Mission Camp - 17 to 19 March at YMCA of Pamunugama
30 young people attended the camp. Further strengthening of the Christian Mission among young people in the YMCA was the objective of the event. Different aspects of Christian living including faith, discipleship and prophetic mission were among the sub-topics addressed through bible studies, worship sessions, games, activities, acts and dialogues during the programme. On the last day of the mission camp, a participatory holly mass was held. It was new experience to many at the YMCA to be in Christ sharing communion together. Before finishing the camp, participants had group discussions on way forward in the Christian Mission activities of the YMCA both locally and jointly in the future. It was agreed to carry on several new activities as well as to continue with the ongoing programmes.
Work in the Model Farm
Young people from the Munich YMCA assisted the YMCA model farm located at the YMCA backyard on 20 March. They provided labour to plant new plants in the mini garden located inside the model farm as well as to add organic fertilizers to over 300 plants growing in the model farm.
Sightseeing - 21 to 24 March
10 young people from Pamunugama also joined the visitors in the sightseeing. First destination of the sightseeing was Sigiriya. After climbing Sigiriya on the first day, group spend the night at Lion's Lodge Sigiriya. Despite the tiredness, group had a great time of fellowship together in the evening praying, reading bible and playing cards and spike ball. On the following day a majority of the group climbed Pidurangala a neighbouring rock to Sigiriya to see the sunrise which was spectacular. Then the group proceeded to Atanwala a village bordering to Nuckles Mountain Range and world heritage rainforest. During the stay for two days group hiked to 2 different destinations. 1. Walpolamulla which is an isolated village 7 kms deep inside the forest where people are still farming during paddy seasons. 2. Manigala a rock which is a famous tourist destination for sunrise withing 45 mins of climbing distance. Group also had a lot of time playing spike ball and Kubb at the garden of premisses used for accommodation. Experiencing the village life eating local food, bathing in the beautiful stream experiencing the creation of God was a joy to all who joined the trip. Leaches were the only challenge during the stay in a mountain village of Atanwala.
Mission Camp with Scouts - 25 March
A mission camp for the scouts of the YMCA of Pamunugama was held on 25 March at the YMCA premises. 40 kids joined the programme learning about God through acts, group activities, games, singing and playing together. During the day, Munich YMCA experienced the Community Kitchen Programme (Supported by YMCA YWCA Scouts of Asker jointly with Munich YMCA) which has been providing lunch for Scouts and Guides for last 6 months on Saturdays.
Kubb Tournament - 26 March
YMCA of Pamunugama has been pioneering in promoting Kubb in Sri Lanka specially through the YMCA network. A tournament was organized with the participation of 26 teams from Pamunugama YMCA, Munich YMCA, Moratuwa YMCA and Negombo YMCA. 15 teams compete in the open event while 11 teams compete in the junior event held for children below 16 years of age. Over 78 players attended as players where 3 players consisted a team. YMCA friends and members also joined to support the players. It was held in good spirit and Negombo YMCA won championship in both categories while Pamunugama and Munich joint team clinched on to the runners up trophy in the open category. Runners up trophy in the Junior category also was won by Negombo YMCA. Winners also were awarded with gifts and chocolates.
Visit to Colombo YMCA - 27 March
Munich group visited Colombo with friends from Pamunugama YMCA. They walked through Colombo Galle face, and surroundings. During the visit the group were hoisted by Colombo YMCA for an evening programme where they had tea and an opening of a carrom playing area.
Visit to Makalause Dream School - 28 March
Munich friends visited the "Makalause Dream" YMCA School for Children with Disabilities. Day was spend playing, dancing and enjoying with students. Group also had lunch together with the students in the school. School management has explained the visitors on the objective of YMCA in conducting a such programme and the hardships and challenges for the people with disabilities in Sri Lanka in general. Children of the school were very happy to have visited as they always enjoy the company of visitors.
Sri Lanka / German Cultural Show - 29 March 2023
The joint cultural show was one of the highlights of the visit. Young people and children of Pamunugama YMCA performed over 18 different acts in front of a large crowd gathered in the YMCA Main Hall. Children from Makalause Dream School, Dancing Group and Scouts were among those who performed. Young people from Pamunugama and Munich YMCAs also contributed with joint dances, games and fun activities. A typical German bun made by German friends also offered to the audience during the show. YMCA extend a special thank to all the children and youth who performed, teachers who trained the children and young people who assisted with preparations of the event.
Farewell - 30 March
Friends from Munich left early on 31 November for their return flight. YMCA of Pamunugama thank YMCA Munich, and all who visited Pamunugama including Mr. Nilklas Stefan, the General Secretary and Martin Knorich the team leader for making it a special and memorable two weeks in Christ together in Sri Lanka.
Thanks to Ridma, Y Board, supporting staff, youth and children and German friends for the marvellous programme.
ReplyDeleteAlso for the Christian fellowship you have developed.
It is nothing but your sincere efforts that make the Y programmes real.
Good luck always !