Pamunugama YMCA visit to Munich

Meeting with Munich YMCA leaders

Pamunugama YMCA have been working with Munich YMCA for last 3 years promoting Christian Mission in the YMCA. We have had 3 visits from Munich to Pamunugama during last 3 years. For the first time 4 delegates from Pamunugama YMCA visited Munch, Germany on an invitation from the YMCA of Munich from 22 October - 04 November 2019. Pamunugama YMCA Treasurer -Shivankara Ranaweera, Advisor - Aruna Nonis, Board Member - Isuru Nonis and General Secretary - Ridma Fonseka were among the delegation.

Pamunugama YMCA delegates were warmly welcomed by the Munich YMCA friends at Munich Airport on arrival and brought to two houses where the group were hosted. 

There were several important meetings. On the very second day Pamunugama YMCA delegates were hosted for a Welcome dinner meeting at Munich YMCA with Mr. Friedhard Reiner- President of Munich YMCA, Mr. Joe - Leader/Secretary for Christian Mission Programmes, Mr. Stefan Nicklas - General Secretary of Munich YMCA and couple of Board Members and friends. It was a very warm and friendly meeting. Meeting with the staff of Munich YMCA was a great opportunity get to know them and the work they do in different departments.. During this meeting Pamunugama YMCA delegates introduced themselves and the work of Pamunugama YMCA. There were also two rounds of meetings with leading secretaries of Minich YMCA Mr. Joe and Mr. Stephan regarding the future of the partnership and possible activities for future including a visit from Munich YMCA delegation for a longer period. Sri Lankan friends dinner with young people who visited Pamunugama YMCA during last three years refreshed the great memories had by both parties and renew bonds and friendships. Visit to the second Major of Munich City council together with Munich YMCA delegates was a great experience and had the opportunity of spending around 20 minutes talking to her and sharing a little about Pamunugama YMCA. She also explained the work of City Council for the people of Munich. 

Sri Lankan Friends Dinner

During the visit Pamunugama YMCA delegates visited number of activities and different programmes organized by the YMCA of Munich. Munich YMCA conduct number of programmes for children and teenagers based around two youth centers run by the YMCA of Munich incorporation with the Munich City Council. It was a great experience to see two of their annual events My Planet and Dauerpewer. It was exciting to see how Munich YMCA promotes Christian living through activity based programmes for children and teenagers. Pamunugama YMCA delegates also had discussions and visits to departments of family work, Youth Centers and University students related activities.

Pamunugama YMCA delegates also had the opportunity of visiting several beautiful sites in Munich. City tours within Munich, trip to Berg and hiking, day trip to Augsburg were a navel experience and a great opportunity to see the German nature, culture and the history. During the 13 days long trips, Pamunugama YMCA delegates together with Munich friends attended several worship sessions and holly masses including at YMCA, St Mathew's Church and St. Michael's Church.

At the end on the day before of departure, there was a farewell dinner at Youth Life Center with the participation of staff and volunteers. Group also had a short evaluation on the 13 days spent in Munich.

Pamunugama YMCA extends its gratitude to Munich YMCA staff and volunteers who have spent a lot of much time and energy arranging different programmes, visits and meetings for Pamunugama YMCA delegation and look forward to continues friendship.

Evaluation and farewell gathering

Visit to Augsburg