Oslo ICYs in Sri Lanka

With Farmers

Three Internationally Committed Youth (ICY) delegates (Ola, Angela and Kristoffer) from Oslo ICY group visit to Sri Lanka from 29 December, 2011 to 14 January, 2012. This visit is a result of the ongoing Exchange Programme between ICY Pamunugama and ICY Oslo groups. 
During the visit three delegates visited the service Centers of Pamunugama YMCA in Gomarankadawela and Ottichchakulama. During their visit they learnt how the economic and environmental justice issues have effected the poor farmers in Sri Lanka. Visitors spent a night in a small house belong to a farmer in a village bordered to the jungle getting the experience of real life situation of farmers in Sri Lanka.

Meeting at Matara YMCA

Then the ICY delegates visited YMCA of Matara to have an ICY promotion meeting. During their visit they explained the objective and activities of the ICY programme. Angela and Christopher gave details about a programme they participated in Africa. It was called  “Caravan” which took around 150 youth from African countries, USA, UK and Norway from Kenya to south Africa educating masses on the effects of climate changes. On their way they collected about 2000 petitions from people of different countries and organised concerts in passing down the message of effects of climatic changes.

Final event of the visit was a brainstorming meeting at National Council of YMCAs Sri Lanka office on climate. Number of ideas on climate justice and possible interventions were discussed at that meeting as both ICY groups are going to focus on Climate Justice activities during the new year.  

Christmas Gathering of Children

Children live in the vicinity of the YMCA gathered at the YMCA to celebrate Christmas on 21 December, 2011. Children enjoyed the evening by singing and playing while a group of children lighten the meeting with few carols.
YMCA of Pamunugama organized stationery gifts for those who were presented and there were 40 kids attended the Christmas celebration. All those who were presented were invited to join the Children's Club from the new year. 

Back to Great Culture - "Smiling Faces" YMCA Children's Gathering

YMCA of Pamunugama has been dreaming about restrengthening the Children's Club which has been a great success in the past. As the first step of promoting Children's Clubs YMCA of Pamunugama took the initiative to organize the National YMCA Children's Gathering together with the National Council of YMCAs of Sri Lanka.


Programme was held from 16th to 19th December at the Boys' Town at Diyagala. camp was full various colorful activities including Art, Cultural Activities, Sport Meet, Group Games, Campfire and Hike. 79 children from age 12 - 16 from 11 YMCAs represented the camp covering the entire Island. 


Camp started with get to know each other and grouping. Activities were started from the second day. Cricket tournament between groups was very competitive even though it was a friendly battle between friends. Final of the tournament was won by Pigeon beating Cat group. During the skill training session each groups painted their own painting with the participation of all members in the group. Groups came-up with great paintings at the end under the theme of environment.

After lunch on the second day children joined a hike around the campsite. They were tracking the road-marks fixed by leaders in advance. Groups had to go through few challengers during the hike. After the dinner cultural show was organized colorfully by leaders and each YMCA got the opportunity to perform their item. Some danced, while some sang and acted. Matara YMCA came first with their drama at the Cultural show.

Next day children joined the Inter Group Sports Meet. Campers were very enthusiastic to join the events and great commitment to sports were shown by them. Event was consisted of 100m, 200m 100m x 4 relay and 200m x 4 relay under two age categories. Finals of 100m and 200m was very competitive and same two players shared the first and second places in both events but with a change in positions. Campfire was held outside after the dinner and groups got another chance to perform their talents.
All the winners of the Sports Meet, Cultural Show was awarded with a certificate and all the participants were given gifts and a certificate for participants. Leaders from YMCA of Pamunugama did a great job together with the leaders of the NCYSL while the leaders those who accompanied children from local YMCAs have contributed immensely to the programme. Most importantly at the end the campers felt that they miss the camp and the fellow campers which is a great sign of success of a camp!!!
Ridma Fonseka

Guides and Scouts equipped with First Aid

Scouts and Guides are the once who never turns back when they see someone in need. To help others and to act they need skills and knowledge. YMCA of Pamunugama organized a first Aid Training for Girl guides at Pamunugama YMCA and for the Scouts at Wattala Programme Centre on 11 Sunday, December, 2011 at the YMCA of Pamunugama. 16 Guides, 5 scouts and 3 leaders (to assist) attended the event and the training was facilitated by Mr. Lalith De Silva a well experienced trainer from the St. John First Aid.

Basic knowledge was given to participants on how to treat patients with various injuries and illnesses including, bleeding, unconsciousness, bruise and etc.

Participants were very enthusiastic to learn and enjoyed a lot the way of teaching of Mr. Lalith De Silva who was very friendly with participants. Mr. Lalith agreed to help Pamunugama YMCA with further trainings on First Aid in the future.

Pre-School kids celebrates Christmas Early

Kids of the Pre-School at Pamunugama YMCA had their Christmas Concert on Sunday 04 December, 2011 at the YMCA Hall. This is an annual event where Pre-School kids gets the opportunity to show their talents in-front of the parents and relatives.

16 Kids at Pamunugama YMCA Pre-school has been practicing for this event for last 3 months together with two of their teachers and delivered their talents colorfully on the stage. around 150 people gathered to witness this colorful event.

Event was full of dances to various music and there were two invited events from all students. End was marked with a drama which commemorated the Birth of Christ at Bethlehem. Following the concert kids started their Christmas vacation.

Girl Guides doing well at Pamunugama

Pamunugama YMCA has the privilege to say that we are the first Girl Guide troop in the YMCA Sri Lanka. Number of guides in the troop have been increased into 17 by today. Lately they involved with number of activities in and outside the YMCA premises. 
on 1 September, 2011 guides joined a beach expedition tour. Idea of the event was to bring guides closer to the environmental and study the nature which eventually make them nature lovers. They marched on the beach looking for life in the seashore.
On 23 November, 2011 guides were led by the Girl Guides Leader Taniya with a cooking session. They made pasta and curry at the YMCA premises. 
Meanwhile Guides are planning for a busy month in December with number of activities including a First Aid Training, visit to a temple, day camp and Christmas gathering.