Yokohama YMCA organized a Prayer Meeting for Myanmar
Last Updated (Tuesday, 30 November 1999 08:00)
A special prayer meeting for Myanmar was held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, hosted by the Yokohama YMCA International Committee. About 30 participants from Japan and abroad gathered for the online prayer meeting.
More than three years have passed since the military coup d’état in Myanmar in February 2021, and the people of Myanmar are still in a difficult situation. We, Yokohama YMCA, have long been involved in exchange programs and medical support activities with the Myanmar YMCA, but we have been forced to suspend our activities there. Even though we cannot meet in person, we hold a prayer meeting for Myanmar annually in May to express our desire to always be with them.
This time, we invited two Myanmar youths from Yokohama YMCA to speak about Myanmar. The youths gave the following message: "We hope that the people of Myanmar will have the peace, prosperity, and freedom they deserve, that the war in the country will end as soon as possible, and that a Just World will be realized in which human rights are not lost. Then, Ms. Khin Sangsan Aung, a pastor from Myanmar who lives in Japan, gave a message from Isaiah 43:19, "Let us not forget to hope amid difficulties, for God is with us". The message was very encouraging to us. Ms. Phyu Thin, President of Loikaw YMCA, also participated in the prayer meeting and reported that Loikaw YMCA had overcome many difficulties and has now been certified as a regional YMCA by the National Council YMCAs of Myanmar.
The situation has become even more serious due to the severe damage caused by the cyclone in Rakhine State, Myanmar.
Yokohama YMCA will always remember the people of Myanmar, pray for them, and continue to support them.
By Global & Local Community Services
Yokohama YMCA
1st Gender Equity Forum of the 21st General Assembly of APAY
Last Updated (Friday, 02 June 2023 17:24)
1st Gender Equity Forum of the 21st General Assembly of APAY
September 13-15, 2023
YWCA International Guest House, Chennai, India
Theme: “Journeying Together as a Resilient Community: Transforming Lives through Vision 2030.”
Concept Note
Introduction
The APAY adheres to the guiding principle of Challenge 21; hence the commitment to Gender Justice remains an integral part and a mandate of the YMCA, especially in the Asia and Pacific region. APAY intends to promote Gender Equity at all levels with a community-specific approach. It affirms the YMCA Values Statement on Inclusion that “diversity and inclusion are core to the YMCA movement. Therefore – the YMCA movement is open and inclusive of all people regardless of their ability, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background. Hence, to realize an inclusive YMCA and society requires a collaborative undertaking to translate the motto of the YMCA “That They All May Be One.”
Gender Justice objectives in the Quadrennial Program Plan (QPP) of the APAY
1 To cultivate a culture of gender equity and empowerment of women and girls at all levels by creating platforms of learning, reflection, and exchange of experiences.
2 To ensure the development of leadership skills, organizing and advocacy capacities of YMCA constituencies that promote reforms for equal opportunities for all at all levels.
The APAY Gender Equity Committee, through the Gender Justice Programs, continues its efforts to achieve the objectives and to translate the vision into reality. The members are committed to establishing an inclusive environment through education, creating awareness, and policies that promote and reflect gender justice in work, dialogue, and discussions, including the non-binary views of gender identity and sexuality.
1st Gender Equity Forum (GEF)
In the previous General Assemblies of APAY, there were workshops organised on gender justice as one of the thematic workshops. But this is the 1st time the Gender Equity Forum (GEF) will be a parallel event with the youth assembly before the 21st GA. The GEF will bring women and men participants of the 21st GA to create a common platform to discuss gender issues, gender equity, women's participation and women's leadership within the YMCA. The forum will develop the gender justice program direction for the next quadrennium and prepare the GEF delegates to participate at the GA.
Objectives
The followings are specific objectives:
- Create a space for women, men, gender diverse groups through the GEF to come together and discuss gender issues and gender equity in YMCAs
- Share and listen to the gender concerns and voices in sub-regional contexts to identify the problems and challenges to address them through various initiatives
- Develop Biblical and theological reflections from gender perspectives
- Re-imagine a gender-inclusive YMCA by linking the pillars of Vision 2030
- Come up with Gender Justice program direction for the next quadrennium for the QLR, and develop collective recommendations on gender justice policy to the GA
- Coordinate a joint session with the youth assembly to work towards common goals.
- Orient and prepare the GEF delegates to participate in the GA Develop networks and celebrate the fellowship and diversity.
Theme:
The gender equity committee chose the same theme of the 21st GA for the 1st GEF: “Journeying Together as a Resilient Community: Transforming Lives through Vision 2030.” However, the GEF will discuss the theme from the gender, inclusivity and just world perspectives.
Participants of GEF
Around 75 participants (women and men) are expected to join the Forum from different YMCAs of Asia Pacific region.
Dates: September 13-15, 2023 ( 13th Arrival). After the GEF, the participants are expected to continue joining the 21st GA
Venue: YWCA International Guest House, Chennai, India
Participation Fees: US$60
Accommodation Fees: US$33 (double room, including breakfast)
The participation fees will cover lunches and dinners during the GEF and all other costs directly related to the participants, such as the Forum materials, T-shirts, badges etc.
