• Water & Sanitation for 120 families
• Through Polish Government English Language Skill for Youth & Children
• ECOT review Workshop - Colombo
• The interns in Sri Lanka
• 180 hrs Secretaries training programme
• Camp Leaders Training at Mirigama  Visitors from abroad
• APAY Advance Training Progrqmme in Hong Kong
• National Love & Affection Camp Programmes
• National Camping on Dengue
• Relief for IDPs is continuing
• News from Member YMCAs
• Y’s Men’s Club SL Regional

YMCA NATIONAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST DENGUE EPIDEMIC

All member YMCAs participated on Dengue Prevention day observed on the 1st of Aug 09.  The campaign had two aspects one being awareness building on Dengue fever and other on cleaning the YMCA and other country areas.  Yeah TV, Shakthi and Sunsonic TV provided coverage.

A separate Programme was conducted on 6th of Aug 2009 in NCY vicinity and Kollupitiya area. Schools in the area joined in the programme by displaying up dengue prevention posters and distributing handbills explaining the dangers of dengue fever.  St. Michaels College of Kollupitiya conducted a Sramadana clean-up Campaign in and around the school. Medical Officer and Mr. Suraj Fernando NCY addressed the students.  At the end of the programme 03 Jak plants were planted in the school premises to mark the day.  21 YMCAs participated in this campaign.

Two Norwegians Ms. Helena Svele & Ms. Ragna Lillevik and Mr. William Anwar N Abudo Palestinian interns arrived in Sept under the Intern Exchange Programme between Sri Lanka YMCA and GoCY of Norway.  The interns will be in Sri Lanka for 8 months and they are posted to the YMCA s Galle, Trincomalee & Nugegoda to work with the local communities through the host YMCAs. They will study the local cultures and their lifestyles while sharing their own experiences and knowledge with the counterparts. 

Similarly Ms. Christine Lavinya from Point Pedro YMCA completed her orientation progrmme in Norway and left for Palestine for 6 months programme.

CELEBRATION OF UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY 01ST OCTOBER

The Universal Children’s Day is annually celebrated in many countries around the world, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1954, Universal Children’s Day is to be observed as a day of understanding and promoting the health, welfare, well-being and a moment to give, share & listen to children across the globe.

CAMP LEADERS TRAINING AT MIRIGAMA !

NCY conducted a Camp Leaders Training programme from 4th to 6th Sept. 09 at Mirigama Scout Camping Center.  The objective of the camp was to provide in-depth knowledge to future camp leaders in camping, camp culture and camp operation/management.  Trained camp directors on jungle tracking out, first aid included in the training programme.

12 YMCA professionals recently underwent a vigorous 10 day residential Basic Training Programme for YMCA Professional Secretaries. It included pre and post training as well. Under the movement strengthening process this training was designed according to APAY recommended curriculum to mould YMCAs who have the potential to become future secretaries. Nine YMCAs nominated one each and three young men from NCY participated.
The programme was inaugurated by NCY President Mr. Aruna Shantha Nonis.An elaborate ceremony was held at NCY on 29th August to mark the Certificates Awarding Ceremoney. President of Baptist Sangamaya Rev Kingsley Perera was the chief guest and Mrs. Perera awarded the certificates.

Following personnel underwent the above training:- Peter D. F. Delima – Akkaraipattu and (From left to right) Richman – Point Pedro, T. David – Kalmunai, R Fonseka – Pamunugama, I. Justin – Kallar, Prasanna Peiris – NCY, Joseph A. Prabu – Trincomalee,  S. J. Chandrakumar – NCY, P. Ashok Louis – Valachchenai, T. C. Brownson – NCY,  A. Anderson – Batticaloa, and Ms. W. A. S. C. Wijesinghe (not in the Photo)..

The National Love & Affection Camp was conducted from 4th to 17th Aug 09 at Boys Town, Ragama.  More than 200 Children belonging to diverse communities from all over the country attended this year’s camp.  The objective of the camp was to spread the message of love, understanding and peaceful coexistence among children.  The camp also helped the children to engage in games, expose inherent talents, and build leadership qualities & team spirit.  Mr. Matsuno and Mr. Tateyama, two leaders from Osaka YMCA Japan visited the camp especially to review the camp and give a hand to the local leaders.

