YMCA's

To :	National General Secretaries Area Organisations Related Persons
Date :	15 May 2008
Subject :	The 26th YMCA Advanced Studies Programme

We are happy to announce that the 26 th YMCA Advanced Studies Programme will be held from 26 October 2008 (Arrival) – 29 November 2008 (Departure) at YMCA Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village in Hong Kong .

The focus of the Studies is on Leadership for Movement Strengthening for Transformation. The aim is to equip participants with a deeper understanding of current global trends and with relevant methodologies to strengthen the movement dimension of the YMCA for transformative social actions. It is also to motivate them to grow in Spirituality and to be proactive in responding to emerging challenges.

Attached please find a copy of the Programme Information on the Studies. Special focus has been placed on integration of Youth and Gender concerns into our study programme; other special Workshops on Building Capacity will also be held. We will be using the revised Curriculum developed under the Integrated Leadership development Programme, 2007

The Mandatory Registration Fee for all participants, including those granted partial/full Scholarships, is US$200. The Participation Fee is US$1,600.

Kindly refer to the Notes in the on Information Document regarding the Qualification of Participants and Procedure for Application :

Criteria and Qualification of candidates on Page 3,
Preparation before the Course, Page 4
Applicant's Summary of Self, Page 4
Paper and Case Story to be submitted with Application, Page 4
Procedure for Application, Page 13
Scholarships, Page 14

The required Papers/Case Story (explained on Page 4) are mandatory and will be used for selection purposes.

We wish to reiterate that only eligible candidate(s) , preferably under 40 years of age, be recommended for selection that will be based on qualifications, availability of places and their written papers. The Application Form is attached.

Please advise applicants from YMCAs with serious financial constraints to write personally for scholarship (partial or full) with the endorsement of the National General Secretary, to the APAY General Secretary.

Kindly send the duly completed Application Form together with the required personal documents ( for Group Training Visa Application purposes ), and papers stipulated ( for selection purposes ) to us by 20 July 2008, the latest to help expedite the selection process and bloc Training Visa application for entry into Hong Kong that may take up to 2 months.