Nº 3, 2016/17
ONLY FOR PRIVATE DISTRIBUTION TO MEMBERS
Focus on
TOF-GPF INSIDE: Message from the International President • New International Council Members • Cover Story: Charity Shops in Kosovo a Huge Success • Be the World’s Eyes : Gift Sight … Gift Life • TOF-GPF STORIES: Madagascar: Improving the Socio-economic Resilience • Korean Doctors Extend Medical Service • Education for Girls to be Midwives • INTERVIEW: with the Chair of TOF-GPF Committee • YEEP Experience: A Memorable Visit to Japan • News from Far and Near • MEMORIES IN SEPIA: The First Club to Receive an International Charter • MANTRA FOR THE SOUL : Not Fear But Hope “Together we can do so much more”
Editor’ ge Editor’ss Pa Page Dear readers, For some time now we have been planning an issue focusing on our Time of Fast-Global Project Fund (TOF-GPF). Finally, we have been able to put together one with whatever material that was available to us. The cover story is from Kosovo, a new area of operation for YMI, thanks to the earnestness of YMI Region Denmark and the George Williams Youth Association in Kosovo. Since the scope of the Fund has been expanded to encompass issues and targets addressed by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, we are sure there will be an increase in contributions to the Fund, leading to more requests and projects. There are 17 goals and 169 targets – they can never be stand-alone goals, as is illustrated by a friend from Germany in the graphic in this column. This year, the International Week of Service was observed Nº 3, 2016/17
FROM MY BOOKSHELF
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
in the last week of March. We have been alerted to that by our international leaders. Two projects that qualified to be considered under this effort are highlighted here, both done in collaboration with Rotary International. What is even more encouraging is the fact that they have been driven by youth leadership. The seniors were well-wishers and great supporters, at the best. We hope that in the months ahead more such initiatives will find a place in your calendar of events. By the time you get this issue, it would be time to observe the World Malaria Day. As a partner in the Roll Back Malaria alliance, we are exhorted to do our best to “end malaria for good.” The back cover of this issue draws your attention to the urgency of the situation. Having had the good fortune of listening to Father Michael Lapsley at a seminar last year, I have chosen to share his book with you through this issue. He travels and lectures around the world to bring the redemptive healing message that “forgiveness frees the victim to be a healer” – an apt thought for the season. Before I sign off I must thank all contributors to this issue, particularly Tracy Movigliatti at our headquarters in Geneva, who helped me find TOF-GPF project stories. With all good wishes, Koshy Mathew
INDIA B. Pavithran (Kerala, India) +91/9847220054 (M) pavithbb@gmail.com 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: A charity shop in Kosovo. (See story on page 5)
Redeeming the Past: My Journey from Freedom Fighter to Healer by Michael Lapsley, Stephen Karakashian (coauthor) Not quite three months after Nelson Mandela was freed from Robben Island in 1990, Anglican priest and African National Congress chaplain Lapsley opened a letter sent in the mail. The bomb in it blew off both hands, sent shrapnel through his body, and destroyed one eye. Around the world, agents of South Africa's apartheid regime were settling scores with anti-apartheid activists. Lapsley was lucky. Though severely injured, his mind and tongue remain intact, producing this most amazing memoir of a man who writes he "has never made a distinction between human liberation and my Christian witness." Lapsley's personal journey mirrors that of his adopted country. Within three years of his attack, Lapsley opened the doors of The Trauma Centre for Victims of Violence and Torture in Cape Town, in the "new South Africa," and launched a global Healing of Memories program. The book's final section highlights stories from this work, from Rwanda to Northern Ireland, from Colombia to North Carolina. Review courtesy: Publishers Weekly
Deadline for submission of contributions for next issue: 30 June 2017
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“Together we can do so much more” .
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT Hello Y’s friends, It is my pleasure to connect with you all again through YMI World. Thanks to Editor Koshy Mathew for producing this high quality newsletter that is both informative and thought-provoking. It is always a delight for me to read it from cover to cover as soon as it is published! I hope each of you gets the same pleasure as I do with YMI World! As I write this, we are about to start the final week of March, which this year is also the International Week of Service. During this week Y’s Men Clubs are encouraged to partner with local clubs from other worthy service organisations to collaboratively work on a project. I do hope that by the time you read this article, many of our clubs will not only have participated in these partnerships, but will have shared about them on our website and the specially designated International Week of Service website. With the arrival of April, we enter the last quarter of our Y’s year, and many clubs will then be wrapping up their service projects and activities before breaking for July and August. Clubs will often also be preparing for a new set of leaders and new goals. Before moving on future planning, let us first ensure that the goals for this year – 2016/17 – have been achieved. I encourage you to review your goals and refocus your efforts where they have not yet been met. Over the course of the YMI year, we hope that our member clubs have been faithfully collecting funds for our various International Programmes. We have a number of programmes, both long-standing and reasonably new, that have a real impact in supporting direct service and/or developing increased relationships amongst our members. Without your contributions, many of these services and programmes cannot happen. Let me remind you of some of our core programmes where member contributions are the sole source of funds to support those in need: Ø Time of Fast–Global Project Fund (TOF-GPF) provides small grants for up to three years to worthy projects proposed by YMCAs and/or Y’s Men Clubs. Total member contributions determine how many grants can be given each year. This is one of the best known YMI programmes with respect to the YMCA. Ø Alexander Scholarship Fund (ASF) is the other YMI programme that is known to the YMCA, as we directly support staff to advance their skills through training. While 10% is managed at the IHQ level to support things like YMCA “Change Agents”, 90% of the funds are administered at the Area level. This is because we believe each Area can best identify with their local YMCA who is