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY – 12TH AUGUST

Almost all youths participated in the international youth day events especially organized by 20 YMCAs to celebrate the Day on 12th August.  A special report will be published by NCY Youth Committee.

1. MR. KOHEI YAMADA - APAY GENERAL SECRETARY

APAY General Secretary Mr. Kohei Yamada was in Sri Lanka to participate in the Asia Area Conference of Y’s Man’s Club International, held in Colombo.  He visited NCY, Moratuwa, Negombo and Dehiwela YMCAs.  Photo depicts happy moments with the children’s club members.  Mr. Yamada was accompanied by Mr. Takina, vice president of Japan YMCA and Ms. Nagoya of WAY / APAY.  Others in the picture are: Mr. Susil Hettiarachchi, Gen. Sec. of Dehiwela YMCA, Mr. Thilak Rohana, Peace Programme Coordinator of Dehiwela, Mr. Peter Jasinghe, President, and Mr. Prithi Jayasinghe, Treasurer & Mr. S. Vijayakulasingam, Dep. National Gen. Sec. of NCY - SL.

2. Mr. Rungrote Tangusurakt, DPPM Programme Coordinator and Ms. Sabine Minniger Representative of EEP Germany visited us on 10th & 11th of Sep 09 in connection with ECOT Meeting.
3. Mr. Matsuno – Executive Director and Mr. Tateyama, two leaders from Osaka YMCA Japan visited us to participate in the National Love & Affection Camp held in 4th to 17th Aug 2009.

This programe is being observed during 8th to 14th Nov 09 with the Theme “Striving for Global Citizenship for All” Booklet in English, Shinhala & Tamil are available for sale.  A Retreat has been arranged on 7th Nov 09 from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at St. Margaret Convent.  All are welcome.

ECOT- ADVERSE EFFECTS OF TOURISM- BANGKOK

The programme was held on 14th & 15th August 09 at Bangkok, Thailand to analyze ways to address unfavorable issues that become legacy of tourism. Prasanna Peiris, Executive Assistant of NCY participated.

WATER & SANITATION FOR 120 FAMILIES
THROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH POLISH GOVERNMENT

The National Council of the YMCAs of Sri Lanka (NCYSL), in partnership with Polish Government is to build 15 wells and 120 latrines in the Eastern Region for communities lacking water and sanitation facilities, under the project “Community Water and Sanitation Development Programme”.  An MOU was signed between the Polish Government and the NCYSL. Mr. Janusz Impert, First Secretary of the Polish Embassy in New Delhi signed on behalf of Government of Poland. Prior to this Mr. Impert visited project locations in East; Kurunkalaycholai in Valaichenai and Mandur in Batticaloa District.

Many families in these areas were resettled families who have to walk long distances to collect drinking water. In some places water is collected from holes dug on the ground for drinking purposes which is highly unhygienic. This project is expected to ease the water shortage and improve the sanitary conditions of more than 120 families.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILL FOR YOUTH & CHILDREN

 
NCY SL partnered with ICTA (Information & Communication Technology Agency) to promote English Language Skills for schooling and non schooling children and youth. The project titled “English Language Skills for underprivileged students and youth” commenced in August was implemented with the YMCAs in Jaffna, Point Pedro, Navaly and Uduvil.

The ICTA will support the programme for 3 months with electronic software, computers, and funds for instructors. Thereafter the programme will be continued by the stake holders.  The picture shows officials from, ICTA and the NCY handing over the agreement. .     

WORKSHOP POVERTY ALLEVIATION NEW DELHI

APAY’s Poverty Alleviation & Sustainable Development Programme was held at New Delhi YMCA from 07th to 11th Aug 09 Mr. Rohan Salgado, Asst. National General Secretary of NCY, Mr. P. E. M. Wasalatantry, Treasurer of Negombo YMCA and Mr. Neelaka Sampath Fernando, Peace Prgramme Coordinator of Moratuwa YMCA represented Sri Lanka YMCA.

RELIEF FOR IDPS IS CONTINUING

Sri Lanka YMCA is continuing with its IDP relief work.  In July and August, following the requests of respective government authorities, forwarded by YMCAs, NCY remitted Rs. 645.000/- to Mannar YMCA to distribute plastic buckets, soaps, sandals, and children’s toys.

