The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), with establishments in 125 countries globally, celebrated 100 years of existence (1912-2012) past Friday, with a showcase of its huge successes and highlighting future programmes geared towards the realization of its mandate as an ecumenical Christian organization.
At the Conference Hall of the YMCA on Fort Street where the celebration was marked, the Chairman of the ceremony, Victor Massaquoi said since the inception of the YMCA one hundred years ago, it has contributed enormously to the socio-economic and moral development of youths all over the world without any form of discrimination.
With its youth-centered community development projects scattered across the country, Dr. Massaquoi said the organization has transformed lives of vulnerable members of the public in areas of good governance, youth livelihood projects, skills training, slums development, peace building, gender and youth empowerment, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, agriculture, business development etc. as a way of fostering issues relating to social change.
Public Relations and Membership Development Officer, Claudius Taylor reiterated the concept of the YMCA and encouraged youth to take full advantage of the numerous opportunities provided by the organization. He however re-echoed the need for an increased YMCA visibility in the country through social marketing and development projects they have undertaken over the years, which are having direct benefits on the people.
Ms. Ajara Bomah the CEO of Royalty, the Concepts Event Manager and a member of the organization, said the YMCA has grown and expanded in its quest to respond to community needs. She said the organization is a “cause-driven organization” that caters for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, noting that “a strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors.”
She added that with over 22 branches in Sierra Leone, the YMCA will celebrate their centennial in grand style and will undertake the following activities: national quiz competition for high schools, regional programmes in Bo, Kenema and Freetown, interactive sessions with the media, final school’s quiz, football gala competition, community works(cleaning), traditional rites, candle light vigil and revival/community hymn singing, donor conference, lecture presentation, triennial business meeting on the impact of YMCA’s work around the world and at Africa Alliance level, sponsored walk and final basketball competition and fund raising dinner and dance and thanksgiving service. These activities will run from February to April this year.
By Poindexter Sama
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