Nº 4, 2016/17
ONLY FOR PRIVATE DISTRIBUTION TO MEMBERS
INSIDE: Messages from International Officers • GRAVITAS: Be Warned! Climate Change is Real • TRAVEL JOTTINGS: Notes from a Brief Visit to Africa • INSIGHT: Sustainable Development – The Fundamentals • MALARIA: The Global Fight to Eliminate Malaria • No Respite from Mosquito Menace in India • YOURS IN Y’SDOM: IPIP Wichian says “Thank You” • A First Person Account of How Y’sdom Grew in Kumamoto • Y’s Action News from Far and Near • Max Ediger Column on “Responsibility not Dominance of the Earth” “Together we can do so much more”
Editor’s Page Dear reader, By the time this issue reaches you, one more year would have passed into the annals of history. And, leadership transitions would have happened in most Areas, Regions and Districts. The new International Troika would have started their work in all earnestness. Therefore, it is only appropriate that this be a “straddling” issue – one that covers the past and peeps into the future. It is with this in mind that we are carrying two major pieces – one from outgoing IP Joan Wilson and the other one from incoming IP Henry Grindheim. Both contain ‘transition’ messages. We hope you will reflect on the import of these two messages and carry forward the work of the Movement fruitfully. On a personal level, I am privileged to have worked with the outgoing Troika that comprised IPIP Wichian who appointed me Editor a couple of years ago. I express my heartfelt gratitude to him and to IP Joan Wilson. Both of them encouraged me beyond measure and were/are great ambassadors of this bulletin! Thank you, Wichian and Joan. This is a slightly ‘heavy’ issue, in the sense that it carries more than one piece on universal concerns. We are indeed fortunate to have Colin Lambie, Chair of the YMI Nº 4, 2016/17
Official Publication of Y’s Men International / Y Service Clubs International Headquartered at: Ave Sainte-Clotilde 9, CH-1205, Switzerland Tel: +41 22 809 1530 :: www.ysmen.org EDITOR Koshy Mathew 222, 7C Main, First Block HRBR Layout Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru 560 043, India. Tel: +91-9845036147 Skype: Koshy.mathew367 koshym@gmail.com ASSISTANT EDITORS AFRICA Tunji Makinde (Nigeria) +234/8034064882 (M) tunjimakinde@yahoo.com CANADA & CARIBBEAN Bill Irwin (Canada) +1/9025693187 (H) wci0909@hotmail.com
INDIA B. Pavithran (Kerala, India) +91/9847220054 (M) pavithbb@yahoo.co.in KOREA Kim Kyun (Seoul) +82/27352395 (O) +82/27321205 ysmenkrhq@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION Babu Oommen 56, Royal Meridian Layout, Begur Road Bangalore, 560 068, India. +91/9901199863 (M) :: babuoomen@yahoo.com Reprinted at National Printing Press Koramangala, Bengaluru 560 095, India.
Cover picture: From the FB page of Y’s Men’s Club of Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Environment Committee (Green Team), write a piece on environment and climate change in the backdrop of the United States administration pulling out of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. The other pieces on Sustainable Development Goals and malaria are of immediate concern, both globally and locally, for our Movement. We hope you will find these inputs of tremendous value when planning your activities for 2017/2018. And, as usual, we have some stories from the clubs, which we carry in our usual section, “From Far and Near.” Please do write and tell us about your activities and we’ll be happy to publish them in these columns. With all good wishes for a great new Y’s year. Y’sly, Koshy Mathew
FROM MY BOOKSHELF Doing Good Better: How Effective Altruism Can Help You Make a Difference by William MacAskill While a researcher at Oxford, trying to figure out which career would allow him to have the greatest impact, William MacAskill confronted this problem head on. He discovered that much of the potential for change was being squandered by lack of information, bad data, and our own prejudice. As an antidote, he and his colleagues developed effective altruism, a practical, data-driven approach that allows each of us to make a tremendous difference regardless of our resources. Effective altruists believe that it’s not enough to simply do good; we must do good better. At the core of this philosophy are five key questions that help guide our altruistic decisions: How many people benefit, and by how much? Is this the most effective thing I can do? Is this area neglected? What would have happened otherwise? What are the chances of success, and how good would success be? By applying these questions to real-life scenarios, MacAskill shows how many of our assumptions about doing good are misguided. For instance, he argues one can potentially save more lives by becoming a plastic surgeon rather than a heart surgeon; measuring overhead costs is an inaccurate gauge of a charity’s effectiveness; and, it generally doesn’t make sense for individuals to donate to disaster relief. MacAskill urges us to think differently, set aside biases, and use evidence and careful reasoning rather than act on impulse. When we do this – when we apply the head and the heart to each of our altruistic endeavours – we find that each of us has the power to do an astonishing amount of good.
Deadline for submission of contributions for next issue: 30 September 2017
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(A Goodread review)
“Together we can do so much more” .