Subsidy: Interested participants who cannot pay the accommodation and participation fees can request a subsidy to the APAY. They can send their request at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Registration: We expect all the GEF participants to continue participating in the 21st GA from September 15-20. The Subsidised participants must attend the 21st GA.
To fill out the Assembly Registration Form, please click here
All registration forms should be sent to Ms. Irene Chan, Administrative Assistant of APAY email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
If you have any other queries, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Sunita Suna, Executive Secretary of APAY and related secretary for the 21st GA of APAY, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tentative Program of the 1st GEF
Conclusion
The Gender Equity Forum will be prepared and organized by the related executive secretary and the gender equity committee. We look forward to a meaningful, joyful and vibrant GEF with your participation! We hope the 1st GEF will inspire and empower us to continue our journey towards creating a gender just inclusive YMCA!
By Sunita Suna
Executive Secretary for Programs
APAY Executive Committee Meeting 2023 held Virtually
Last Updated (Monday, 08 May 2023 14:50)
The APAY Executive Committee met virtually on the 14th of April from 3PM-6PM HKT. About 58 members including National YMCA Presidents, NGSs, APAY board members and other ex-officio Executive Committee members joined the ECM. The decision to hold the ECM in April, before the 21st General Assembly to be held in September 2023, was to provide more time allocation to the different components of the General Assembly in September including the Council Meeting.
The proposed agenda for the ECM was accepted and achieved during the meeting. The ECM received the following reports:
- General Secretary’s report: GS Nam Boo Won presented the 2022 annual report of APAY, sharing the important programs and activities of APAY with the members. Despite many challenges like COVID-19 global pandemic, the APAY staff team tried their best to achieve the proposed program plans for 2022.
- Audited Financial Report and Budget 2023
- Golden Anniversary Trust Fund Committee Report
- 21st GA Planning Committee Report: presented by the Chair Babu Gomes. The report highlighted the ongoing planning and preparations for the 21st General Assembly, scheduled from 15-20 September 2023, in Chennai, India. Before the 21st GA, there will be two pre-events: i.e. the 5th Youth Assembly and 1st Gender Equity Forum from 13-15 September 2023.
- Election Committee Report: presented by the Chair Nagako Okado
- Task Force Group Report on APAY Office Matters: presented by the Chair Rev. Samuel Stephens.
ECM also approved the 2023 Yearly Program Calendar of APAY.
The ECM made endorsement on the following Personnel Matters recommended by the APAY board. 1) appointment of two news APAY staff: Ms. Yura Rhee, Secretary for Admin and Youth Empowerment; Ms. Nimasha De Silva, Program Officer for Climate Defenders Project. 2) Ms. Cristina Miranda, Executive Secretary’s contract extended till 30 June 2023. 3) Mr. Nam Boo Won, General Secretary’s term is extended to August 2026.
The participants remembered the YMCA leaders who passed away in 2022. Vice President Honorio Tan presented the In Memoriam.
The ECM was concluded with closing remarks by president Chen Chin-Seng and a prayer led by board member Nagako Okado.
Makati YMCA Joins Earth Hour to Earth Day Campaign of APAY
Last Updated (Thursday, 04 May 2023 16:33)
The YMCA of Makati joined the Earth Hour to Earth Day Campaign launched by the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCA’s (APAY) through different Climate Advocacy Activities led by the youth which happened between March 23 to April 22, 2023.
These activities started with a series of Climate Change Education talks from the Makati Y’s Green Ambassadors, Ms. Magda Gana, Ms. Alyssa Alita and Mr. Reagan Melendez who gave a talk on Climate Change, Water Footprint and Carbon Footprint on March 22 among the youth and scholars of Makati YMCA.
Some of the youth also participated by practicing different environment conscious lifestyle like using reusable water container, bike to school etc. and posted it in social media using the official hashtag #EarthHour2EarthDay.
The Campaign culminated through a Clean-Up Drive activity around the Makati YMCA Community in San Antonio, where students, teachers and parents from the Red Triangle Club (RTC), Hi-Y Clubs, cholars and volunteers from Ys Men Makati Golden were present.
To wrap up the day Ms. Melody Quintanilla, one of the team leaders of Makati YMCA's Youth-led solutions Project, KalaKalikasan, gave an interesting talk on Earth Day and encouraged the youth to become stewards of God’s creation.
39th ASC Reflection
Last Updated (Thursday, 04 May 2023 16:10)
My learnings at the 39th ASC
I wish to start my learnings in chronological order. Starting with sharing the life journey, which was an excellent exercise to go down memory lane after 40+ years. It gave me time to see how I have progressed and more over how GOD has blessed me to come so far with his grace.
Next was the session by Dr Rommel Linatoc on “Creative Worships & Liturgies”. A lot of insight was given. We were questioned, “Why do we attend a worship service?”. He clearly explained the process of organizing worship and LITURGY = Life in its fulness, Interconnection, Transformative of lives, Unity of purpose, Radiance of hope, GOD deliverance, Yearning resolutions. The altar formation was a very new thing that I learnt. Most importantly, I learnt how to create a “creative liturgy”, which will suit the context.
