1st Asia Pacific Christian Youth Assembly

Last Updated (Wednesday, 02 October 2024 11:07)

The 1st Asia Pacific Christian Youth Assembly took place in Jeju, Korea, from September 4 to 8, 2024, and was a significant gathering that united 60 participants from 12 countries: Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Among these participants, seven were representatives from ecumenical organizations, including the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), the World Student Christian Federation – Asia Pacific (WSCF-AP), and the World Council of Churches/United Church of Christ in the Philippines (WCC/UCCP). The assembly was collaboratively organized by the NCY-Korea and Korea Uni-Y, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering youth engagement across the region.

The assembly spanned five days, commencing with an inspiring keynote address by Rev. Bae Hyun Joo. Her speech resonated deeply with the participants, urging them to take action on pressing issues related to climate change and peace, all while embracing their ecumenical Christian identity. This theme of active engagement was further explored in workshops where participants from various countries shared their local experiences regarding climate and peace challenges. These discussions led to collaborative brainstorming on innovative solutions aimed at achieving transformation.

During the exposure visit to the Jeju April 3rd Peace Memorial, participants confronted the historical pain and suffering caused by conflict, which reinforced their understanding of the importance of maintaining peace in their own societies. This experience deepened their commitment to advocacy for peace, underscoring the idea that history must inform present actions.

Participants actively demonstrated their commitment to climate justice by taking part in the Action4Climate March. They created their own picket signs, which symbolized their unified voice calling for urgent action on climate issues. This hands-on engagement not only highlighted their solidarity but also empowered them to take their advocacy beyond the assembly.

At the conclusion of the assembly, the participants collectively formulated a resolution that emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration. They pledged to establish a network that would facilitate continuous communication and cooperative action focused on climate justice and peace initiatives. This commitment signifies a hopeful and proactive step toward creating a sustainable and just future, grounded in the values they cherish as Christian youth.

By Yura Rhee, Secretary for Youth Empowerment and Admin, Asia Pacific YMCA

Myanmar YMCA Created Space for “Learning and Sharing” A Workshop” to Empower Youth Y2Y

Last Updated (Tuesday, 01 October 2024 19:33)

The Myanmar YMCA successfully conducted its “Learning and Sharing Workshop” from September 7 to 9 in the historic city of Bagan, focusing on the theme “Empowering Youth Y2Y.” The event brought together 60 enthusiastic young participants and 11 dedicated youth leaders and Myanmar YMCA staff from various regions, including Maubin, Pathein, Yangon, Taunggyi, Taungoo, Naypyitaw, Hpa-an and Mandalay.

The workshop was part of the Sustainable Development through Strengthening Youth Employment Program, aimed at fostering youth empowerment and sustainable development according to the Myanmar YMCA Strategic Plan. Participants engaged in various activities that encouraged them to share personal experiences and insights gained from the Myanmar YMCA youth empowerment program.

In the opening ceremony, Mr Maung Maung Win, General Secretary of Myanmar YMCA gave an encouraging speech with a famous song Great Bagan. In his encouragement speech, he mentioned World YMCA Vision 2030 and the activities of Youth organized by APAY. The youths were happy to hear that going abroad could motivate and provide opportunities not only for education, but also jobs.

Throughout the workshop, attendees participated in motivational speaker sessions, Pannel Discussion enhancing their knowledge and soft skills in critical areas such as leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, communication, volunteerism, and SWOT analysis. These skills are essential for navigating daily life and future career opportunities.

One of the key highlights of the workshop was a dedicated session where youth discussed the current challenges they face within their communities. Participants identified issues such as limited access to quality education, unemployment, mental health struggles, and social isolation. Through open dialogue, they explored possible solutions, emphasizing the need for community support and collaboration.

“We recognize that our challenges are interconnected,” said Phaw Phaw, a participant from Pathein. “By working together and sharing resources, we can create more opportunities for ourselves and others in our communities.”

Youth leaders (Myanmar YMCA staff) facilitated brainstorming sessions that focused on practical strategies for overcoming these challenges. Ideas included initiating peer mentorship programs, community workshops to enhance employability skills, and advocacy efforts to raise awareness about youth issues. Participants also expressed the need for more mental health resources and safe spaces for youth to connect and share their experiences.

“How can the YMCA help us?” was a recurring question during discussions. Participants emphasized the importance of ongoing support from the organization, including access to training programs, networking opportunities, and mentorship initiatives. Many expressed a desire for the YMCA to act as a bridge between youth and local businesses, facilitating internships and job placements.

“The youth empowerment program has been transformative for many of us,” said Herry, a participant from Yangon. “We learned not just skills but also how to support each other and grow together as a community.”

As the workshop concluded, participants left with renewed energy and a commitment to applying their newly acquired skills in their communities, furthering the mission of the Myanmar YMCA to promote youth empowerment across the nation. The organization plans to continue offering such initiatives, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and valued in shaping the future of Myanmar.

Saw Tun Lu, Program Manager, SDSYE Program, Myanmar YMCA

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.

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.

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.

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