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
What Is In A Title Anyway? Reflections on Transitioning from IP to IPIP My duties as your International President will be drawing to an end very soon. As I reflected on leaving this “IP” title behind and prepared to take on the new one of “IPIP” (Immediate Past International President) on 1 July, I began to think about what a title is all about, and why they should or shouldn’t matter. Let me explain. Titles within our Movement are useful because they define the duties and responsibilities that you agree to do during the term of your office, whatever level it might be – such as CP (Club President), DG (District Governor), RSD BF (Regional Service Director for Brotherhood Fund) or AT (Area Treasurer). The titles also help everyone know who is in charge of certain programmes or duties. Holding a title means you are accountable for completing the work in the job description, whether big or small. Most titles come with a length of term, often one year only, so there is also a sense of urgency to get the work done in the time allotted. Sometimes titles can unfortunately become the end goal. For some individuals, being recognised with that title is more important that ensuring that the duties of the position get done effectively and in a timely way. Some expect special honours because they hold an important title. Sadly some might also use the title to exert power over others. This changes our volunteer efforts from cooperative teamwork to a boss/ worker relationship. People who are too focused on the value of their title have missed out on so many opportunities during their terms of office. I hope that such issues arise less and less in our Y’s Men Movement. Let’s look at my situation as an example. By agreeing to let my name go forward as a potential candidate for the post of IPE, I was indicating that I was aware this would involve three years as an IEO or International Executive Officer (IPE, IP and IPIP), and that there were a number of meetings I must attend and even chair sometimes. I knew that I would have to deal with lots of emails, so checking my computer daily was essential. I also was aware that I must work as part of a few teams – the IP Troika, the IEOs, and International Council. I was not supposed to be a “one woman show”. I knew that I would have days of joy and days of frustration along the way, and hoped that the wonderful days would be the majority. But I knew I had a team to share the burdens that were presented to me along the way. During my year as IP, I knew that I should have a vision
and goals. For me these included, amongst others: w Creation of the GOLD 2.0 programme – provides online leadership training modules for young members. w Modernising how International Council meetings run to allow time for more effective small group discussions aimed at finding consensus to take steps forward together on a range of pertinent topics. w Improving electronic communication skills of International Council Members and IEOs using online meetings to further our sharing and next steps processes. w Reviewing our Towards 2022 Vision and Goals with leaders to ensure that we become accountable for all the goals not just the one involving numbers. w Visiting many clubs and projects in different Areas rather than focusing only on convention attendance. It is my fervent hope that these will have a lasting positive impact on our Movement and that we can continue to build on them in the future. Sometimes it is good NOT to focus too much on a title. I had many ideas of things I wanted to see happen after I was elected. I began to work on them right away, not even waiting for 1 July to officially become IPE. Of course it was important to share them with the IEOs and work within that team. But it was important to get things started. As I near the end of my IP year, I will continue to work to see my various goals and tasks completed, as well as those of the teams I work with, regardless of the title I might hold. And when I finish being an IEO, I will continue to serve our Movement to make it stronger and more effective, regardless of the level or the title I might (or might not) hold. I look forward to having more time to help at my club level again once I finish this very busy IP year. And so I suggest to each of you, dear Y’s friends across our vast Movement, that you also focus on the work to be done rather than the title you hold. I encourage you to continue to work diligently on tasks until their completion, regardless of whether you still hold the title anymore. Make sure that things you began (such as new clubs or a new project) are still working well, even though you are finished on that leadership team. After all, we are in Y Service to serve others, not boost our own esteem. Let’s keep our focus on the poor and needy who need our support locally and around the world. By this we shall truly show our commitment to others. Thank you all for your encouragement and support over this wonderfully busy, productive and interesting IP year. It continues to be my great privilege to serve Y’s Men now and in the future. Joan Wilson
“Together we can do so much more”
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FROM THE INCOMING INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT Dear Friends It gives me a great pleasure to contribute to this edition of YMI World. To become an IP is, for me, a great honour. My big thanks go to all of you for electing me to this important position. I promise to do my best and to serve you with all my heart during my term as IP. As you know I live in Norway, one of the Scandinavian countries far up north. Norway has had Y’s Men activities for almost 60 years, and I am the third IP coming from Norway. The first one was Arvid Malme, who served as IP in 1992/1993 and the second was Finn Pedersen, who served as IP in 2011/2012. Let me also add to this that both Arvid Malme and I belong to the same club, Østenstad Y’s Men’s Club. As IPE I have been travelling to several parts of the world. In all my travels, it has been a privilege to meet wonderful Y’s Men and Women, and I have indeed experienced the unique fellowship we share. Thanks to all of you for taking care of me, and for giving me the opportunity to share this wonderful fellowship. Our core values, which we have shared since our Movement was founded in 1922, are still relevant, as well as our close relationship with the YMCA. I encourage you to continue to share these core values at all levels within our movement, as I encourage you to strengthen the relationship with your local YMCA.
