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 

Annual Concert 2019

Annual Concert 2019 of Pamunugama YMCA was held on 08 December 2019 at its Main Hall in front of an audience of over 200. Children attached to Pre-School, Makalause Dream School and Children's Club performed in the concert. There were over 20 colorful performances including dances, dramas and singing. 

Rev Sister Patric was the chief guest while President of Pamunugama YMCA, Mr Nimantha and Grama Niladhari (village headman) were the special guests. There were several Board Members, relatives and villagers among the audience.

YMCA thank the teachers and leaders who trained children for their items and the members who helped to make this event a reality. Parents also played a big role in preparing their children for this moment.

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Makalause Dream School Food Fair

Opening blessings and prayer

Students of the Makalause Dream School for Specially Abled organized a food fair on November, 2019 at the Delathura St. Rogus Church Premises. 

Allowing students to experience a fair and to learn how to act accordingly was the objective of organizing the event. Funds raised from the event will be utilized for the scheduled 3 day outdoor camp in December. 

Invitees, villagers and relatives came to the fair and encouraged children by purchasing food items from them. Parish Priest of Delathura St Rogus Church and the Principal of Delathura graced the opening of the fair. 

Parents helped students

Food corner

Pre-School Fair

Pre-school kids with the support of teachers and parents organized their annual fair on Saturday 09 November, 2019 near the community Hall, Seththappaduwa.

Kids had different stalls of food, fruits, drinks and etc. Relatives, invitees and neibours came and purchased items from kids encouraging their effort. Funds raised from the fair will be utilized for their Annual Concert to be held on 08 December, 2019.

Makalause Dream Celebrates 1st Anniversary

"Makalause Dream" YMCA School for specially abled celebrated its 1st Anniversary on 05 November, 2019. With the support of YMCA YWCA Scouts on Bronnoysund and Y Global, YMCA of Pamunugama started the school on 05 November, 2018  to provide the opportunity for educational access and life skill training for the students with special needs. 

At the beginning there were 8 students and currently 15 students receive benefits from the school. Marking the 1st Anniversary, a Thanksgiving Holy Mass was held at the school premises with the participation of students, parents and YMCA friends and well-wishes. Following the holy mass, there was also a tea party to celebrate the day.

YMCA of Pamunugama thank the leaders of YMCA/YWCA Scouts of Bronnoysund and Y Global for their continues support to run the school. We also wish to extend a special thank to staff who has contributed immensely for the success of the school and the Makalause Dream Task Committee for their guidance and advises.

YMCA children painted Pamunugama sky with beautiful kite

Pamunugama YMCA children attached to the Pre-School, Children's Club and Makalause Dream School for Specially Abled gathered at to the beach in Kepungoda to fly kites today (20. 10. 2019)

It was held as a competition where kids had to design a kite with a message of Ethnic and Religious Harmony. Children also had to make the kites without using plastic and polythene mixed materials. There were 40 kites and the winners were awarded with cash prices under several categories including the largest kite and most creative kite.

Special cash prices were awrded to the winners of the Pre-School and the Makalause Dream School. Over 100 people gathered for the event.