Rs. 647,503/- was sent to Vavuniya YMCA to distribute Milk Food and nutritional substitutes to Zone 4 camp in Manik farm.  In the first week of Sept Rs. 79,940/- was remitted to YMCA Mannar to supply Milk Food and other essential items to patients admitted to the Mannar hospital.  This was requested by the Catholic Chaplain of Our Lady of Velankanni Church in Mannar whom looking after the welfare of these patients who were injured and have lost limbs during the war.  Acknowledging a request from Divisional Secretary of Cheddikulam, which was forwarded by Mannar YMCA, NCY remitted Rs. 306,720/- to Mannar Y to supply 1000 packets of Milk Food to Sumathipuram Relief Village.. 
Y Care International is coordinating the relief and to date we have received from partners including Y care International Rs. 5,500,444/ and we have spent Rs. 4,792,571 at Jaffna, Mannar and Vavuniya.

APAY ADVANCED TRAINING

Mr. Charith de Silva. Executive Secretary of the NCY left for Hong Kong to follow the 6 weeks training programme from October - November 2009.

NEWS FROM MEMBER YMCAS

Jaffna YMCA is publishing a by - monthly news letter titled “A Ray of Light” Two publication have been released up to August 2009.  Regional Love and affection camp participated by children from five YMCAs was conducted from 13 to 15th August 09.  The infrastructure development activities commenced on the Movement Strengthening Process are nearing completion.  Membership and Programme development are taking new dimension.

DEHIWELA YMCA - SUNSHINE CAMP!

Dehiwela YMCA in partnership of Y’s Man’s Club of Dehiwela conducted the Sunshine Camp in Aug 09 for the 37th consecutive year. Dehiwela Y’s Man Club and volunteers of all ages worked hard to organize and ensure that children had a memorable two days camp.  During the 2 days there was music, dancing and laughter every where.  More than 125 mentally and physically differently able children participated with their care givers. Picture shows “Fancy Dress Competition” in progress.

NEGOMBO YMCA-MOBILE PHONE REPAIRING COURSE!

In addition to Computer Training, programme the Negombo YMCA has launched a Mobile Phone Repairing Course that has drawn the attention of many youngsters of the area. Initially 19 youth are following this job oriented course.

Negombo Y Trained Prefects of Kochchikade Maha Vidyalaya, in Negombo.  One day programme was conducted in July for 45 participants.

Another Leadership Training Programme was conducted for 68 Sunday School Prefects of the area.  It was held on 08th Aug 09 at Cardinal Cooray Center, Negombo.  NCY President addressed the participants on “Christian Leadership Today?”

Mr. Kohei Yamada, General Secretary of APAY paid a courtesy visit to Negombo YMCA with Mr. Takina, Vice president of Japan YMCA. Mr. S. Vijeyakulasingam, Deputy NGS of NCY accompanied him. They had an informal discussion with Negombo YMCA officials M/s. Duncan de Zilwa, Vice President, P. E. M. Wasalatantry, Treasurer and Roger Peiris, General Secretary.

The General Secretary of Kallar Y Mr. Dunsten Herose resigned from his position to go for higher studies in UK.

Certificates were issued to students who successfully completed trainings in Aluminium fabrication and Welding.

In addition to Sinhala Language classes, English Elocution classes have commenced and they are very popular in the area. 45 students enrolled within a week.

An ‘Internet Café’ is opened in the premise that attracts an eager crowd everyday.  Charges range from Rs. 30/- for members and Rs..40/- for non - members per hour.

A computer software training programme for Youth will be started on 02nd Nov. 2009.

MANNAR YMCA

Children Drop in Centre of the Mannar YMCA started its new term in Aug with some funfair and celebrations.  Children along with their parents, board members and religious leaders participated. More than 50 children who attend this drop-in-centre come from internally displaced, war affected and strife torn under-privileged families. In addition to helping in basic education Mannar YMCA is providing them with indoor games and TV- Cartoon facilities. Periodically the children are taken on picnics and sight seeing. This programme is funded by German YMCA.