As my predecessor IPIP Joan Wilson did, I will also share with you an IP eNews with focus on Emphasis Months as well as other short articles. My IP goal for the 2017/2018 term is a 5 per cent growth in both paid membership and in support for the international programmes. I therefore ask each of you to get involved in our work, both leaders with responsibility and as ordinary members. We are all equal and we should not forget that the basis of our Movement is the regular club life. My theme is Let Us Walk in the Light – Together, inspired by the First Letter of John, chapter 1, verse 7. When I was RD of Norway I used Let Us Walk in the Light as my theme for my period. As I later became AP Area Europe, I added the word Together to my theme. It was my intention as a leader to guide my Area in the same direction, and inspire every Region to do so. Therefore, it seemed quite natural for me to continue with this theme. I also believe that one of the tasks of a leader is to motivate people to work together towards a common goal. My slogan is, Fellowship Across the Borders. Fellowship is what we are working for within the Y’s Men Movement, and this is also what I felt when I met you during various occasions in my IPE year. Wish you all the best in your service to the YMCA and to all those in need in your local communities and around the globe. Y’sly, Henry J Grindheim International President 2017/2018
Announcement Y’s Men International Seeks a New International Secretary General Y’s Men International is an international non-governmental, non-profit community service organisation with a 95-year history of involvement with the YMCA and local communities worldwide. It has Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Y’s Men International “strives through active service to develop, encourage and provide leadership to build a better world for all people.” Y’s Men International is currently represented in over 60 countries with a membership of approximately 25,000. The organisation is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and welcomes members from all personal faith backgrounds. No one is denied membership because of race, creed, colour, gender or national origin. Additional information can be found on our web site: www.ysmen.org. The successful candidate: w Will be stationed at the Satellite Office located in the premises of Chiang Mai YMCA, Thailand, effective October 2018. w Will closely oversee and work with the International Headquarters Office in Geneva, Switzerland. w Must be willing to travel extensively for the promotion of the organisation as well as the training of its leaders. w Must be able to communicate fluently in both oral and written English. w Must possess strong computer skills. Ideally, the candidate should have a personal history of active involvement with Y’s Men International, the YMCA and/or other nongovernmental organisations are important. The term of contract will be for an initial period of four (4) years with the option to extend for a second and final term. Detailed information and a full job description for the position of International Secretary General will be in the next issue of YMI World and on our website by September. The application deadline will be in December 2017.
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“Together we can do so much more”
GRAVITAS
Be Warned! Climate Change is Real Colin Lambie, Chair, YMI Environment Committee (Green Team - www.ysmen.org/environment)
The action by governments around the world that will alleviate the impact of climate change has been in the news again lately because US President Donald Trump has decided to turn his back on the Paris Agreement to reduce our carbon emissions. There are still people, including Y’s Men, claiming that the science has got it wrong, that claims that our planet is warming are all a hoax, or a conspiracy, or a natural cycle, or have some other excuse for ignoring the problem. But when reputable scientific organisations around the world consistently tell us there is a significant problem, we would be fools to ignore it.
the climate change problem, for example California and New York. The same is occurring in my country, Australia; where the national government is doing little, but some states are doing their part. We cannot just rely on governments. NGOs and businesses are also playing their part. Many NGOs and businesses have already committed to reduce or fully offset their carbon footprint. They do this by investing in renewable energy to power their buildings. They implement energy efficiency upgrades to reduce consumption. When they have done as much as they can internally, they ‘offset’ the rest of their emissions by investing in other projects that reduce emissions, for example renewable energy in other countries.
Efforts by the Y’s Movement Y’s Men International decided in 2009 to fully offset the emissions of Spread the Responsibility leader’s travel, which amounts to about So who should be taking action? 1500 tonnes per annum. The YMI Certainly governments are part of the solution. The fact that the US has put its own interests ahead of humanity is a setback. However, national governments are just one level where action can be taken. Fortunately many states in the US are already taking responsibility for their contribution to greenhouse gases that are causing About the “Green Cover” of this Issue Y’s Men in Hong Kong have been participating in the Green Wave campaign initiated by the Tokyo-based Organisation for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) every year. Created in 2011, the Green Wave is a multi-year campaign to raise awareness about biodiversity that contributes to the Convention on biological diversity programme of work on communication, education and public awareness. In 2016, we carried a news item on this (see YMW, Issue 1-2016/17, p. 11) - Editor
Green Team seeks and recommends projects that should be funded from the YMI Carbon Offset fund. Projects funded so far include lighting upgrades at various YMCAs. The Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) have established a Green Team to raise awareness about the issue and what YMCAs could be doing. APAY run Y Green Ambassador training, for example recently in Chiang Mai, Thailand with participants from several Asian countries. The five days of training is conducted by experts in various fields from Chiang Mai YMCA, APAY and myself. APAY impose a levy on participants at its conventions. But we can do so much more. Y’s Men International should be doing more, for example it should introduce a ‘carbon offset’ levy on participants attending conventions. YMCAs should do more. They should decide to reduce their own carbon footprint, and hence take responsibility for their contribution to climate change.
Green Ambassadors in the making with resource persons
World YMCA Statement on the Environment The World YMCA and young people around the world are deeply committed to sustainable development and the preservation of the planet for future generations. Many YMCAs around the world run youth-led programmes to promote environmental responsibility and conservation. The World YMCA is disappointed with the recent decision of the Federal Government of the United States to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and urges reconsideration. We also encourage all individuals, organisations, corporations and local and national governments around the world to continue efforts to reduce pollution and mitigate against the consequences of climate change. We need to work together to make the world a healthier, safer place for all. Source: www.ymca.int (6 June 2017) “Together we can do so much more”
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TRAVEL JOTTINGS
Notes from a Brief Visit to the Y’s Movement in Africa IP Joan Wilson For three weeks in May, I had the privilege of visiting Y’s Men club members and clubs in Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, all within Africa Southeast (ASE) Region. I also participated in RDE Training, the ASE Regional Convention, the Africa Area Convention and the Area Youth Convocation, all taking place in Kampala, Uganda. It was a very busy but exciting and informative visit for me! During my travels, I was able to visit past and present Time of Fast-Global Project Fund (TOF-GPF) projects as well as many club projects. I toured many YMCA sites and learned about their varied programmes, as they meet the needs of their communities. I usually met the local Branch Directors and sometimes also the National Secretaries, as my presence provided an opportunity to further grow the partnership between the YMCA and Y’s Men. In a few places, we met with the local city leaders or university administrators, again providing a chance to raise the profile of the work of the Y’s Men’s Club in those locations. I also got to see firsthand the inter-relationship between the Youth Clubs and the adult Y’s Men’s Clubs.
