YMCA Timor-Leste Youth Program Plans for 2026

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YMCA Timor-Leste Youth Program Plans for 2026


Name of the Program/Activity:

Our first youth club meeting of the year focuses on the roadmap from May to December 2026. As we gather to discuss our impact, we center our mission on faith and service.

Date: 11 April 2026

Venue: YMCA Training Center room

Objectives of the Program

The primary objective of the YMCA Timor-Leste Youth Program (May-December 2026) is to foster a spirit of leadership, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion among the youth. By combining spiritual growth with practical community service and strategic financial planning, we aim to build a sustainable platform that supports the holistic development of Timorese youth and serves the most vulnerable members of our community.

Details of the Program

The first youth club meeting of the year was a landmark event, bringing together dedicated young leaders to map out a vibrant calendar of activities for May through December 2026. With the guidance of the YMCA administration and the spirit of community service, we have set our sights on impactful celebrations and environmental stewardship.

The Planning Committee

The session was highly collaborative, featuring 9 active youth members representing various local chapters. The meeting was successfully facilitated with the expert support of:

  • The Vice President of the Board

  • The Executive Secretary

  • The Administration and Finance Officer

  • Participation Overview:

    • Total Youth Participants: 9

    • Primary YMCA: Dili, Timor-Leste

    • Country: Timor-Leste

Proceedings, Outputs & Outcomes

Our roadmap focuses on three pillars of engagement: Spiritual Growth, Environmental Protection, and Community Celebration.

  • Eastern Celebration (May 2026)

  • World Ocean Day (June 2026)

  • Christmas Celebrations (December 2026)

New Insights Gained

During the May gathering, the program shifted from discussion to spiritual devotion. The following action points were implemented during the prayer segment:

  1. Dedicated time for the peace and prosperity of Timor-Leste.

  2. Sharing stories of faith and resilience from the past year.

  3. Small-circle discussions on the theme of servant leadership.

  4. Each member identified one personal goal for community service to achieve by year-end.

Feedback and Quotes

The YMCA Timor-Leste, Youth Club program, has changed my life in a big way. It has helped me meet new people and learn how to work well with others on projects -- Samu F. Lai

The YMCA Timor-Leste, Youth Club program has helped me a lot. It has helped me learn more about myself and how to talk to people better -- Donny L. Alves

 

Participant Contributions

To ensure these ambitious goals are met, the committee has outlined a rigorous 3-step operational plan:

  1. Developing a detailed financial proposal to seek funding from the President’s Office and the Vice Prime Minister’s Office.

  2. Launching a community food stall to generate consistent revenue while providing a space for social gathering.

  3. Organizing targeted fundraising events with a minimum budget goal of USD $300.00. These funds will act as the seed capital for the December Christmas celebration.

Upcoming events

  1. April 2026 activities mainly focus on TL Potential Sports & Community Centre in partnership with MCC, Caltech, and YMCA Timor-Leste:

    1. Develop MoU’s with MCC and Caltech

    2. Develop an MoU with Igreja Protestante iha Timor Lorosa’e (IPTL) Protestant Churches in Timor-Leste to space arrangement.

    3. Seeking financial assistance for General Assembly in November 2026 (tentatively) and Youth Club General Assembly will discuss on board meeting.

  2. Board meeting held on 01st May 2026

  3. Eastern Celebration in May 2026

  4. World Ocean Day celebration on 06 June 2026

  5. Leadership capacity development workshop on 02-09 July 2026 in cooperation with Igreja Protestante iha Timor Lorosa’e (IPTL)

  6. Participate in the World YMCA council on 19-25 July 2026 in Toronto.

9. Visual Content


 

By Harun Boavida

General Secretary

YMCA Timor-Leste