YMCA Lahore Celebrated Foundation Day

Last Updated (Friday, 30 June 2023 14:25)

The Lahore YMCA celebrated the Foundation Day of its global movement, which started in 1844 in London on June 6, 2023. Lahore YMCA was established in 1879.

A special program was held to highlight the services of the YMCA and its contribution to nation-building, which was attended by leaders from different walks of life. Bishop of Lahore Rt. Rev. Nadeem Kamran was the chief guest. President Lahore YMCA Ashaknaz, General Secretary Emanuel Sarfraz, Haroon Rehmat, John William and Prof. Abdia Elvin were present.

↑ Bishop of Lahore, Rt. Rev. Nadeem Kamran	↑ Augustine Zafar briefing about cyber security	↑ Fatima receiving certificate of appreciation

A declamation contest was held among the youth on ‘Be a voice, not an echo’. Very interesting and thought-provoking arguments were heard and appreciated by the audience. Fatima Saqib won the contest. A briefing on cyber security and how to best use modern social media tools was given by teacher Augustine Zafar.

The Bishop praised the work of the YMCA for the benefit of local communities and for creating socio-religious harmony in Pakistan. “YMCA’s role in strengthening the body, mind, and spirit is a role model for the future. Its contribution in art, information technology, and other disciplines is remarkable,” Rt. Rev. Nadeem said.

Emanuel briefed the guests about the ongoing and future welfare projects of the YMCA, including the start of a hostel for working women and female students. The work on the hostel will soon be started. It was closed in 1998, and before that was only for boys and men. Now YMCA has started enrolling females as its members. The hostel would go a long way in empowering and facilitating women from villages and small towns to Lahore for work or studies.

He said YMCA was given a medal of honour by the government for being declared the best NGO for the year 2022. A total of five NGOs were honoured from the thousands that are working. He also dilated on the new courses being taught at the YMCA during the summer season, especially for school and college students.

↑ Bishop of Lahore, President YMCA and guests	↑ Group photo before cake cutting

By Emanuel Sarfraz
General Secretary of Lahore YMCA