most deserving of these grants. Ø Roll Back Malaria (RBM) is a programme we are involved
with in partnership with the Red Cross. Our funds have put anti-malaria kits into homes in Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Togo and we are now looking at locations in India. The goal is to raise CHF 500,000 by 2018. And then there are other programmes that focus on building bridges between clubs and members: Ø Brotherhood Fund (BF) through which individual members may visit another Area and experience life and Y’sdom there, while sharing about their own club life. In the process, this develops both leadership and fellowship. Ø Endowment Fund (EF) which honours a member, living or dead, who has made contributions to our Movement. The interest from this fund covers the rent for our IHQ offices as well as Special Development Support Funds (SDS) to help with extension, membership conservation (EMC), leadership development and training within Areas. Ø Y’s Extension Support (YES) is a newer fund that directly focuses on supporting the development of new clubs. A portion of what is raised remains in the Area, and the remainder is granted to Areas for a specific extension plan. Ø STEP For All (SFA) is a newer program that enables any member to have a “hands on” experience working with one of our TOF-GPF projects. Some partial funding through BF is available. This programme helps to promote the partnership we have with our TOF-GPF partners. Of course we have other YMI programmes that do not require any funding, but also offer a great support to building bridges between members and clubs: Ø International Brother Clubs (IBC) which partners two clubs from different Areas, allowing them the joy of communication, sharing and learning from one another. Ø STEP and YEEP offer opportunities for younger members or children of members to spend time living with a Y Service family in another Area of the world. Ø Golden Opportunities for Leadership Development (GOLD) is the newest programme of YMI, and offers a coordinated process for online learning about our Movement as well as other leadership skills. While directed at youth now, it may well be available to all members in time. As you can see, we have a wide range of helpful and enriching programmes through our international Movement. The only limiting factor is how many our clubs are willing to donate to see these good things happen. Therefore, I encourage all clubs to commit to generous donations to these programmes and to submit them to IHQ before the deadline of 31 May. All of our members and programmes thank you! Remember it is only through all working together – and all contributing – that we can do so much more! IP Joan Wilson
“Together we can do so much more”
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INCOMING IP HENRY Henry Johannes Grindheim, all set to take over as International President on 1 July 2017, hails from Norway. Born on 25 March 1947, he is an economist by training and has worked for nearly four decades in the book and publishing industry, both nationally and globally, specialising in areas such as finance, administration, marketing and foreign rights. He is now retired and spends almost all of his time with the family and the Y’s Movement. He has been a Y’s Man since 1991 and has taken responsibility at all levels in the Movement – from club level to International. He has served as Area Service Director (Mentor Russia) since 2009 and continues to do so. Henry also served Area Europe as Area President in 2013-14 in an excellent manner, combining personal knowledge and dedication in his efforts to build a stronger international Movement. He is reputed to be an enthusiastic Y’s Man, fair, rational and balanced in his approach to problem-solving in challenging situations.
LEADERS-IN-WAITING International Council Members & International Council Members Elect, 2017-18
IP-Elect 2017-18 Mr Moon Sang-bong (Korea)
IT-Elect 2017-18 Mr Philips Cherian (India)
The results of the elections were announced on 17 February 2017 during the welcome dinner of the Mid Year Meeting hosted in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The deadline for this year’s International Election voting papers was 31 January 2017. Clubs who sent votes after this date were considered as election participants but their votes were not counted. Until 15 February, 792 clubs had sent in their voting ballots for International Officers. Based on the number of clubs at 1 August 2016 (1,453 clubs), the participation rate was 54.5%. Out of the ballots received for International Officers, 13 were late and the IEOs had to declare 97 invalid for various reasons leaving a total of 682 valid voting ballots.
New International Council Members (ICMs) 2017-18 (L to R): Mr Poul-Henning Løwendahl, Denmark (Europe); Mr Cha Young-doo (Korea) ; Mr Kim Byul (Young Member, Korea); and ICM-Elect 2017-18 Mr K.C. Samuel (India);
ICMs-Elect for 2017-18 (L to R): Mr Hiroyuki Tanaka, Japan (Asia Pacific); Mr V.A. Thankachan (India); Mr. T.M. Jose (India); Mr Sherif Awad Shoukry, Egypt (Africa); Ms Sonja Marly Muller, Brazil (Latin America) 4
“Together we can do so much more”
COVER - A TOF-GPF STORY
Charity Shops in Kosovo a Huge Success Kosovo is a landlocked country in the central Balkan Peninsula with a population of about two million. On 17 February 2008, the Parliament of Kosovo declared independence from Serbia, which it did not recognise and still considers Kosovo as a part of its national territory, but 193 members of the United Nations have officially recognised Kosovo as an independent state. It is a young nation with links to the YMCA Movement, which is represented in Kosovo by the George Williams Youth Association (GWY). The Denmark Region of YMI has excellent relations with GWY and has mentored them to run charity shops. In 2014, YMI approved a TOFGPF grant to the GWY to open a charity shop in Gjakova, Kosovo, mediated by YMI Denmark Region.
