37 Prefects learn leadership with YMCA

YMCA of Pamunugama organized a prefects for the schol prefects in the area. 37 prefects from 4 schools (Peralanda Vidyalaya, Pitipana Vidyalaya, Thalahena Vidyalaya and Kepungoda Vidyalaya) participated the training programme which held on 24 October, 2016 at the Pamunugama YMCA Main Hall. YMCA organize several similar training programmes annually and this was the first one for the year 2016.

Mr. Aruna Shantha, who is a Leadership Trainer and experienced YMCA leader facilitated the event. YMCA thank all the principals of participated schools and teachers who attended the event along with prefects. 

Mr. Shelton President Pamunugama YMCA welcoming the participants

Mr. Nonis facilitating an activity

Learning from each-other through activities

Students practicing their skills

Photo Credit: Isuru Nonis

Pamunugama GS attended the "Ocean in a Drop" Training for Professional youth Workers

Professional Youth Workers Association (PYWA) of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Youth Section of Commonwealth Secretariat in London organized a one week training of Trainees (TOT) for a selected group of professional youth workers in Sri Lanka. Event was organized to enhance the professionalism of the youth work sector in Sri Lanka in both government agencies and NGOs.

22 professional youth workers attended the training from 11 - 17 September held in Kithulkanda Mountain Resort in Padukka. Ridma Fonseka, General Secretary of the YMCA of Pamunugama also was among participants of the event.

Couple of resource persons from Pravah and Commutiny in India facilitated the event. During the programme a modules prepared as a guideline for youth work was covered. YMCA of Pamunugama thank PYWA for the opportunity given to Ridma Fonseka to take-part in the event.

Come-Share Foundation meet students at Pamunugama YMCA

Mr. Derek on the left sitting next to Mr. Shelton

Come-Share Foundation has been working with the YMCA for over period of decade since the Tsunami Disaster in 2004. Come-Share has supported over 120 individual students with their education in various levels including Advanced Level, University, Professional Courses and Vocational training.

Earlier today (10. 09. 2016) Mr. Derek Ross-Meredith a director of Come-Share Foundation met with students supported by Come-Share Foundation through the YMCA of Pamunugama. Meeting was held at the YMCA Meeting Room. 

During the meeting Mr. Derek explained to students on the objectives of the Come-Share Foundation and encouraged students to make use of the available opportunities. Students also expressed their views and shared their plans with Come-Share Foundation. There were 20 students and 7 parents attended the meeting. Representing YMCA of Pamunugama Mr. Shelton Peiris, Ridma Fonseka, Aruna Nonis also joined the meeting. 

Students sharing their vies and appreciations

YMCA Mountain Hike

In Negombo before the journey started on 02. 09. 2016

Pamunugama YMCA organized a mountain hike from 02 - 05 September, 2016 in the Knuckles Mountain Range in Matale District. This was organized as an open event for YMCA members. 8 young people from YMCA signed-up and joined the trip. 

Group started the journey by Motorbikes on 02 evening and reached first destination which was a friends house in Ibbagamuwa in Kurunegala. After having a rest during the night, the journey resumed around 6 am towards Atanwala where the group met the local guide and parked motorcycles.

Around 12.00 noon group started hiking towards Duvili Elle which was the final destination for the day. Due to lack of time group had to abandon original plan of reaching Duvili Ella and settled by a river with a nice view for the night. Group cooked dinner and had a good rest till next day morning.

Around 10.00 am in the morning on Saturday group started to walk back to the village (Atanwala) where lunch was prepared by the time group arrived  at Guide's (Agara Ratne a friend of YMCA) home. After having a rest the group enjoyed a freezing bath in the river flows by the village and enjoyed the evening on a flat rock by the river. On the next day morning group first had to fix one of the bikes which had  punch before leaving for homes. YMCA of Pamunugama look forward to organize similar events as these events will train young people to work in a team as well as to face challenges.

During a break