Happy kids with gifts at orphanage in Arusha
Githumu YMCA library built by TOF-GPF Fund in rural Kenya
Bed nets for twins in Buwambo
Youth club members at Mukono YMCA, Uganda
w w
w
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w With YMCA leaders in Kitwe, Zambia
During my visits to various projects, whether TOF-GPF or club-sponsored, I witnessed the great impact that YMI and the local clubs, often in partnership with the YMCA, have made and continue to make for needy people. Here are a few examples: w children and pregnant women 6
w
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receiving bed nets and information on how to prevent the spread of malaria an independent orphanage receiving quilts and used clothes students in a slum school now able to receive scholarships to go to high school medical centers for assessment and assistance being provided in several poor communities vocational training programmes (tailoring, hospitality, computers, etc.) for young adults and single mothers so they can start their own businesses many tree planting programmes in poor communities remand centre for delinquent youth where supplies were given along with some words of encouragement and hope library building to support a whole rural community ‘Project Lollipop’ – a District project where members try and give the cost of a lollipop each “Together we can do so much more”
day and together they can provide a scholarship for one poor student to go to high school w community market area being cleaned regularly by members who also promote good health from a clean environment And there was so much more that I was able to see and learn about!! I experienced the famous generous and friendly nature of my African hosts in each country, as they shared their homes and cultures with me. I learned about some of their history and even saw a few of their tourist sites. Of course I got to enjoy the many tastes and flavours of their traditional foods, and I even managed to “dress African” some of the time! It is not possible to tell all the things I saw and did, but I can say that it was very heart-warming to be so embraced by Y’s Men, both the youth and adult members, who so generously gave of their time and resources to host me. Thank you so much my dear African Y’s friends!
INSIGHT
Sustainable Development - The Fundamentals There has been much talk of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recently. Readers may recall that we had made references to SDG and its predecessor, MDGs, in our earlier issues. In this issue we try to piece together the fundamental principles of those development goals that were defined in 1987 by the World Commission on Environment and Development under the Chairmanship of Gro Harlem Brundtland. The Commission’s report titled “Our Common Future” gave the world the most acceptable definition of sustainable development thus:
“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” It is believed that the term ‘Sustainable Development’ was first coined by ‘Cocoyoc Declaration’ in 1970. Since then, the term has gained publicity and popularity. The word is now considered ‘panacea’ or medicine to combat all development-related problems — national or international. It contains within it two key concepts: Ø the concept of needs, in particular the essential needs of the world's poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and Ø the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organisation on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs."
Robert Repetto (1986) in his book “Global Possible” said that sustainable development is a continuous process that considers all natural and human resources as a means to achieve certain goals or objectives. This development process should not be contradictory with nature. Rather, it should be corollary with natural productive process. So, sustainable development should be ecologically conformable, economically viable and socially acceptable. In 1992, United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), held in Rio de Janeiro proclaimed certain objectives, known as Agenda 21 (see box below for an exposition on the interlinkages and integrated nature of Sustainable Development Goals). .
Interlinkages and Integrated Nature of Sustainable Development Goals
This Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom. We recognise that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets which we are announcing today demonstrate the scale and ambition of this new universal Agenda. They seek to build on the Millennium Development Goals and complete what these did not achieve. They seek to realise the human rights of all and to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. They are integrated and indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, social and environmental. End poverty and hunger in all forms and ensure dignity and equality The Goals and targets will stimulate action over the next fifteen years in areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet: People: We are determined to end poverty and hunger, in all their forms and dimensions, and to ensure that all human beings can fulfil their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment. Planet: We are determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of the present and future generations. Prosperity: We are determined to ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature. Peace: We are determined to foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies which are free from fear and violence. There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development. Partnership: We are determined to mobilise the means required to implement this Agenda through a revitalised Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focussed in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable and with the participation of all countries, all stakeholders and all people. The interlinkages and integrated nature of the Sustainable Development Goals are of crucial importance in ensuring that the purpose of the new Agenda is realised. If we realise our ambitions across the full extent of the Agenda, the lives of all will be profoundly improved and our world will be transformed for the better. Source: Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development “Together we can do so much more”
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FIGHTING MALARIA
The Global Fight to Eliminate Malaria Malaria is a preventable and treatable infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes that kills more than one million people each year, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria is the leading cause of death for children under five. Because malaria is a global emergency that affects mostly poor women and children, malaria perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty in the developing world. Malaria related-illnesses and mortality cost Africa’s economy alone USD 12 billion per year. However, by 2020, global estimates indicate that USD 6.4 billion would be needed each year to fully fund the fight against malaria.