Wars, particularly war widows. The process of opening the charity shop was very exciting for all the staff and volunteers involved. The YMCA of England sent a manual on how to run a charity shop. The shop is located in the city centre of Gjakova and is stocked with clothes sent from Denmark, kind courtesy of Y’s Man Arne Nielsen of Region Denmark. With the funds generated by the charity, a second charity shop was opened last year to support more projects for youth, children and families.
Well-stocked
Danish Y’s Men at the shop
Shop staff and volunteer team celebrate the opening of the second charity shop in Kosovo
The main objective of the project is to raise funds through charity shops to support projects for children and youth. Another objective is to support families that lost people in the Yugoslav
Celebrating the opening of the second shop
Some of the programmes supported by the revenue generated from these shops are: Weekend Camp Programme. Aimed at children, this is fully supported by the charity shop with materials for children in primary schools. A total of 650 children in Gjakova Municipality have attended these camps and gained skills in various crafts. Supporting children of the Roma community. The programme has sent 200 toys and clothes for babies from
disadvantage families from Roma community. All these came from the charity shop sales and have been appreciated as a very good initiative by the authorities. Safe space. The local administration made a new space available for young people and it needed some repair work and painting. With the support of the charity shop, it has been done and the space is now being used by young people and children for creative activities. Food parcels for families in need. Both charity shops have a facility for people in need to come and write their names and contact details in order to receive help with food for them and their families. They have been giving food this year to more than 70 families. Based on reports filed by Dorina Lluka of GWY to YMI-HQ
Youth and children – the main beneficiaries of the projects undertaken by GWY Association “Together we can do so much more”
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JOINING HANDS TO SERVE Interna tional Week of Ser vice, 25-31 March 2017 International Service, The International Week of Service is an annual opportunity for service organisations around the globe to partner with one another to make a difference in local communities. There are 13 organisations officially participating in this endeavour. Y’s Men International is one of them. We give below two such initiatives from Bangalore – both executed by Y’s Men’s Clubs in partnership with local chapters of Rotary International – Editor.
Be the World’ orld’ss Eyes : Gift Sight … Gift Life An initia tive of Y’ bora tion with Rotar initiative Y’ss Men’ Men’ss Club of Bangalore Green Aster in colla collabora boration Rotaryy Bangalore East
An 11th grade student of Bangalore and an active youth member of Y’s Men’s Club of Bangalore Green Aster, Nikhil Sebastian, conceived and executed a unique humanitarian project to create awareness about eye donation and raise funds to provide free cataract surgeries to the economically weaker sections of the society. Nikhil not only roped in his friends but other organizations as well, particularly the Rotary Club of Bangalore East. Nikhil worked for the success of this campaign approaching multiple organisations, institutions and individuals, all with the aim to help those in need. The tangible fruits of his efforts are seen in the collection of almost INR 500,000 (approx. USD 7,500) towards the initiative. The campaign hopes to further reach out to donors who are willing to be a ray of hope for the deprived who lack the means to overcome avoidable Nikhil Sebastian, the motivating force blindness. ”The Gift Sight, Gift Life initiative is a humble attempt to honour the dream of millions affected by avoidable blindness by providing them a chance at sight. We have been able to reach out to many individuals and institutions to seek support for this initiative and will continue to do so in the future,” says Nikhil Sebastian. He further said, “It is unfortunate to see millions suffering solely due to lack of access to affordable and quality treatment. Our hope is to reach out to these people at the earliest and help them live their lives completely.” “Cataract surgeries are expensive and can cost anywhere between INR 15,000 (USD 230) to INR 60,000 (USD 920), per eye. This comes as a burden to most economically strained families. The Gift Sight, Gift Life initiative aims to provide such affected individuals an opportunity to restore their vision without bearing any cost,” said Stephen Samuel, Secretary of the Y’s Men’s Club of Bangalore Green Aster. The initiative that has forged tie-ups with leading eye hospitals has made it possible to extend 100 per cent free 6
cataract surgery to one person with a donation of INR 1,000 (USD 15) only. The campaign is set to continue until 13 October 2017 and will draw to a closure on World Sight Day, keeping with the objective of the initiative. Submitted by Benny Augustine (Y’s Men’s Club of Green Aster)
The bookmark and the poster created by Nikhil and Team Green Aster
Blood ... Every Drop Matters Three Y’s Men’s Clubs – Bangalore, Hindustan Youth, and IT Corridor – joined hands with Hindustan Academy and Rotary TTK Blood Bank to organize a one-day blood donation drive on 31 March . More than a hundred people volunteered and 163 units of blood were collected by the end of the day.
“Together we can do so much more”
Daniel Thomas (Bangalore)
Enthusiastic youth volunteers greet donors
TOF-GPF STORIES
Madagascar: Improving the Socio-economic Resilience of Rural People themselves and their families in a sustainable and environment-friendly way, through a variety of training programmes and support mechanisms. In the first six months since the project launch, much has been accomplished and we congratulate the project coordinators for touching the lives of over 500 young persons in Madagascar. So far, the project has provided training in life skills, rural entrepreneurship and improved agricultural practices, as well as given business advice to young people through a Back to the land – a yongster works on the land specified business clinic.
