YOUTH EMPOWERMENT & MEANINGFUL WORK | ||
YMCA Albay Offers Free Employment Assistance for Job Seekers For the Third Consecutive Year In its continued commitment to community development and empowerment, YMCA of Albay, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region V, successfully rolled out its third (3rd) consecutive year of offering free employment assistance services to job seekers across the province. Read more | ||
National Youth Gathering 2025, organized by the Youth Committee of NCY of Sri Lanka The National Youth Gathering 2025, organized by the National Council of YMCA Youth Committee Sri Lanka, from May 2nd to 4th at Kamam Folk High School, Kallar. This event brought together young leaders under the timely and vital theme: “Let’s Make the YMCA a Gender-Friendly Space.” The gathering served as a platform to cultivate inclusivity, leadership and create awareness among YMCA youth. Read more | ||
WhyNot - Media Literacy Comic Project Exploring the media we consume — one panel at a time. Through a series of short, six-page comics, Steven breaks down the essential skills we need to critically engage with the media that surrounds us every day – from TikToks and news articles to video games and political ads. Read more | ||
YOUTH VOICE Mahima Turhi Agrawal, a youth from YMCA India, shares her experiences and perspectives on youth participation and the challenges they face. Read more | ||
Share Your Voice with WhyNot WhyNot is a platform that amplifies the unfiltered thoughts, ideas, and stories of young people — wherever they are. If you’re aged 18–30 and have something to say through writing, art, video, or audio, WhyNot is your space to be heard. Published submissions are paid up to $250 AUD, and WhyNot always looking for fresh perspectives on everything from identity and climate to cost of living and wellbeing. Submit your story or explore more at: www.whynot.org.au | ||
SUSTAINABLE PLANET | ||
YMCA Philippines National Eco-Heroes Training: Empowers Youth and Staff for Climate Action The YMCA of the Philippines successfully concluded its National Eco-Heroes Training on April 22–24, 2025, at the YMCA of Albay, marking a powerful celebration of Earth Day through immersive learning, intercultural collaboration, and youth-led environmental action. Read more | ||
Earth Day Celebration at Lahore YMCA Lahore YMCA organized an Earth Day celebration on April 22, 2025, to promote environmental awareness and responsibility. The event highlighted the importance of taking care of our planet and inspired young people to take small but meaningful actions toward sustainability. Read more | ||
Solar Project of the National Council of the YMCA, Sri Lanka The NCY of Sri Lanka, is thankful to the YMI Green Fund for supporting NCYSL’s commitment to environmental sustainability. With the generous support of the Ys Men International Green Fund, a 10 kVA Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System was installed at the National Council of YMCAs of Sri Lanka (NCYSL) headquarters. Read more | ||
JUST WORLD | ||
YMCA of Hong Kong Domestic Helper Unit: 30th Annual Graduation Ceremony and YMCA of Hong Kong Thanksgiving Dinner 2025 On May 1, 2025, YMCA of Hong Kong proudly hosted its "30th Annual Graduation Ceremony" and “YMCA of Hong Kong Thanksgiving Dinner 2025” at the YMCAHK Headquarters. Themed "Together We Rise, Celebrating Our Journey", this event commemorated three decades of dedication and service to the Domestic Helpers Unit. Read more | ||
COMMUNITY WELLBEING | ||
Various Programs and Activities organized by YMCA Cuttack for the Community The YMCA Cuttack organized the Art & Crafts Summer Camp for young students in association with Heman’ts Art & Creativity. Read more | ||
An Ecumenical Easter Day Celebration With Children and Youth By YMCA Timor Leste The Easter celebration is a social activity that the YMCA of Timor-Leste always conducts as part of the activities to renew faith. These activities aim to foster understanding and cooperation among Protestant and Catholic religious communities. Read more | ||
MOVEMENT STRENGTHENING | ||
Savar YMCA held its Strategic Planning Meeting aligned with the YMCA Vision 2030 On April 25, 2025, Savar YMCA successfully conducted its Strategic Planning Meeting for the year 2025-2028 at the YMCA International House in Savar, Dhaka. This important meeting brought together all Advisors, Executive Board Members and Office staff of Savar YMCA, with the purpose of drafting a comprehensive three-year strategic plan (2025–2028) aligned with the YMCA Vision 2030. Read more | ||
CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT | ||
Living with Hope (Romans 5:3-5) Biblical Reflection by Dr. Ahn Jae-Woong | ||
REFLECTION AND INSIGHTS FROM PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS | ||
Reflections and Insights from S. Blessing, Participant of the 40th Advanced Studies Program The ASP sessions created a good platform to network with all the participants from different countries. And the most important learning from this session is, ‘how we can address the challenging situation in our personal and professional life and move forward’. The sharing has enabled us to connect with each individual personally and professionally, says S. Blessing. Read more | ||
SOLIDARITY SPACE | ||
The Human-Made Famine Catastrophe Unfolding in Gaza and South Sudan World Hunger Day was observed on May 28 to raise awareness about global food insecurity and encourage action to end hunger. This year's theme is "Sowing Resilience", focusing on how combating climate change can help ensure food security for all. Over the past three months, the world has been closely watching a heartbreaking humanitarian crisis unfold in Gaza. Read more | ||
Statement on Gaza by World YMCA: A call for ceasefire and the protection of human dignity Click to read the statement | ||
ANNOUNCEMENTS | ||
The National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh has appointed Mr. Manik Willver D Costa as the new National General Secretary. We extend our congratulations and best wishes as he undertakes this important role. Read more | ||
YMCA Founder’s Day: The YMCA turns 181 years old this Friday, 6 June. You are invited to join the celebration by: | ||
Sending your video/phone testimony: Since 30 May World YMCA have been sharing photos and videos on social media of what “My YMCA is…” from YMCA staff and volunteers. Please join this project and share about what you think about your YMCA? – You can send a video or photo here by 5 June. | ||
Save the Dates! | ||
Photo credit: UN
Global Goals Gender & Climate Justice Program will be organized in partnership with the Climate Defenders Project of the Asia Pacific YMCA in Manila, Philippines, from September 20-25, 2025 | ||
Youth Transformation Program of APAY will take place in Manila, Philippines, from October 13-18, 2025" | ||
Asia Pacific YMCA’s 41st Advanced Studies Program Heads to Bali, Indonesia from Oct 26 - Nov 23, 2025 | ||
An unexpected fire broke out at the
YMCA International Centre in Sri Lanka; buildings are partially damaged!