Together, We Can Eliminate Malaria Y’s Men International is a integral player in the effort to eliminate malaria and is a partner in the Alliance for Malaria Prevention along with over 40 other organisations, including government agencies, private sector businesses, public sector organisations, faith-based organisations, and humanitarian organisations. Each of these partners provides an invaluable contribution to the partnership in supporting countries reach their global malaria targets through increased LLIN ownership and use. The Alliance met in Geneva in February to review the year that went by and to examine the targets and goals. Y’s Men International was represented by IPE Henry Grindheim and ISG Takao Nishimura.
IPE Henry with Jason Peat of the International Federation of Red Cross Societies
Fact Sheet on World Malaria Report 2016 The World Malaria Report, published annually by WHO, tracks progress and trends in malaria control and elimination across the globe. It is developed by World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with ministries of health and a broad range of partners. The 2016 report draws on data from 91 countries and areas with ongoing malaria transmission. Global Progress and Disease Burden (2010–2015) According to the report, there were 212 million new cases of malaria worldwide in 2015 (range 148–304 million). The WHO African Region accounted for most global cases of malaria (90%), followed by the South-East Asia Region (7%) and the Eastern Mediterranean Region (2%). In 2015, there were an estimated 429,000 malaria deaths (range 235,000–639,000) worldwide. Most of these deaths occurred in the African Region (92%), followed by the South-East Asia Region (6%) and the Eastern Mediterranean Region (2%). Between 2010 and 2015, malaria incidence rates (new malaria cases) fell by 21% globally and in the African Region. During this same period, malaria mortality rates fell by an estimated 29% globally and by 31% in the African Region. Other regions have achieved impressive reductions in their malaria
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burden. Since 2010, the malaria mortality rate declined by 58% in the Western Pacific Region, by 46% in the South-East Asia Region, by 37% in the Region of the Americas and by 6% in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. In 2015, the European Region was malariafree: all 53 countries in the region reported at least 1 year of zero locally-acquired cases of malaria. Children under 5 are particularly susceptible to malaria illness, infection and death. In 2015, malaria killed an estimated 303,000 under-fives globally, including 292,000 in the African Region. Between 2010 and 2015, the malaria mortality rate among children under 5 fell by an estimated 35%. Nevertheless, malaria remains a major killer of underfives, claiming the life of 1 child every 2 minutes. Funding Trends In 2015, malaria funding totalled US$ 2.9 billion, representing only 45% of the Global Technical Strategy (GTS) funding milestone for 2020. Governments of malaria-endemic countries provided 32% of total funding. The United States of America and the United Kingdom are the largest international funders of malaria control and elimination programmes, contributing 35% and 16% of total funding, respectively. If the 2020 targets of the GTS are to be achieved, total funding must increase substantially.
“Together we can do so much more”
Source: World Malaria Report, 2016
MALARIA THREAT
No Respite from Mosquito Menace in India In 1947, when India became independent, 75 million malaria cases in a population of 330 million were estimated. During the eradication era in the late 1950s and early 1960s, a spectacular achievement was witnessed on the malaria eradication front because malaria cases significantly declined to just 100,000 in 1964. However, reversal was experienced, and malaria staged a comeback. The following information is taken from various reports and studies made available on the internet for us to take cognisance of the situation.
Singapore, Sri Lanka and Maldives have been declared malariafree, but India is among nine countries in Southeast Asia which s skulking in a mosquito-infested bog. With over a billion people at risk, the national government had launched a nationwide framework for malaria elimination last year with a vision to be malaria-free by 2027 and full elimination by 2030. The World Health Organization estimates that India has nearly halved the number of malaria cases between 2000 and 2014, from 2 million to 1.1 million. But, a large number of cases still go unreported. Some surveys say actual cases could be between nine and 50 times greater than those reported by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme and malaria-related deaths could be 13 times higher. Courtesy: Outlook magazine, 15 May 2017
Most Vulnerable Regions
http://www.malariasite.com/malaria-india/
The biggest burden of malaria in India is borne by the most poor and remote parts of the country, with more than 90–95 per cent cases reported from rural areas and less than 5–10 per cent from urban areas; however, the low malaria incidence in urban areas may be due to almost non-existing surveillance. The state of Orissa, with a population of 36.7 million (3.5 per cent of India’s population), contributes about 25 per cent of the total annual malaria cases, more than 40 per cent of P. falciparum (a protozoan parasite, one of the species of Plasmodium that cause malaria in humans) malaria cases and nearly 20– 30 per cent of deaths caused by malaria in India, followed by Meghalaya, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Goa, southern Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand that also report significant number of malaria
cases and deaths. The proportion of P. vivax (a protozoal parasite and a human pathogen) and P. falciparum varies in different parts of India; P. falciparum accounts for 30–90 per cent of the infections in the forested areas inhabited by ethnic tribes and less than 10 per cent of malaria cases in mostly indogangetic plains and northern hilly states, northwestern India, and southern Tamil Nadu. Unbridled urbanisation, drought, migration of workers, and lax control efforts are all contributing to the resurgence of malaria in India and the problem is expected to exacerbate in the years to come. With increasing global warming, it is projected that in 2050s, malaria is likely to persist in Orissa, West Bengal and southern parts of Assam, bordering north of West Bengal, but may shift from the central Indian region to the southwestern coastal states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala. Also the northern states, including Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram in the northeast may become malaria prone. Sourc: www.malariasite.com/malaria-india/
