ENVEST Project - Week full of events

Meeting of Huskies Groups

12 member group from USA attached to the ENVEST Sri Lanka Project visited the island from 13th to 18th August, 2018. Group was consisted of 6 students and 6 academics representing Northern Illinois University, Virginia Commonwealth University and University of North Carolina-Greensboro University. 

They arrived in Sri Lanka on 13th August and in the evening group went on a boat trip in the lagoon, enjoying nature encountering wild monkeys and birds. Following the boat trip group was welcomed by the YMCA of Pamunugama and had a short tea meeting discussing the project and getting to know each-other. 

14th August group joined a panel discussion on the ENVEST project activities and future plans organized by the American Center in Colombo. Dr. Paul Wright of Northern Illinois University, Dr. Carrie Lecrom of Verginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Michael Hemphill of University of North Carolina-Greensboro University and Ridma Fonseka of Pamunugama YMCA were among the panelists and there were around 30 people representing different YMCAs and different sports institutions attended the panel discussion. Then the group together with some of the Huskies members from the visit to US in April, 2018 and some YMCA members went to watch a T20 Cricket match between Sri Lanka and South Africa at R. Premadasa Stadium. It was a great cultural experience in a overcrowded and unorganized pavilion management.

On 15th of August, 3 Huskies group met at Amaya Aria Lagoon Hotel to follow-up the action plans prepared during the visit to USA in April, 2018 and to refresh some of the learning. It was a great reunion and there were all together 28. Groups agreed upon plans and to continue the relationship and to share knowledge for future collaboration.

On 16th August, YMCA of Pamunugama organized a Workshop on "Teaching Life Skills Through Sports Training". USA Group facilitated this training and 30 coaches and sports administrations representing schools in the area, 3 YMCAs, Fencing Clubs, Archery Clubs, Handball Federation and Born to Win Institution attended the event. It was a great opportunity to introduce the idea of transferring life skills to young people through sports training. It was a privilege for YMCA of Pamunugama to have the service of experienced facilitators from the ENVEST delegation.

Day prior to the departure was a day for relaxation and group left on 18th August for USA. YMCA of Pamunugama thank all the US delegates from ENVEST project and special thank to Dr. Paul Wright and Dr. Jenn Jocabs and the crew from the Northern Illinois University for pre-arrangements and great communications and wonderful collaboration to make the visit a memorable one for the YMCA of Pamunugama. Also wish to extend gratitude all members an volunteers contributed and supported the staff immensely to make this event a success. 

Boat Trip in the Negombo Lagoon

Welsome meeting at the YMCA of Pamunugama

Panel Discussion at the American Centre

At R Premadasa Stadium watching Cricket

Teaching Life Skills Through Sports Training - Workshop at YMCA

Investiture of 7 new Guides

Seven New Girl Guides were awarded with the Membership Badge Ceremony today (07.08.2018) at the YMCA of Pamunugama. Sister Mary Patricia the Deputy Provincial Commissioner graced the occasion and awarded badges to new Guides. We welcome the new Guides to the YMCA of Pamunugama Girl Guides Group

9 As Motivational Programme at YMCA

 "9 As" is a motivational and training programme for the students those who prepares for examinations. YMCA in collaboration with the Born to Win institude organized a 9 As workshop at the YMCA meeting room on 01 August 2018 for a group of 32 students who are preparing for the GCE Ordinary Level examination. 

Programme was conducted by the Mr. Dileepa Wanniarachchi, CEO of the Born to Win Relationships. During this programme, Mr. Dileepa taught number of useful techniques and methods for effective learning so the students could face the examination with confidence. We are very impressed with the training method of Mr. Wanniarachchi and recommend for anyone who prepare for examinations.  If you would like to have a similar programme in your organization, for you child or a group you may contact Mr. Dileepa Wanniarachchi on 0773612628

Asker Scouts host Pamunugama boys in Norway

3 Scouts and a leader of Pamunugama YMCA are currently in Norway on an invitation by the Asker YMCA/YWCA Scouts. Shehan Theekshana, Gayan Sachintha and Asshaya Shanith are the Scouts and Nimantha, the president of the YMCA of Pamunugama is leading the scouts. 

They arrived on 25th June in Oslo Airport and welcomed by the scout leader Rolf and Andreas (scout). During first few days scouts spent time in an island enjoying the Norwegian culture and nature with scout leaders of Asker YMCA YWCA Scout group.

From 29th June till 07 July, Pamunugama scouts will join the National Jamboree of the YMCA YWCA Scouts in Trondheim along with another 6000 scouts from Norway and worldwide. They are scheduled to return to Sri lanka on 11 July, 2018. This visit was possible thank to the generous and warm invitation and the sponsorship of the Asker YMCA YWCA Scout group. Pamunugama YMCA thank all the scout leaders including Rolf and Pute who worked hard to make this trip a reality. We wish Happy Camping to all the scouts who attend the National Jamboree of the YMCA YWCA Scouts of Norway. 

Pamunugama, Dehiwala and Negombo YMCAs celebrate the Founder’s Day together

Three (Pamunugama, Dehiwala and Negombo) YMCAs in the Western Province of Sri Lanka joined to celebrate the life of Sir George Williams and the 174 years of existence of the Great YMCA Movement in the world.

YMCA was founded on 06 June, 1844 and the movement is now serving in over 125 countries as the largest youth movement in the world. Members of the above YMCAs proudly made a journey from Dehiwala YMCA to Negombo YMCA via Pamunugama YMCA distributing leaflets and building friendship among each other.

Members of Dehiwala YMCA first arrived at Pamunugama YMCA and had a friendly meeting and had lunch. Then proceeded to Negombo YMCA where the leaflets were distributed. Final gathering was held at the Beach Park Negombo where a cake was cut to celebrate the 174^th Birthday of the YMCA. There were over 55 members representing 3 YMCAs took part in the event.

"Youth for Ocean" Empowering Young People to Become Nature Lovers

YMCA of Pamunugama in partnership with Janathakshan (Organization working with environmental conservation) organized a Leadership Training for the children members of the YMCA of Pamunugama. 

During the programme, the participants were educated on the environmental conservation by reducing the use if polythene and plastic. Different activities such as art, drama and group activities were used to conduct activities. 

40 children members participated the event. 5 staff members from Janathakshan joined the programme and two lectures facilitated the event. Several Board Members and youth members of Pamunugama YMCA visited the programme.