Independence day celebrated at Pamunugama YMCA

66th Sri Lankan Independence day was celebrated on 4th February, 2014 all over the country. Sri Lanka got independence from British in 1948 and has come across a long journey as an independence nation facing a lot of conflicts, youth uprights and various challenges as a nation like most of the nations that received independence from British in the 20th century.

Pamunugama children also gathered at the YMCA premises to mark this special day where they hosted the National flag and had a group activity where they designed a poster to mark the day.

Strong friendships born!!

34 member group from the YMCA of Taichung in Taiwan visited Pamunugama from 18 - 22 January 2013. Group consisted of 8 boys and 26 girls including one leader (Mr. Bekk) and two assistant leaders. 

On Saturday 19th Taichung group facilitated a great camp for the children of Pamunugama where 55 children attended (10 from Negombo YMCA and rest from Pamunugama). Children did number of performances with the Taiwan youth leaders and participated at varies indoor and outdoor games and activities.

Next day 20th January, the Taiwan youth went into two groups where their tasks were to teach Chinese to a group of School students and to paint the YMCA front wall. Both groups did a wonderful job. Following the lunch, Pamunugama YMCA conducted small session on Sri Lanka where Taichung youth learnt few facts about Sri Lankan society and the YMCA in Sri Lanka. Later in the afternoon group continued the camp for the children from the previous day which ended up with a campfire. Children performed several dances, dramas and also the youth of Pamunugama contributed with a fun campfire activity.

Next day was the last day (21st). Morning time of the Taichung youth were dedicated to help the fishermen in Pamunugama. Group went to the beach along with Pamunugama youth and gave a helping hand to the fishermen to drag their fishing nets from the deep sea. Then they enjoyed the time on the beach. After work under hot sun group had a break before they took a boat trip around the Negombo lagoon.

Final evening was totally belonged to the youth from both Pamunugama and Taichung. It was fish and meat for the B.B.Q. and a lot of music till the end for those who wanted to dance. Mr. Kishan Gunawardena, the president of the National Council of the YMCAs of Sri Lanka also were their to share the joy. It was a lot of good memories and the friendship born among youth and children were visibly very strong. Even though all were happy, there were sad feelings as everyone knew that the time was on to say good bye. Taichung group left Pamunugama early next day bound to Kandy. Pamunugama YMCA thank the Taichung YMCA for selcting Pamunugama for their visit and the National Council of the YMCAs of Sri Lanka for facilitating this great event.

During the Campfire - Taiwan leader Beck

Painting the YMCA wall

Enjoying the lagoon trip in Pamunugama

Happy time on the beach

Children's Camp

New Friends

Karate kids from Pamunugama

Pamunugama YMCA started a new Karate class today. Karate is a great sport where the children will be trained to live as citizens of great common sense as well as responsible. Sense  Janaka Wijesiri is the main instructor of the class and several black belt instructors also attend the class. 

There were around 40 children attended today from the surroundings of the YMCA.

Pamunugama Children performed well at the Children's Gathering 2014

Group of children from Pamunugama YMCA attended the Children's Gathering 2013 organized by the National Council of the YMCAs of Sri Lanka. Group of Pamunugama has been the largest group consisting of 17 including 2 leaders. 

During the inter YMCA competitions, children of Pamunugama YMCA did well winning several track events including girl's 75 M, 100 M and the relay as well as few podium finishes in boy's events.

Pamunugama children did really well in the intercultural activities where they grabbed the 1st place in inter YMCA dancing competition, 2nd place in singing competition and the 3rd place in the speech competition. We wish all the children who carried the Pamunugama flag high during the Children's Gathering 2013.

Getting ready for the track events

Minoli from Pamunugama won most of the girl's track events

Sharing the moments of the sports meets

Nuffla from Pamunugama won 2nd place in singing

Pamunugama girls dancing - Champions

Year 2013 ended with members gatherings

Members of the children's club and Girl Guides had their year end party on 22nd Sunday. Children themselves organized this gathering to share the joy of both Christmas and the upcoming New year. Children had a chat on their experiences during the year 2013 with the YMCA and lots of good memories were shared by children. Annual trip, Camp with Taichung youth, Childrens Gathering, Christmas Concert were among the highlights of their sharing. All the children were given a with a Christmas gift packet from the YMCA.

Children's gathering was followed up with the members gathering in the evening which lasted till late in the night. Youth were responsible in organizing this event. Baroque night was a lot of fun and Karoke singing and fun games kept all the members happy.

Year 2013 ended with happiness and  joy with a lots of expectations for the new year 2014...

Children receiving gifts

Fun games

More dances

Barbecue

Pamunugama Children Performed at the Annual Christmas Concert.

Children of the YMCA of Pamunugama had their Annual Christmas Concert on 9th December, 2013 at the YMCA Main Hall. Christmas Concert is an annual event which takes a lot of preparations for months and all the preparations paid off at the concert in-front of a large crowd. Children representing the Pre-School, Children's Club and Girl guides performed at the concert.

There were dances, dramas as well as carrols on the stage by the children. Annual Christmas event has been the best floor for children of the YMCA of Pamunugama to show-off their skills in-front of parents, friends and other villagers.

Welcoming the President for the event

Welcome Speech by kids

Alien Dance

Act by Children's Club and Guides

Kitchen dance by Pre-School Kids

Carols by Guides and Children's Club

Christmas Drama

Large Crowd Gathered for the Concert

Photographs: Aruna Pathirage