Targetting these five Sustainable Development Goals would aid the fight agaianst malaria
“Together we can do so much more”
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FROM FAR AND NEAR
A Promising Future for Y’sdom in China Y’s Men’s Clubs in mainland China are gathering impetus from the changed socio-political scenario in the country. Six new clubs have taken root there and the oldest of them, Guangzhou, recently celebrated its fifth year in the company of members from the Y’s Men’s Clubs based out of Hong Kong. The Y’s Men’s Club of Guangzhou was first formed in 1932 and ceased to exist in 1949. On 10 March 2012 the YMC of Guangzhou officially resumed its activities and has 15 members on its rolls. Twenty members from seven Y’s Men’s clubs of Hong Kong District took the train early in the morning of 18 March from Hong Kong to the
Guangzhou Club members getting ready to execute a community service project
neighbouring province of Guangzhou in mainland China. After an official visit with the YMCA of Guangzhou, they joined the Y’s Men’s Club of Guangzhou for a meeting in the evening. Club President Frank Luo welcomed the visitors and members and briefly recalled how, five years ago, it got its nod from the leadership of the
Hong Kong Y’s Men with members of the Y’s Men’s Club of Guangzhou
Guangzhou Municipal People’s and Religious Affairs Bureau to resume the activities. They also received support from the leadership of Y’s Men Hong Kong District and the assistance of Guangzhou YMCA. In these five years the Club has been able to conduct regular monthly meetings and join hands with the Guangzhou YMCA’s in supporting rural children in character formation and formal education. In keeping with YMCA’s thrust of developing the state of the body, mind and soul, the club works on the theme, “More blessed to give than to receive.” The Guangzhou club visits homes for the elderly very often as part of its community service and pays great attention to the care and assistance of
Healthy Kids Day 2017 Members of the Y Service Clubs in the Honolulu area helped at the YMCA of Honolulu’s Healthy Kids Day 2017, which attracted thousands to the Bishop Museum grounds on 8 April to learn about the YMCA and organisations connected with it. The Y Service Clubs’ shaved ice booth went through nearly 700 pounds (315 kg) of ice and 24 gallons (90 litres) of syrup to make hundreds of the cool and tasty treats. 10
“Together we can do so much more”
youth groups. For many years, it has participated in and supported the YMCA Thalassemia Children’s Aid Programme, Special Children’s Sports Competition event, Character Small Seed Project, “A Small Migratory Bird Relay Station” service project for the children of migrant workers, etc. In 2014, it started the “Helping PovertyStricken Students through Happy Kitchen” project in Qingyuan Liannan. Active engagement with other Y’s Men’s clubs and leaders in East Asia, particularly of Asia Pacific Area, Hong Kong District, Taiwan Region, both Japan Regions and Korea Area through official and personal contacts and visits has helped the club in many ways.
A meeting in progress in Guangzhou
The other clubs in mainland China are located in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’An, Wuhan and Tianjin but because of the absence of regular contact among and with these clubs outside Guangzhou, not much information could be obtained. Based on information provided by Andy Fu, Hong Kong
FROM FAR AND NEAR
From Helsinki with Love and Care The Y’s Men’s Club of Femella together with other clubs in Finland District arranged a charity concert for the second time in March this year. There were performances by two choirs, solos by Aurora Djupsjöbacka and a dance by two girls from the Bethel’s Centre of Pastoral Care, Tallinn, Estonia – the beneficiary institution of the charity show. Mati Sinisaar from the Centre presented their activities and told touching stories about many children who have grown up there and now have their own families and taking care of their own and/or adopted children. Members of Femella club made pastries for sale and the Vantaa club arranged the lottery. Bethel’s children made postcards and all together the concert was a success. Femella club members are regularly visiting the Centre with school materials, clothes, toys and other things. Kristina Rothe, PAP Europe
In a relaxed mood after the charity concert
Dear Kristina and all our friends from club Femella! Thank you so much for your kind donation of EUR 2000, which we received on 24 March 2017! It’s very big help to us to help the children who come to us in Bethel. I’m new in Bethel, but Mirjam told me about you and the long-time help and support that you have given to us over the years. We are very grateful for all the help, and also that you chose to do the charity concert for Bethel for the second time. Our children, Valeria (youth worker) and Mati really enjoyed taking part of this event, that you all put together to support us. Kaidi Lees, Project Secretary Bethel’s Centre of Pastoral Care
Multicultural Festival
Camp Work Day
A multicultural festival was organised by the Busan City for families from multicultural backgrounds. Busan District of Korea Bu-Ul-Gyeong Region joined the festival and held two events for multicultural families, namely providing free medical service by Y’s Men doctors, and setting up flea markets to raise funds for community service. About 150 Y’s Men, Menettes, and Y’s Lings joined in this unique effort.
On Saturday 25 March, 64 volunteers gathered at the YMCA Camp H.R. Erdman way out on Hawaii’s Oahu’s north shore for a day of work painting cabins and doing ground work at the historic camp. Of those volunteers, 52 came from the island’s Y Service Clubs and the rest from an Aloha United Way group connected to the YMCA. A great day of work and socialising happened. Some who started the day with black hair ended up with streaks of white — paint, not instant aging!