Run by Y Care International, the relief and development agency of the YMCA in the UK and Ireland, and supported by the Y’s Men Club of Nairobi, this project aims to help young people in 10 rural communities of Madagascar develop their ability to support
In addition, five farming co-operatives have been established and work continues to form functioning ‘Social Accountability Clubs’. One such club has already been successful in negotiating with the local mayor for the use of public land for a new agricultural business. Source: YMI files
With a grateful heart
Korean Doctors Extend Medical Service in North Chiangmai, Thailand The sixth edition of “International Medical Services,” sponsored by Korea Area Y’s Men and aided by a TOF-GPF grant arrived in Chiangmai, Thailand on 26 January 2017 with supplies for a fiveday project to provide medical support to two tribes living in the mountains at over 1,600 metres above sea level. Our visit and stay were coordinated by Han Yong-kwan, working in North Chiangmai. PAP Cho Kwang-whi led a team of 16 members that included a medical service team of five, seven helpers, two volunteers to promote youth programmes and multi-cultural exchange and two social community workers. The campsite was up and running very early in the morning with an early breakfast at 7 a.m. and moving onto the task at hand from about 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Lunch was usually boiled rice, roasted chicken, vegetable soups, and/ or deep fried rice and oranges offered by the local tribes, and back to hotel by 6 p.m.
The Korean medical team at work in Chiangmai
We were in the area for four days from 27 to 30 January and attended to over 400 persons with a plethora of medical issues. Vermifuge was administered to almost all people as most of the people suffered from gastric problems. On the last day we gave counsel and prescriptions to over 50 Koreans in Chiangmai who had difficulties in communicating with Thai doctors at a Korean shopping centre. We also visited an orphanage and gifted “Together we can do so much more”
school bags and other things to 30 children there. International Secretary General Takao Nishimura greeted and encouraged us on the first day in the morning before we out to the hills. On the last day he treated us to lunch at a Korean Restaurant in Chiangmai where we met the General Secretary of the Chiangmai YMCA, RD Patcharawan Srisilapanan. Chang-rock Oh, Area Korea 7
INTERVIEW
Time of Fast Fund “Enables us in Offering Ourselves” YMI World Editor spoke with T.M. JOSE, Chair of the TOF-GPF Committee in helping the constituency understand the importance of Y’s Men International’s flagship programme. The edited version of that conversation is given below.
When were you nominated Chair of the TOF Committee? Who was the IP at that time? I was nominated by the then International President Advocate Philip Mathai in 2012-13. For the last five years I have had the privilege of fulfilling a responsible role for Y’s Men International and I am thankful to the International Presidents for reposing their faith in me.
women, by imparting various skills and enabling market access. It is estimated that over 5,000 people have directly benefitted from these interventions and many more thousands indirectly.
What are the fundamental criteria to apply for a TOF -GPF grant? Should the YMCA be part of that project? Any project proposal that satisfies some basic conditions may be submitted for the grant. Primarily, the project must deal directly with needy people and/or those who provide for them, while improving the quality of life of the recipients or beneficiaries, either directly or indirectly. The project should be of the self-help variety that does not create a dependency syndrome. It must have ongoing funding or be self-funded after the initial years. It is important that either the YMCA or a Y’s Men’s/Y Service Club of the country in which the project is located T.M. Jose presenting his report to the International Council at Taipei, 2016 endorses the application. The involvement of YMCA is not Now that you have been elected a member of the mandatory, although desirable, because it is not only our International Council, will you still continue in that parent organisation, but a partner in development concerns. position? That is not for me to decide. I would be happy to if Give us an idea of the reach of the Fund since its inception? there is no Constitutional or procedural impediment. It is Since its inception in 1972, TOF Fund has raised more up to the new International President and other IEOs to than USD 7 million for development projects and disaster take a call on this. But, I think it is equally important that relief through the YMCA and community projects and another person be given an opportunity to make his or her emergencies around the world. contribution. During the first twelve years (that is from 1973 to 1985), we supported 14 projects, ranging from disaster relief to How many projects have been supported by the TOF Fund livelihood option, at an average of USD 47,000 per year. In during these five years? And, what kind of projects? How the next six years from 1985 to 1991, we focused on many countries have benefitted from this Fund since you addressing the needs of ‘underprivileged’ children by assumed this position? Any idea of the number of people supporting 28 projects (about five projects per year) at an who have benefitted from this? average of USD 88,000 per year. In these five years, 36 projects in 19 countries have been In the years between 1991 and 1999 the focus shifted to supported by the TOF-GPF with a total outlay of nearly ‘Community Development and Family Involvement’. Nearly USD 900,000. 90 projects in 38 countries at an average of close to USD These projects cover various aspects of life such as 200,000 per year were supported during this phase. combating the deadly AIDS/HIV epidemic by providing ‘Building People’s Futures’ was the focus for the next awareness education, promoting preventive measures and three years (1999–2002). A total of 25 projects in 15 administering appropriate medication to those affected. countries at an average of US$ 200,000 per year were Some projects addressed children’s issues such as their right executed. to formal education and quality play time. Some other Since 2002-03 the Fund has supported 42 projects under projects addressed livelihood issues, especially which of ‘Building a Peaceful Future’ in 15 countries at an average of 8
