Visit of Friends from Sunnfjord Folk High School and SOGN OG FJORDANE Regional YMCA

In a exchange of cultures and camaraderie, Sunnfjord Folk High School, led by teacher Shehan Kolambage and Rector John Olav, joined on a memorable journey to the Pamunugama YMCA. Accompanied by nine students, the General Secretary of SOGN OG FJORDANE Regional YMCA, and his spouse, along with two parents. This diverse group arrived on the 13th of January and departed on the morning of the 17th.

The visit was marked by a variety of enriching experiences, showcasing the shared values and commitment to community between Sunnfjord Folk High School, SOGN OG FJORDANE Regional YMCA and the YMCA of Pamunugama.

On the 14th, an exciting Kubb Tournament was held at the Pamunugama YMCA, attracting 23 teams, including participants from Pamunugama, Moratuwa, and Negombo YMCAs. Notably, the Negombo YMCA team emerged victorious in this spirited competition, where over 100 attendees, including Norwegians, added to the festive atmosphere. This was organized as a part of the chain of activities organized by the YMCA of Pamunugama to mark its 50th Anniversary. 

Continuing their journey on the 15th, the group paid a visit to the Makalause Dream School of the YMCA of Pamunugama. Here, they shared valuable moments with students with disabilities, fostering understanding and connection. A post-lunch meeting with parents addressed disability-related issues, with Norwegians providing insightful perspectives and parents sharing their own experiences.

The 16th group joined a boat trip in the Negombo lagoon experiencing the local landscape. As the day unfolded, the fairwell dinner was held in the YMCA. A youth member set a melodious tone with flute music to begin the evening and a brief evaluation underscored the significance of the visit. Tokens of appreciation were exchanged, symbolizing the enduring friendship between Sunnfjord Folk High School and the YMCA of Pamunugama. A student of Sunnfjord Folk High School also shared about his experiences on waste management on Norway and a subsequent discussion was held on further collaborations on working for Environment. 

A particularly noteworthy aspect of this enduring friendship is Sunnfjord Folk High School's and SOGN OG FJORDANE Regional YMCA's commitment to supporting the Makalause Dream School since 2023. The visit, filled with meaningful interactions and shared experiences, has undoubtedly left good memories on both parties.

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