promote and reflect gender justice at all levels.
Moreover, achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls is one of the goals of the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contestants will imagine their world in 2030 from now.
Objectives
- To create awareness, mobilise and engage students, youth, young adults to participate in the 16 days of activism meaningfully
- To create awareness and engage in responding to the UN Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals towards an equal and just world
- To create an avenue for the students, youth and young adults of the APAY to inspire and encourage these young minds to express their creativity and participate in a particular cause in making a difference in society.
Read more: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence – International Essay Contest
Read more...
Page 15 of 40