“Together we can do so much more”
Time of Fast Fund – The Beg innings Beginnings The Time of Fast Global Project Fund (TOF-GPF), as it is known now, has an interesting origin which is seldom recalled. It came out of a genuine response to human suffering in the late 1960s. It has been recorded that the Human Crisis Committee of YMI in its draft policy statement made in August 1969 under the chairmanship of Kenneth Adams and reported to the Board of Directors at its meeting in Copenhagen in July 1970. The then International President John Price in his closing address to the delegates of the forty-sixth International Convention at Copenhagen, Denmark in 1970 challenged the movement to raise US$ 50,000 over and above the ‘Gold Programme’ goal for human crisis alleviation. The drive was named “Gold Fund for Others.” The September-October 1970 issue of Y’s Men’s World carried an article titled “A day of self-denial for 1970 YMCA Refugee Work” by the Secretary for Work with Refugees and Migrants of the World Alliance of YMCAs. The fasting idea came from Vi Norman, Regional Service Director of the Iowa Region of Area USA, and accordingly, 13 December 1970 was designated the ‘Day of Fast’. Income raised by that maiden effort was US$ 3,794, which was sent to the World Alliance for its Refugee Programme. The name ‘Time of Fast for Others’, as a name was adopted for the
1971-72 year by the Community Service Committee under the chairmanship of Mits Nakamura, who reported an income of US$ 1,403.52. This amount was also sent to the World Alliance designated to ‘Bangladesh Relief Fund’. During the 1972 Convention at Athens, Ohio (USA), International President Heinz Grabia asked delegates to give to ‘Time of Fast’. An amount of US$ 713.17 was collected and matched by the Gold Fund for Others. That amount was sent to the Philippines Relief Agency for rehabilitation of flood victims in Central Luzon. In August of that year Bangladesh received yet another grant from YMI for YMCA’s work among those displaced by the liberation war raging then. What was an annual fund-raising programme of Y’s Men International which began as monetary assistance made available to areas of developing countries by arrangement with the World Alliance of YMCAs has now become a popular programme where members all over the world, traditionally give up at least one meal (usually during the month of February) and donate the cost of that meal to the TOFGPF which, in turn, makes the money raised in this way available to projects sponsored by both Y’s Men and the YMCAs all over the world. Courtesy: Terry Bradley (ASD, USA), http://yserviceclubsusa.org/#
over USD 150,000 per year. In 2005-06 the focus shifted the Sustainable Development Goals laid down by the United to ‘HIV/AIDS Prevention – Y’s Men’s Mission’. TOF-GPF Nations. supported 11 projects in seven countries under this theme at an average of USD 180,000 per year. Any last words of advice or wisdom? Sharing our resources of time and money with those less What is the focus of the Fund now, after its name was fortunate truly reflects the spirit of Y’sdom. TOF-GPF is changed to TOF-GPF (Time of Fast–Global Project Fund)? one of the best conduits for that because by giving through Earlier, TOF-GPF funding used to be on a theme basis this channel, we also discover ourselves. Last year we had a where projects were funded on a particular topic for a specific poster printed to motivate members to give. It carried a period of time. Now, the TOF-GPF focuses on a variety of poignant message: “A fast is not necessarily something we projects from all over the world. We believe this change was offer God, but it assists us in offering ourselves” – words necessary as the varying needs of the community are better from an American author. Unless we give back to the society, assessed by the project proposals put forward by clubs we do not discover ourselves and our Movement gives you according to their geography and economic conditions. From the best opportunity through TOF-GPF. now on, TOF-GPF will also be funding projects based on Interviewed on 5 March 2017 at Kollam (India)
A TOF-GPF STORY
Educa tion ffor or Girls to be Midwives in Poor Areas of Nepal Education
Project Leader Eva Holmberg Tedert from “Gatubarn I Nepal” with 10 of the 12 current medical college students and friend and mentor, London nurse Jyoti Botsford
In yet another project supported by a TOF-GPF grant, the Y’s Men’s Club of Västerås in Sweden, works in partnership with the non-profit organisation, “Gatubarn I Nepal” (The Society for Street Children in Nepal) headquartered in Gävle to reduce the unacceptably high rates of maternal and infant mortality in Nepal by offering bright, motivated but disenfranchised girls the opportunity to attend medical college. We congratulate student Chandra, now a registered nurse who, upon completing additional training as a “Skilled Birth Assistant” will begin work in the Hetauda Valley.