Y’s families at the Fest
Volunteers at work “Together we can do so much more”
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FROM FAR AND NEAR
Supporting Shelter Children’s Home in Kenya Shelter Children’s Home is home for approximately 150 children who have either been orphaned, abandoned or rescued from difficult circumstances and is located approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Nairobi. Late last year, we learnt that the boys’ dormitory had burnt down and a lot of items were destroyed. Thankfully nobody was injured. The home had organised a fundraising activity in the afternoon of 3 December 2016. That day members of Nairobi Y’s Men’s Club visited the home in the morning and presented their contribution and Members of the Nairobi Y’s Men’s Club with the children met with the administrators and children of the home. Some friends and Thika Y’s Men’s clubs also joined us. assorted clothes, and interacted with We donated cash towards the children who performed several family members and a few from the Y’s rebuilding the dormitory, apart from dances. Youth, Nairobi South, Triple Y and RDE Jean Kahianyu
Kampala Y’s Men’s Club Project in Buwambo In 2007 Kampala Y’s Men’s Club received funding for a project named “Fighting Aids through IncomeGenerating Projects” at Buwambo. Sensitisation programmes were organised for different target groups such as out-of-school kids, in schools, working youths, etc. and at the end of that programme football competitions were organised for eight schools in Buwambo on the above theme. A small community
office was also constructed. In 2008 a young boy named Mark Anthony Jjombwe was found by the Y’s Men at Buwambo. He was malnourished, with worms in his stomach and jiggers (parasitic fleas) in his feet and fingers. He was picked up, treated and given education from age four and is now in Senior Two in a school in Kasawo. In pursuance of meeting its goals, Buwambo has benefited from the
Kampala Y’s Men’s Club which has donated mosquito nets to pregnant mothers and children below five years. At the Area Convention held in Kampala on 13 May 2017 more mosquito nets were donated to the community by the members attending the convention. IP Joan Wilson and PIP Benson Wabule also joined the club members in giving out the mosquito nets, pre-used clothes, shoes and hand bags. AP Roselyne Birungi Ssebaleke
Distributing mosquito nets during the Area Convention held in Kampala 12
“Together we can do so much more”
FROM FAR AND NEAR
Quiet but Active Y’s Men of Ranchi Ranchi, the capital city of the newly-formed state of Jharkhand in India is a little-known destination for Y’s Men. With the active support of YMCA, two clubs – the Y’s Men’s Club of Ranchi and the Y’s Men’s Club of Ranchi Capital – have been doing yeoman service in that city in a quiet manner. For the record, the former was chartered in 1989 and the latter in 2001. Some years ago Y’s Men’s Club of Ranchi submitted an application for a TOF-GPF project to distribute mosquito
nets in malaria-prone areas of the city of Ranchi. The project was funded and has been executed successfully but the need to intervene in the prevention of malaria has not subsided. Recently, ISG Takao Nishimura and IT Philips Cherian visited Ranchi to explore extending the RBM project there. While discussions with multi-stakeholders are in progress, what they saw and heard about Ranchi Y’sdom impressed them. We give below a few samples of their community service projects.
Distribution of free power spectacles following the free eye camp
Rural children with the free educational books they received from the Ranchi Capital club
Ranchi Capital members with some of the poor women who received clothes
Wayside water pots forthe weary commuter in summer months
IT Philips and ISG Nishi visit a primary school during their visit
ISG Nishi being honoured at a joint meeting of Ranchi and Ranchi Capital clubs
Turning Pre-Loved Books into Food The Y Service Club of Bendigo turns books into food – well actually they raise funds by selling pre-loved books and other useful items at the Easter Book Sale and donate funds to Bendigo Foodshare to collect and
distribute food to people who need it. Thanks to the support of the Central Victorian community they had tens of thousands of books and other things which were sold at low prices this Easter.
Volunteers at work on the streets and in a relaxed mood at the Sale “Together we can do so much more”
GMS & Earth Day The Philippines Region’s 2nd General Membership Summit and Earth Day 2017 was held on 22 April with Guest Speaker Ms. Mikhaela De Leon of Haribon Foundation. Discussion on Roll Back Malaria in support of YMI’s RBM programme followed.