JAFFNA COLLEGE YMCA

First college YMCA in Asia was established at Jaffna college in April 1844  two years after the formation of YMCAs in Colombo and Galle. The unique college YMCA celebrated its 125th anniversary on 7th Oct.  Several competitions were conduced and on that day a thanks giving service held at the cathedral church Vaddukoddai.  Celebration meeting included;

Three storey building with double badminton courts and the second stage of the building for indoor games complex was ceremoniously opened on 31st Aug 09 by Mr. Aruna Shantha Nonis, President NCY and with a representation of NCY - SL.  YMCA remembered with gratitude the immeasurable support extended by the Partners who made this impossible task possible.

The building construction began under the Movement Strengthening Process is nearing completion and be ready for full occupancy by mid December 2009.  The Pre-School which was selected as a Model will provide training for Pre-school teachers of nearby Pre-schools.  The Legal Aid service has reached nearly 120 clients and registered 44 cases for follow up.

A building at a cost of Rs. 1.4 million measuring 730 Sq. Ft. has been materialized with the financial support of the German YMCA.  The building will be ready to house the member YMCA and the members by November 2009.

Under the US Y small grant a building for Pre-school has been completed.  Children’s activities and programmes are going on well and the Pre-school will commence in January 2010.

COLOMBO YMCA

DAY CAMP:  Sixty Children from several schools in Colombo participated in the Annual Day Camp organized by the Children’s Department which was held on the 20th, 21st and 22nd of Aug 09.

SPEECH CONTEST;
The Speech Contest, based on Sir Edwin Arnold’s “The Light of the World” was conducted on Saturday the 19th September 2009 in the YMCA Forum Hall.

INTER SCHOOL SHAKESPEARE DRAMA COMPETITION – 2009.
The Semi-finals of the Inter-School Shakespeare Drama Competition 09 was organized from 22nd to 24th Sept 09 at the Lionel Wendt.   The finals were held at the Bishop’s College Auditorium on 2nd Oct 09 for the Girls’ Schools and 4th Oct 09 for the Boys’ Schools.  

SNOOKER/BILIARDS 2009 and ALL ISLAND DRAUGHTS COMPETION 2008. 
These two completions were held in July & August 09 respectively.

PANDATERUPPU YMCA.

Pre school children conducted a sports festival on 18th July.  Youth organized a Denge awareness and prevention progrmme on 01st Aug 2009.  Children took part in the cultural competition held at Navaly and won prizes.

The YMCA is conducting several activities in the new building including gym facilities.  With the additional fund granted, the play ground was leveled and developed to required standard for our door recreational activities, especially for Baseball.

A cultural programme was conducted on 19th & 20th Oct. 09 for children in the peninsular YMCAs.  33 children participated in this contest. Children posed for a photograph’

Kalmuani YMCA has organized a painting shramadana at Sorikkalmunai church on 31st July, 09.  It organized the Eastern region cricket tournament among the Eastern Region YMCAs in June.  Kalmunai YMCA won the tournament.
 
Also organized the Dengue prevention programme at YMCA Kalmunai on 1st Aug and the Inter school Drama competition – 2009 on 23rd July 09 1st Place of the Drama Completion was awarded to R.K.M. Maha Vidyalayam – Kalmunai.

Y’S MEN’S CLUB REGIONAL BOARD - SL

The Regional convention was held in Aug 09 at God’s Little Acre, Moratuwa.  NCY president attended the convention and

NEW ARCHBISHOP OF COLOMBO

While congratulating the new Archbishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Malcom Ranjith on his consecration, Sri Lanka YMCAs up hold the Servant of God in prayers.  He will be one of the NCY Vice Patrons succeeding the Archbishop emeritus Rt. Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomes.

INTENDED VISITS

Y Care International UK / Ireland: Messers Terry Waite President and Chris Roles, Director will be visiting Sri Lanka during 3rd to 9th Nov 09.  They will inspect development activities and visit Jaffna as well. 

German YMCA: Messers Bertold Messinger, International Director and Albert Ebinger will be visiting us during 30th Nov to 04th Dec 2009 to see the activities conducted at the Drop in Centers.

Published By: -

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE YMCAS OF SRI LANKA,

No. 143, St. Michael’s Road, Colombo – 03.

Tel: - 2447331, 2451468  Fax: - 2422164                    E-mail: - www.srilanka-ymca.org