“Together we can do so much more”
Source: FB page of TOF-GPF 9
A TOF-GPF STORY
“T raining Schools in Crea tive Technolog ies” “Training Creative echnologies” This TOF-GPF project in Quito, Ecuador, provided underprivileged youth (particularly those working in the child labour market) an opportunity to gain skills in the field of information technology through creative, training modules. Mobile programmes gave, among other things, an introduction to programming, electronics and robotics via fun activities with Arduino kits. And, while the TOF-GPF funding commitment comes to an end, we were certainly happy to learn that the programme will continue. In fact, efforts are being made to improve and expand it as various academic, independent and government agencies cooperate to develop and test a digital training manual, which will soon be used to reach more needy children more effectively. Picture on the right shows children in one of the training sessions. Source: FB page of TOF-GPF
GOODWILL VISIT
A Memora ble Visit to Ja pan Memorable Japan Through the Y’s Men’s Movement, two other Y’slings and I got a great chance to visit Kyoto, Japan, and stayed at Hashimoto-san’s home for five days last summer. TaichungEverflow Club in Taiwan, our parents’ club and KyotoGlobal Club of Japan (Hashimoto-san’s club), are International Brother Clubs. This IBC relationship brought about our trip to Japan. The Y’s Men of Kyoto-Global thoughtfully prepared our visit: they asked us what we liked to see and do in Kyoto and if we were allergic to animals, because Hashimoto-san has pets in his house. Then we received a well-planed itinerary of our visit one month before our departure. We were moved by their thoughtfulness. Even though I had attended IYC and AYC four times, I was still a bit uneasy. I did not know if I could adapt myself in a Japanese family well. On arrival at the Kansai airport, we saw the leaders of the host club carrying welcome shoulder straps with red Chinese characters saying “Hello, Warm Welcome.” That night, the club hosted a welcome dinner for us. Before the dinner, each of us got a nice “Yukata” (Japanese styled summer cloth) and Auntie Kaneta helped us to wear it. I was touched by their sincere welcome. During our short 5-day stay, the Y’s uncles and aunties took us to many famous sightseeing spots, such as traditional Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Golden Pavilion Temple, and the East Temple. We also visited Nara Park, Osaka Universal Studios, and Shinsaibashi shopping area in Osaka. At Shinsaibashi, we enjoyed various delicious Japanese food. One evening, Hashimoto-san invited some Y’s friends to his home to have a BBQ dinner. Everyone talked and laughed through 10
the very good night. Every morning Hashimoto-san would ask us to walk his dog with him, which we loved. While walking, I enjoyed talking with him as well as the morning sun and the breeze, Mrs. Hashimoto would prepare us breakfast, fill our bottles with cold water in the mornings, so that we could get through the hot summer days, and cooked delicious Japanese-styled meals for us. She took care of us like a mother. I really appreciate her. One of my favourite moments was the evening time we spent eating fruits and chatting with Hashimoto-san’s family in their living room, although sometimes we could not understand each other, but by using translation software and body movements we communicated perfectly. This way we enhanced our friendship and learned of each other’s culture. On the last day, Hashimoto-san and a couple of Y’s uncles and aunties went along with us to the airport. We embraced, said good bye, and reluctantly stepped into the departure zone. That scene has been deeply ingrained in my mind. I am honored to participate in this activity. I would like to thank Taichung-Everflow Club and Kyoto-Global Club for providing me the great opportunity.
“Together we can do so much more”
Yu-Hsin Chou, Taichung-Everflow, Taiwan
FROM FAR AND NEAR
“White Elephant Sale” to Support Community The Grand Rapids Y Service Club has assisted in a programme called “Santa Claus Girls,” since 1926, which provides gifts for individuals who cannot afford to purchase their gifts for Christmas. Additionally, they work to provide scholarships for individuals to attend camps as well as provide fiscal support for the camp every year. The club was chartered in 1925 explicitly to serve the community. In 1937, they started a small fundraiser to support Camp Manitoulin (managed by the YMCA). It gathered clothing, furniture, books, and assorted items for sale to support the camp. This Flea Market and/or Rummage Sale has grown over the years and continues to grow. The sale is now called “White Elephant Sale.” In a brochure published in 1990, it said, “What do White Elephants, Santa Claus Girls and a Run Through Apple Country have in Common?” On the inside it says, “They’re all visions of some very wisemen.” On the back it tells about being a group of men and women who are concerned and involved in YMCA youth camping and other community programmes. But the Y’s Men’s Club is more than work. It is a group that cares about each other – furnishing an opportunity to
form friendships that are almost family. The sale takes a lot of work from dedicated members and other community members to manage a sale that generally occupies a large ware-house or storefront each year.
The YMCA of Grand Rapids Michigan is strong in the community and their Camp Manitou is indeed quite a camp thanks to the ongoing support of this Grand Rapids Y Service Club. Debbie Redmond , ISD (Historian)
The Rummage Sale
A Destitute Rescued Y’s Men’s Club of Negombo, Sri Lanka, rescued a poor blind lady from the vagaries of nature and anti-social elements early this year. Passers-by had seen her begging in and around the bus depot in Negombo for at least a year. Nihal and Priyagani Fernando and Ramani Busnayaka took the initiative in contacting Rev. Sister Evelyn and Mother Superior at St. Joseph’s Elders’ Home (see picture) and finding a more permanent place for this vulnerable soul. Nihal Fernando
Fostering Fun and Fellowship India is a cricket-crazy nation. Friendships can be built and fostered over this game. Which is why the Y’s Men’s Club of Young Cochin in Ernakulam (Kerala) decided to promote a limited-over cricket match for Y’s Men and Lings and another one for Y’s Menettes and Lings. (For the uninitiated, each “over” consists of six throws by a bowler – pitcher, to use the baseball term – to a batsman who has to defend his wickets.) This year the tournament was held on 12 February and was inaugurated by former national player S. Sreeshanth. Five teams of 11 members each from District IV of Mid West India Region took part for the rolling trophies that have been instituted by Y’s families. The event was planned as a day of fun and games with a food counter run by the Y’s Menettes throughout the day. Local press covered the event in all earnestness giving the Movement a big boost in public relations. Over 200 people from the various clubs in the Region, apart from other cheering spectators, were present during the day-long event. Good publicity for the Movement
Pavthran B., Asst. Editor for India “Together we can do so much more”
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FROM FAR AND NEAR
Bikes ’n’ Trikes ffor or the Physicall Physicallyy Challenged The Bikes ’n’ Trikes programme of Epsilon Y’s Men in Fredericton, Canada provides adapted bicycles and tricycles for Stan Cassidy pediatric patients to use in their home communities as an integral part of their rehabilitation therapy.
