Harbingers of Change programme by YMCA India ‘Inspiring Transformation, Building Tomorrow’
Introduction
An inspiring initiative by NCYI designed to empower and equip young leaders with the skills, knowledge, and passion needed to drive positive change in their communities and beyond. The following10-month programme module i.e. September 2024 – April 2025, is crafted to nurture the potential, foster the growth, and ignite the spirit of service, leadership, and innovation of young people, under the aegis of the Department of Youth Empowerment, Gender and Sports / Physical Recreation, The National Council of YMCAs of India:
1. YMCA History, Mission & Vision- Vision 2030: YMCA's Global Impact
2. YMCA: Discover Your Potential, Make an Impact
3. September 2024: Community Assessment and Engagement
4. October 2024: Leadership and Advocacy
5. November 2024: Cultural Competency and Inclusivity
6. December 2024: Environmental Sustainability
7. January 2025: Physical Literacy, Olympism, Health and Wellness
8. February 2025: Digital Literacy and Media Awareness
9. February 2025: Beyond Boundaries: YMCA Camping for Life's Adventures and Skills
10. March 2025: Economic Empowerment and Financial Literacy
11. March 2025: Social Justice and Human Rights
12. April 2025: Indian Youth Mobilization – Physical Meeting at New Delhi
13. April 2025: Program Reflection and Graduation
Brief Report on ‘Harbingers of Change’ programme by YMCA India as three-day event i.e. August 30 – September 1, 2024 at YMCA Ooty (Ootacamund)
The National Council of YMCAs of India & Department of Youth Empowerment, Gender, Sports/Physical Recreation under the leadership of Mr. Vincent George, President of YMCAs India, organized a three-day national event, “Harbingers of Change’ during August 30 – September 1, 2024 hosted by the YMCA Ooty (Ootacamund), based on theme, ‘Inspiring Transformation, Building Tomorrow’ bringing together 83 dynamic young men and women and officials alongside to cultivate youth leadership, gender equality, and sports for a brighter tomorrow. With thought-provoking sessions led by esteemed YMCA leaders and enriching cultural exchanges, participants emerged as true agents of positive change in their communities.
Altogether 65 boys and girls in the age group of 18-30 years representing all the Regions of the YMCA India attended the programme.
On August 30, 2024, after the formal introduction and orientation the participants were divided in to Groups and this was followed by the Ice-breaking Session led by Dr. Koshy Alexander Vaidyan, Secretary, Youth Empowerment, Gender, Sports/Physical Recreation, NCYI.
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The three-day event was formally inaugurated by Mr. Vincent George, President, NCYI and Vice-President, Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs with lighting the traditional lamp in the esteemed presence of other YMCA dignitaries viz. Ms. Mahima Turhi Agrawal, Vice-President (Under 30), NCYI and Chairperson, Youth Work Committee; among Guest-of-honors i.e. Dr. Betsy Williams, Vice-President; Mr. Reji George, Treasurer and Mr. Eldo N. Varghese, National General Secretary and Mr. G. Sundersingh Barnabas, Asst. National General Secretary, NCYI.
Mr. Tom George, Educationalist & Motivational Speaker, Hebron School, delivered the Flagship Speech. In his motivational speech Mr. Tom George called up all the young delegates to be active in the activities of the local YMCAs and be conscious of their responsibilities towards the prevailing social responsibilities and be an effective citizen.
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Eleven Sessions were held during this three-day event as on August 30, 2024 Session I ‘YMCA: Discover Your Potential, Make an Impact’ led by Mr. Eldo N. Varghese, NGS; Session II, ‘YMCA History, Mission and Vision & Vision 2030’ by Mr. G. Sundersingh Barnabas, Asst. National General Secretary; on August 31, 2024 Session III, ‘Community Assessment and Engagement’ by Mr. Ashish Thorat, Secretary, Finance & Administration, NCYI; Session IV, ‘Leadership & Advocacy’ by Mr. Reji Varghese, Regional Secretary, Central India Region of YMCAs; Session V, ‘Social Justice & Human Rights’ by Mr. L. Max Williard Jayaprakash, General Secretary, YMCA Ooty; Session VI, ‘Environmental Sustainability’ by Mr. Jaydip Sarker, Regional Secretary, Eastern India Region of YMCAs; Session VII, ‘Digital Literacy and Media Awareness’ by Mr. Shalin Jebakumar, Regional Secretary, South Central India Region of YMCAs; Session VIII, ‘Physical Literacy, Health and Wellness at Ooty Botanical Garden’ by Mr. Sebastian Francis, HoD, Physical Education Department, Good Shepherd International School, Ooty; Session IX, ‘Economic Empowerment and Financial Literacy’ by Mr. Manohar Sam, Former Secretary, NCYI; Session X, ‘Beyond Boundaries: YMCA Camping for Life’s Adventures and Skills’ by Mr. Bhen Samson, Correspondent & Secretary for YMCA Sir George Williams & Junior College, Pune; and lastly Session XI on September 1, 2024 was led by Mr. K. Prabhu Kumar, President, YMCA Ooty, on ‘Cultural Competency and Inclusivity’.
All sessions conducted by the YMCA leaders during this three-day national event were very meaningful and fruitful to all participants which was followed by the group discussions.
For many youth this was the first ever exposure as ‘Harbingers of Change’ where the group members from difference languages and cultures lived together which gave them opportunity to share their experiences.
Colorful folk dances and songs were presented under various groups by the YMCA contingents from all regions.
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Conclusively, the national programme ended with Valedictory session followed by Lunch on September 1, 2024.
Our heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to the National President, Mr. Vincent George, Officers and Executive Committee members for their inspiring leadership especially to the young generation. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL!
By Koshy Alexander Vaidyan,
Secretary, Youth Empowerment, Gender, Sports/Physical Recreation, NCY India