Participants of the GMS 13
YOURS IN Y’SDOM
A Message of Thanks from the IPIP It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the new troika of 2017/18 under the leadership of IP Henry Grindheim, IPIP Joan Wilson and incoming IPE Moon Sang-bong. On behalf of all Y’s Men all over the world, I wish them and other International Officers a productive and blessed year of service and great success. The troika system of management of the affairs of our Movement provided me a unique opportunity to know the challenges and issues facing the Areas, Regions, Districts and clubs and their needs. IEOs must join hands in working with compassion to restore the conflicts and differences that crop up from time to time in a democratic and constitutional manner to take our Movement to new pastures. I urge all leaders and members to work together to build a solid foundation and structure, serve humankind and seek justice for all concerned. Thank you for your unstinting support to me in these last few years and please do continue to provide the same to the new team. God Bless, Wichian Boonmapajorn PIP, Bangkok, Thailand
A First Person Account of How Y’sdom Grew in Kumamoto When I became a member of the Y’s Men’s Club of Kumamoto-Janes 26 years ago, there were only three Y’s Men’s Clubs in Kumamoto Prefecture. [Kumamoto Prefecture is on the island of Kyushu in the southwestern part of Japan, about one-and-a-half hours by air from Tokyo.] However, eight clubs have been chartered since then and there are 11 clubs today. Two factors contributed to the development of the Y’s Men Movement in Kumamoto. One is the presence of two leading clubs, namely Kumamoto-Janes and Kumamoto-Higashi. The other is the presence of two great leaders, namely Masayasu Kan and Tadashi Tanoue. They, as well as I, are originally from the Kumamoto-Janes club. Kan, the first club president of Kumamoto-Janes, was inspired by Leroy Lansing Janes and took the lead in chartering four clubs in Kumamoto. L.L. Janes, popularly known as “Captain Janes” in Japan, was an American mentor for a group of 35 young converted Japanese Christians called the “Kumamoto Band.” They greatly contributed to the propagation of Christianity in Japan in the late 1800s. Later, when Kan transferred himself to Kumamoto-Higashi Club as a charter member, the club took the initiative in chartering four additional clubs. Kan’s idea behind boosting the Y’s Movement in Kumamoto is to charter as many Y’s Men’s Clubs that 14
will support the local YMCA and then, all the Y’s Men in Kumamoto to make an all-out effort to achieve the goal. Let me illustrate with a personal example: When I was nominated as the DGE of Kyushubu District 11 years ago, Kan said to me, “Hey, Iwa-chan, let’s charter Aso Club which will support Aso YMCA as there is no Y’s Men’s Club in Aso.” We eventually chartered Aso Y’s Men’s Club 10 years ago. Then, “Kumamoto-Young” which mainly consists of Y’s Lings was chartered eight years ago for the purpose of fostering the new generation of members. And, three years ago, “Kumamoto-Spirit” which supports Tobu YMCA was chartered. This year, “Kumamoto-Suizenji” which supports Kumamoto YMCA Suizenji Kindergarten was chartered. Kan has been able to motivate people to extend Y’s Men’s Clubs in new locations in Kumamoto prefecture. The key to success, as you can visualise, is the collaboration between parent clubs, brother clubs, and among members in Kumamoto in achieving goals. Strengthening friendship and fellowship among the members is indispensable for achieving any goal. With this track record of the Y’s Movement in Kumamoto, the YMCA and Y’s Men’s clubs are engaging with the local YMCAs for many projects and programmes. In spite of great damage caused by the big earthquake, Kumamoto is well on the way to reconstruction, thanks to the collaboration between the YMCA and the Y’s Men in Kumamoto.
“Together we can do so much more”
Satoru Iwamoto RD Japan West Region 2016-17
MANTRA FOR
THE SOUL
Max Ediger*
Responsibility not Dominance of the Earth Kasepuhan Ciptagelar is a traditional Sundanese community in West Java, Indonesia. The people here maintain their ancient traditions under the rule of a young king by the name of AbahUgih. He inherited the position from his father. The king, called Father by the villagers, is a humble man who spends much of his time listening to his people and responding to their needs. He is guided by a group of elders who are fully versed in the oral history and traditions of the Sundanese people. For the people of this village, rice is life, and it must never be sold in any form. After each harvest, which happens only once a year, the queen will select the rice which will become the seeds for the next planting. No seeds from outside the community can be planted. With plenty of water from the many natural streams in the mountains, more than one crop could be planted a year, but the people believe that the earth also needs to rest, so tradition dictates that they can till the soil and plant only once each year. Consequently their rice yields are very high and they have saved enough rice for three years if needed which neighboring communities which try to squeeze two or three crops out of their land each year, struggle to have enough to eat. The rice is kept in special granaries where it is protected until the family needs it. The granary of the king is sacred and villagers say there is rice in this granary which is at least 100 years old and still can be eaten. No special effort is made to keep birds out of the fields or mice out of the granaries. “They too need to eat,” says the king, “and they don’t eat much anyway.” Many festivals are held throughout the year to honor rice and the environment which helps it grow. Some festivals are only held for the environment because, as the people believe, the earth, sky and water also need to celebrate. Surrounding the village three different forests exist. One is sacred and no one can enter without permission. Trees in the second forest can be cut if needed for houses or firewood. The third forest is available to everyone for collecting food or medicinal herbs. This strict tradition has protected the environment in this area for many centuries and it is still practiced so the future generations will also have a healthy world to live in. Spending a short time with the people of KasepuhanCiptagelar, I found myself reflecting back to the creation story in Genesis 1. God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image,
make them reflecting our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of the Earth.” (Verse 26) We, perhaps, have not been as responsible as God planned in the beginning. We overuse the resources of the world, try to force the earth to give us more and more of its limited gifts, and make the soil, water and air unusable with all of our pollution and poisons. So we live less comfortably and with less sense of satisfaction than the people of KasepuhanCiptagelar even though their lives are very simple and uncluttered. Indigenous communities around the world have much to teach us about taking responsibility for God’s creation, but we tend to ignore them. It would be good for all of us to occasionally make a pilgrimage to a village high in the mountains like KasepuhanCiptagelar, and reconnect with the earth as God created it. “God created human beings; he created them godlike, reflecting God’s nature. He created them male and female. God blessed them: ‘Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.’” *Max Ediger directs the School of Peace from Cambodia. Reprinted with permission of PeaceSigns, the online publication of the Peace and Justice Support Network of Mennonite Church USA, www.mennolink.org/peace
“Together we can do so much more”
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“Together we can do so much more”