“An adapted bike allows a child with differing abilities to participate alongside other kids in neighbourhood streets, driveways and parks,” said Stan Cassidy Foundation Executive Director Alissa Lee. “Thanks to donors like the Epsilon Y’s Men, we’re supporting the Stan Cassidy Centre to provide properly-designed, customised bikes to children whose families would not otherwise be able to afford one due to large ongoing rehab expenses.” The Epsilon Y’s Men are long-time supporters of the Stan Cassidy Centre, having sponsored the centre’s annual in-patient Christmas party for more than 50 years. The group’s donation for the Bikes n’ Trikes programme came from the proceeds it collects from operating the Grant Harvey Centre canteen and the annual Epsilon Home Show. Since the launch of the Bikes ’n’ Trikes programme in 2012, nearly 50 children have received individuallycustomised bicycles or tricycles thanks to donations from the community. The foundation is now looking to expand the programme to offer more bikes per year for patients.
Reg Springer and Al Knowlton of the Fredericton Epsilon Y’s Men’s Club with staff from the Stan Cassidy Centre
Bill Irwin, Asst. Editor, CAC Area
Y’ bad, India – Sixty and Going Strong Y’ss Men of Hydera Hyderabad, Y’s Men’s Club of Hyderabad, chartered in 1957, commenced their year-long Diamond Jubilee celebrations with a variety of programmes in February. A seven-member delegation of friends from the of Y’s Men’s Club of Numazu, Japan led by Hitoshi Hasegawa came calling for a week to strengthen the IBC relations that club has with the Hyderabad club. Likewise, a four-member delegation from Yekaterinberg, Russia, yet another IBC partner was also present. Both delegations and other dignitaries including IPElect Henry Grindheim, IT Philips Cherian and a host of local dignitaries gathered at a local auditorium for the kick-off for the celebrations on 12 February 2017.
Russian friends with the Y’s Menettes
IP Elect Henry Grindheim being greeted by the Chief Guest of the evening
Receiving the Japanese friends at the airport
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“Together we can do so much more”
MEMORIES IN SEPIA
The First Club to Receive an International Charter Sydney Y’s Men’s Club (in Canada) holds the distinction of being the first club to receive an international charter from the organisation which was first formed in 1922 in Ohio. Local club president Sandy Reynolds boasts that the Sydney club put the organisation on the international map and continues to be the oldest, active club in the organisation. The club’s most prominent local project is the annual Christmas Cheer programme which collects everything from toys to dinner items which are delivered to families in need during the holiday season. But as Reynolds and former president Harry Henderson scan today’s membership roster, they fear the club’s future is in jeop- The first meeting to discuss the creation of the Sydney Y’s Men’s Club was held in August 1922 at ardy with only 16 members with the youngPetersfield Park in Point Edward. est being in his early 60s. “We are worried what the future may hold for the club from around the world. but as long as Harry and I are around, there will be a club,” Over the years, the Sydney club has involved itself in a said Reynolds, adding any demise of the club will be fought host of community projects including hosting music and long and hard. comedy revues along with projects aimed at making the Reynolds and Henderson have both held executive lives of others better. The projects also include a number positions at the local, national and international levels and of fundraisers as the club depends on community support they both agree that among the reasons they stay committed — financial and in-kind services — in order to complete its to the organisation is the fellowship among members and work. the social aspect of the club in being able to connect with Reynolds said over the decades, the club has helped other members from around the globe. thousands of Cape Breton families through its Christmas “I have enjoyed every minute of being in the club,” said programme and it would be great if some of those recipients Henderson, adding he has amassed a lifetime of memories returned to lend their support to the club. from club projects and networking with other members Courtesy: Cape Breton Post, 1 March 2013
The Beginning of an IBC Relationship This photograph is from the albums of the late Vemaraju Narasimha Rao, once an active Y’s Man. It shows the beginning of an IBC relationship between the Y’s Men’s Clubs of Hikone (Japan) and Hyderabad (India) in 1964. Mr. Happy Nishimori, Hikone, Japan visited Hyderabad for the first time laying a very strong bonding between the two clubs. He made a proposal for IBC and it was formalised soon. He is seen with veteran Y’s leaders Dundoo Balakrishna Murthy, D.A. Shah and K.R. Elias. This IBC relationship is more than 52 years old now. An eight-member team of Y’s Men from Japan was also part of 60th Charter celebrations of the Y’s Men’s Club of Hyderabad this year (see page 12). Vijaya Kumar V., Hyderabad “Together we can do so much more”
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MISCELLANY
Basket Ball – A Gift of the YMCA to Modern Sports
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Five Reasons to be Part of a Service Club Share these five good reasons with your friends and invite them to join Y’sdom: 1. Networking. Although your primary motivation for joining shouldn’t be selfish, you can discover a group of people who know and share your values. 2. Building a resume. Potential employers like to see people involved in more than just work. It shows initiative and a willingness to expand your pofessional relationships and strengthen your leadership skills.