The next session was by Mr Nam on “Responding to GOD’s calling for Mission”. At the start, it was affirmed that we must seek GOD’s calling or plan rather than execute our plan. The Quadrennial Program Plan (QPP) was a new learning among the many new learnings and revision of known facts. We were also challenged to explore the DNA of the YMCA. Ecumenism & Ecumenical Movement by Ms Sunita was the next session. I learnt various aspects and different ecumenical organizations. This was a discussion-based session. However, I still doubt whether the YMCA is moving in the correct direction.
Next was a session by Mr Nam on “Movement Strengthening & Relevancy”. During this session, the three pillars of a healthy YMCA were discussed. A clear Vision & Mission, Relevant Work, and a Viable & Sustainable Foundation. It was also shared that if the Local YMCA Presidents are called for a similar session, they will get an insight into these, which will make an impact when it comes to change.
Following that was a session by Mr Razvan from the World Alliance on Vision 2030. An introduction was given on the new mandate; I learnt there is not much Christian emphasis, though it’s a passed mandate at the 20th World Council. Therefore, we need to think critically about certain aspects for the betterment of the movement at our own local YMCA level. I feel we should have allotted more time for this session.
The next session was “Agenda 2030 & SDGs” by Ms Denise KH Yoon. Again, it was quite an informative session and also refreshed my early learnings. I felt that more of our projects need to be re-aligned with the SDGs. We were also enlightened about the YMI, its evolution, and its mission towards the YMCA. Again, this left specific questions in mind and facts for pondering the fundamental mission of this institution and its future continuity.
The next session on “Good Governance” done by Dr Subash Masters” was one of the main topics that I was looking forward to. His teachings were very practical and contextual for the current-day practices of the YMCA. He emphasized the importance of following proper Constitutions and the need to be up to date to keep up with the current requirements. He also mentioned that governance has to be evaluated regularly.
Afterwards, we had a session on “Lay Professional Partnership (LPP)” by Mr Nam where the seven principles of LPP were taught. The next session was by Mrs Cristina & Mr Beng Seng on “Climate Justice for a Sustainable Planet”. There were many new learnings during the session. The session by Dr. George on “Economy of Life”, highlighted that he returned after the COP27, where the main sponsor was COCA-COLA, and that it is a significant contributor for environmental pollution. Now this gives a message across the world for us to ponder. He also enlightened us on the concept of Eco Capitalism. The main teaching was that we must solve the root cause rather than provide bandage solutions.
Though all of the above was on zoom, we learnt and shared a lot. It was a new experience to meet daily on zoom for 2 weeks. Finally, we all met in-person in Chiang Mai. It was another experience that we were longing to meet friends.
The first in-person session we had was on “Interfaith”. It was a great experience to see all the leaders of different faith sit together and discuss on common interests. The session by Dr Muriel also gave me lot of thinking. She highlighted that without properly having the Challenge 21 grasped by local YMCAs, it is now required that we start to think on Vision 2030.
We visited 3 community projects in Chiang Mai. The MAP foundation which was working for the migrant workers and their welfare, the HUG project which was setup to address many issues related to child abuse and trafficking, and the Urban Light which was addressing issues related to youth such as sexual abuse and matters of social concern. Many positives and negatives were shared during the discussion time. I would like to place on record, that it would have been better if this was more of a field exposure where we meet the communities and see how they are being handled. I expect this to be taken as constructive criticism for the next batches.
During the next session by Dr Rey Ty on “Peace Building and Conflict Resolution” it was taught that a good listener could be a point of peace making. The activity done practically proved the capability of listening. The next session on “APAYs Response to Gender Justice” by Sunita gave a lot of facts for thought. Simultaneously it left many questions or challenges for future leaders to ascertain the impact of being for or against the proposals. This being a highly debated topic in the current context, YMCA leaders also will have to be very mindful to think critically rather than just moving towards the trends.
The next session by Bishop Dr. Coorilos on “Contextual Theology”, discussed a new aspect of theology. The content was so intense that it made me want to read more. Our visit to the Sou Hin YMCA was a great exposure getting to know their practical implementations in response to the climate crisis. This visit was the most exciting and valuable during the study. I learnt many things that could be implemented from the learnings. The garbage separation and collection, re-using, power conservation, and use of solar are a few to note.
The one before the last session by Sunita on “Proposal Writing & Resource Mobilization” was useful to recap specific past learnings. Nam’s presentation on the “Strategic Planning Process” followed this, which was also very useful. The final session by Cristina was on “Youth Empowerment, Leadership & Development”. A very good discussion-based session where I could recap most of the theories learnt in the past.
Holistically the ASC has given me a certain level of insight and new learnings to develop my skills and abilities to function in my position.
I want to convey my heartfelt thanks to the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY), the NCYSL & the board of directors of Kandy YMCA, who allowed me to follow the Advanced Studies Course with much support and encouragement. I am also very grateful to all my new friends from different parts of Asia and the Pacific region for all the support during the study.
Lalantha Jayasinghe
General Secretary – Kandy YMCA (Sri Lanka)
39th ASC participant
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