A VISIT OF YMCA INDIA LEADERSHIP TO RUSSIA YMCA

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Last Updated (Monday, 15 January 2024 09:03)

On August 3-9, 2023, an official delegation of National Council of YMCA India visited the Russian YMCA. The objectives of this visit were:

  • To foster international cooperation and intercultural exchange between the two YMCA movements.
  • To promote Youth and Staff Exchange programs.
  • To make for a mutual exchange of best practices and start of new programme elements in respective countries.

The visiting delegation was represented by Mr. Vincent George, President; Ms. Mahima Turhi Agrawal, Vice-President; and Mr. Bertram Devadas, National General Secretary. The program in Russia was organized by NGS Alexei Kostyakov, national board members, staff of YMCA Russia office, and leaders of a local YMCA in Yaroslavl.

Discussions held in Russia resulted in identification of further steps of collaboration: a visit of YMCA Russia official delegation to India, and the two visits of youth delegations – one to India, and another one to Russia, are planned for 2024.

In Moscow, a separate meeting was organized with the National Youth Council of Russia, which is the most representative body of youth and children's associations in the Russian Federation, with more than 50 member youth organizations. Leadership of the National Youth Council expressed full support of the initiative of the YMCAs of Russia and India to develop collaboration in youth and staff exchange.

It was also agreed that a Memorandum of Understanding between the two national YMCAs will be executed in September 2023. The cooperation of YMCAs of India and Russia will focus on several aspects, including Innovative Programs in sustainable planet, youth training, identifying meaningful work in the context of youth skills.

During interaction with Indian YMCA visitors, a youth group from Yaroslavl YMCA made a short presentation of their work; YMCA India shared their presentation as well.

A visit was undertaken to YMCA Dacha, an outdoor Guest and Camp Centre owned by YMCA Russia, which is in Yaroslavl region on the Volga River. It will be the venue for future Youth Exchange projects between YMCAs of Russia and India.

It is hoped that both YMCAs will embark on a long and mutually beneficial partnership, which will unite its members, especially youth, around the ideas of peace, collaboration, and friendship.


By Mr. Bertram Devadas, National General Secretary, NCYI