Courtesy: Westport Y’s Men’s Club, USA
In early December 1891, Canadian Dr. James Naismith (pic above), a physical education professor and instructor at the International Young Men’s Christian Association Training School (YMCA)(today, Springfield College) in Springfield, Massachusetts was trying to keep his gym class active on a rainy day. He sought a vigorous indoor game to keep his students occupied and at proper levels of fitness during the long New England winters. After rejecting other ideas as either too rough or poorly suited to walledin gymnasiums, he wrote the basic rules and nailed a peach basket onto a 10-foot (3.0 m) elevated track. In contrast with modern basketball nets, this peach basket retained its bottom, and balls had to be retrieved manually after each “basket” or point scored; this proved inefficient, however, so the bottom of the basket was removed, allowing the balls to be poked out with a long dowel each time. It was originally played with a soccer ball. Source: Wikipedia
3. Making new friends. There’s something about seeing each other every week or month over supper, and working alongside each other that builds lasting relationships. 4. It just feels good. A service club is involved in many community service projects. Giving back to your community is a very rewarding feeling! 5. It’s fun. Plain and simple! Tongue-in-Cheek
Q – How do oysters call their friends? A – On shell phones Q – What is a frog’s favourite cold drink? A – Croak-a-cola Source: CAC Bulletin, Nov 2016
A POINT TO PONDER Anybody Can be Replaced in Under a Second I was 11 in 1963, and till then, the single greatest event that I knew for the advancemet of black people in the United States was the election of John F. Kennedy. We felt he was our president. That’s because he seemed to be concerned about civil rights and integration. Just the fact that he would mention it was monumental because black America existed in prominent obscurity. It was like we were there, but we weren’t there. So Kennedy was the most important thing to my young child’s mind, so much so that I felt like he was a friend, a part of the family. Then, in November 1963, he was assassinated, and it was the first time I had the 14
experience of losing someone. Every television station, every hour of every day, was talking about the assassination. At one point I see this really tall guy standing next to Jackie Kennedy. I turned to my father and said, “Dad, who’s that?” And he said, “That’s the president.” And I said, “No Dad. John F. Kennedy was the president.” He said, “Yeah, and the moment he died, this man became president.” And I looked at him and said, “That fast?” And he snapped his fingers: “Like that.” And I realized that’s how important the most important man in the world was. He could be replaced in an instant. It was a lesson I never forgot. In fact, I “Together we can do so much more”
was talking to a friend the other day. He was telling me, “I am leaving my job, but I gotta stay because I have to help them blah blah.” And I John F. Kennedy said, “You don’t have to do anything. You leave and they will take care of their own business; they don’t need you. You may want to stay. You may want to help them. But never make the mistake of thinking that you’re so important that the world can’t live without you, because no one is that important, ever.” by Walter Mosley, American novelist, widely recognized for his crime fiction.
MANTRA FOR
THE SOUL
Max Ediger*
NOT FEAR BUT HOPE courage and indefatigable hope because in the end we know that the power of God’s love is stronger than the hostility of the world. For the future of Happy Peace and all the other children of the world, let us not give up hope and a passion for just peace. I pray that her beautiful spirit for life will have space to grow and continue to bring joy to God’s beautiful creation. Keep smiling Santhi Rumnea. We are on your side. “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27) *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
Image courtesy: C.F.John
A few weeks back I had the very delightful experience of spending a weekend with my granddaughter and some of her extended family. Santhi Rumnea, or Happy Peace, is the one-year-old daughter of a Cambodian family that “adopted” me several years ago. I do not get to see Happy Peace often so she is still not comfortable with me, but occasionally she did allow me to hold her. At this age she is demanding her independence and would rather walk than be carried. She can be very stubborn when she wants something, a trait she inherited from her father. But she is a very happy child, a trait I think she inherited from her grandfather. I was very impressed at the love and care Happy Peace is receiving from her extended family. They looked after her with so much affection so I do not fear about her wellbeing in her growing-up years. At the end of that wonderful weekend, I returned to my home in Phnom Penh and turned on the television to watch the latest news. Almost immediately I was confronted with pictures of children in war-torn Syria, Palestine, Iraq and Yemen. Their faces, filled with terror and pain, were an unbearable contrast to the smiling face of Happy Peace who has yet not experienced any real fear. I cannot see the traumatised faces of children in countries where war has become so common in the past few years without feeling great anxiety about the future of Happy Peace. Will she grow up in a world where walls are built to separate her from others? Will she be denigrated because she is a young woman, or because of her religion or skin color? Will she have to experience the hell of war because leaders she has never met or voted for cannot find a constructive way of dealing with differences? Will bombs fall on her house, or will men verbally and physically abuse her because that is “just the way men are?” Yes, I have great fear for Happy Peace and the future she will grow up in. But I have learned over the years that, while fear is a very normal emotion, it must never be allowed to control our thoughts or actions. I wish to let hope be my passion and I know that in this very confused, chaotic and dangerous world, there are many, many other people with this same passion. I have chosen to believe that God has given us all the wisdom we need to build a world of just peace that will replace the world of xenophobia, intolerance, discrimination, prejudice and hatred that often seems to prevail. We will do it slowly and there will be setbacks, but with faith that God has a beautiful plan for this world we can pick ourselves up and continue with
If Easter says anything to us today, it says this: You can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. You can nail it to a cross, wrap it in winding sheets and shut it up in a tomb, but it will rise! - C.W.Hall
“Together we can do so much more”
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“Together we can do so much more”