Visit of secretary to Norway

Ridma Fonseka the secretary of the YMCA currently visiting Norway attending few meetings with partners and doners. During 8- 11 march he addended a GYP 2013 conference organized by the LNU. Lnuhas been the doner of the ICY Partnership programme between ICY Oslo and ICY Pamungama since 2007. After the meeting Ridma will have few meetings with the ICY Oslo volunteers and the staffof the Y Global.

He is supposed to join a meeting with Scouts in Asker and the Scout group in Asker is hosting Ridma till 18 March after his his conference with the LNU.

Pamunugama Youth Trained to Conduct Children's Club

Children's Club is the one of the priorities of the YMCA of Pamunygama as we believe that the YMCA Children's Club is the beginning of building a strong leadership for the YMCA. Several of the current leaders of the YMCA movement are a product of the Children's Club.

On 2nd March, 2013 YMCA of Pamunugama conducted a training for 11 youth who gave commitment to support the Saturday Children's Club Programme.

During the programme youth were equipped with the knowledge to conduct a Children's Club including educational activities, games, songs and etc.

Event started with a discussion on why we need a Children'c Club which conducted by Mr. Shelton Peiris. Mr. Aruna Shantha Nonis conducted a session on educational activities where the songs, newletters and many other small activities can be used. Later after the luncg Mr. Asheley Mendis led a session on conducting games and songs for a children's Club. As the final session of the day Mr. Roger peiris conducted a session on the importance of having a committed group of leaders to conduct the Children's Club smoothly.

With this training YMCA look forward to have more active participation of youth in conducting the children's club from next Saturday.

8 New Girl Guides Enrolled to the Guides Group

8 Girl Guides attached to the YMCA Girl Guides Group were enrolled to the World Girl Guides Movement on 24th February, 2013. These girls were taking their lessons for over a period of 1 year before they were enrolled. New Guides leader Sudeepika also was enrolled replacing the place vacated with the resignation of Taniya.

Negombo District Commissioner Sister Mary Patricia led the enrolment function infront of the parents and few other felloe friends gathered at the YMCA main hall. YMCA wish all the best to all the newly enrolled Guides and the leader to continue their good work in the future.

Enrollment of the New Leader Sudeepika

Special Moment of Guides Life

While Singing the Oath

Folk High School Students Visit Pamunugama

10 member Group of Folk High School students attached to the Sunfjorfd Folk High School in Forde-Norway visited Sri Lanka from 16 January to 22 February, 2013. During their visit they visited YMCA programme center in Gomarankadawela and Ottichchakulama. Further they had a exposure trip visiting several places in Sri Lanka and spend few days at Kallar YMCA Kamam Folk High School which is still under construction.

On 20th February six of the students visited YMCA of Pamunugama. During their visit they spend time watching the dancing group practicing oriental dancing. Then they spend time with children's club members playing few games and had fun.

Departure of a great YMCA member / friend

Mr. Shelton Bambarenda who is a Board Member of the YMCA of Pamunugama passed away on 5 February, 2013 at his residence. Mr. Shelton was a leading social servant who started his service to the village as a founder member of the "Senasuma" Youth Club which later become the YMCA of Pamunugama. During his life time Mr. Shelton served the community as a member of the Negombo Municipal Council. Even after Mr. Shelton retired from politics he continued to serve the community as a responsible villager and served for the Board of the YMCA of Pamunugama. As we are his friends in the YMCA thank Mr. Shelton Bambarenda for all what he has done for the movement. Following is an appreciation song shared by his Y friends at his funeral.

YMCA promotes organic products from the YMCA Cooperative Farm

During last week YMCA has been able to sell over 1000 Kg of Pachchaperumal rice produced at the YMCA cooperative farm in Ottichchakulama in the Eastern Province. Pachchaperumal is a rare type of endemic rice which is healthy. It is specially known for its ability to heal blood pressure and diabetes. These rice were cultivated using 100% organic method and produced at the YMCA farm which was started during the time of Sustainable Agriculture Project launched last year with the support of the National Council of the YMCAs of Sri Lanka.1 Kg was sold at a rate of Rs 100/= and the YMCA being the direct sellers farmers got a good potion of the income.