The YMCA in Mongolia celebrated its 10th anniversary

Last Updated (Monday, 15 January 2024 08:57)

On November 18th, the YMCA of Mongolia joyfully celebrated its 10th anniversary with a gathering of national and international partners, volunteers and staff. The celebration, held in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, included reflections on the start of the YMCA movement in Mongolia, traditional music and dance performances and presentation of gifts.

More than 130 guests came together to help mark the momentous occasion. The YMCA of Mongolia was pleased to welcome a number of esteemed international guests who traveled for the anniversary event. The Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCA General Secretary Nam Boo Won welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance of weathering the ups and downs of growth and coming through with a firmer foundation. He wished the YMCA of Mongolia longevity like that of what will be celebrated in Korea with their upcoming 120 year anniversary.

Remarks were also shared by Vincent George, National Council of YMCA India president and APAY vice president, with wishes for continued growth and hope for the YMCA of Mongolia’s ability to purchase land and build upon it. Mr. George personally pledged his own financial contribution to the land fund and encouraged YMCA of Mongolia General Secretary Munkhtsog Davaadorj to grow this contribution through further fundraising. Traditional Indian gifts were also bestowed upon the YMCA of Mongolia staff, presented by Mr. George and Koshy Alexander Vaidyan, Youth Secretary of the National Council of YMCA.

From Japan, the Mongolia team welcomed Tsutomu Taguchi, national general secretary of YMCA Japan, Hideki Ishibashi, director of Student YMCA and Positive Net Department, Yasuo Miyato, general secretary of Ibaraki YMCA, and Akiyuki, staff from Ibaraki YMCA. They also shared their best wishes with the assembled staff, volunteers and guests, speaking of their hope that the shared work and cooperation between the YMCA movements would continue to grow.

Honorio Tan, president of Manila Downtown YMCA in the Philippines, spoke about his work with the founding members of the YMCA of Mongolia and how he watched the movement take shape and begin throughout the last ten years. The Manila Downtown YMCA has been a long term financial supporter of YMCA of Mongolia, aiding in their ability to do their work. He was joined by Venus May Alinsod, executive director of Manila Downtown YMCA, in presenting honorary gifts to the Mongolian staff.

Guests from Korea also joined the international visitor delegation, bringing best wishes from the Korean YMCA and Gwangju YMCA, a strong financial supporting partner. Kaeng-Ok Kang, chairman of Gwangju YMCA, Il-Do Na, vice chairman of Gwangju YMCA, Un-Ki Lee, general secretary of Gwangju YMCA and Hyo-Jong Kim, director of Gwangju YMCA spoke of their hope for YMCA of Mongolia’s future growth and the long-lasting impact they can have on their community through young people.

During the anniversary event, the outgoing board president Bolortuya Dondovsambuu ceremoniously transferred the presidency to newly elected board president Bat-Unur Erdenebayar. Founding member Javkhlantugs Ganbaatar was also honored during the celebrations, with appreciation expressed for his work in creating the YMCA of Mongolia ten years ago. Mr. Davaadorj closed the event by expressing his gratitude for all of the work, commitment and support shown by the YMCA of Mongolia’s partners, staff and volunteers.

That evening the APAY team hosted a dinner for the YMCA of Mongolia’s international guests, staff and volunteers. Everyone had a wonderful time fellowshiping over food and multilingual conversations and translations.

The following day a Partner Support Group meeting was held in the YMCA of Mongolia’s offices. PSG members met with the outgoing and new board presidents and national general secretary and listened to a presentation about the YMCA of Mongolia’s current work and goals. They had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the current strategies and support needed. After lunch they spent time exploring the Mongolian countryside with a trip to the Chinggis Khan statue, Terelj National Park and horseback riding. All guests safely returned to their homes after the weekend celebrations.

Haeng-Ok Kang- Chairman of Gwangju YMCA

Il-Do Na- Vice Chairman of Gwangju YMCA

Un-Ki Lee- General Secretary of Gwangju YMCA

Hyo-Jong Kim- Director of Gwangju YMCA

Venus May Alinsod - Executive Director of Manila Downtown YMCA

Honorio Tan- President of Manila Downtown YMCA

Nam Boo Won- APAY General Secretary

Vincent George, National Council of YMCA India President and APAY Vice-President

Koshy Alexander Vaidyan, National Council of YMCA, Youth Secretary

Tsutomu Taguchi, National General Secretary of YMCA Japan

Hideki Ishibashi- Director of Student YMCA and Positive Net Department

Yasuo Miyato- General Secretary of Ibaraki YMCA

Akiyuki Miyoshi- Staff of Ibaraki YMCA