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The dedication of our global family on continuing to serve their communities during COVID-19 crisis is inspiring. But one thing that came out of our most recent Leaders Talk is the importance of looking after yourself and our team members.
Our panel’s tips included prayer, meditation, surfing uplifting content on the internet, talking to friends online, etc... We were also introduced to the concept of “Kindness currency”.
Kindness currency can be used everywhere, without worrying about exchange rates. In these challenging times when we’re working hard to serve our public, I encourage you to invest time in looking after your own body, mind and spirit. I hope this latest instalment of YMCA stories will interest and inspire you!
Carlos Madjri Sanvee - Secretary General - World YMCAs
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Supporting prisoner well-being in Togo and Madagascar
Because of their close confinement, prisoners are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. To reduce the spread of the virus, YMCAs in Togo and Madagascar are distributing essential materials to local penitentiaries.
In Togo, members of the YMCA’s juvenile justice programme donated a batch of bleach, soap and pandemic awareness posters to Lomé prison, while YMCA Madagascar has distributed soaps, handwash, hydroalcoholic solution gel, masks, bleach and sprayers to Manjakandriana and Moramanga prisons.
Since 2018, YMCA Madagascar has been supporting prisoners, helping their social and workplace reintegration through technical training, providing psychological support to prisoners and their families, and advocating for fair trials and a better justice system for minors. "This is just the start of a long partnership with penal institutions to ensure social justice for young people", says Tsikiniaina Andriherindrainy, General Secretary of YMCA Madagascar.
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Using laser technology to fight COVID-19 in Scotland
In Scotland, Paisley YMCA is using laser technology to produce personal protective equipment for frontline health workers. Through a collaboration with a local laser cutting service, Y staff are manufacturing goggles and face masks for use in hospitals and care homes.
Working with cutting-edge technology is nothing new for Paisley YMCA. The Y’s main mission is to support young people in developing a number of digital skills that will increase their chances of finding worthwhile employment – find out more on their website.
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Reaching Senegal’s youth through radio
In Dakar, Senegal, YMCA staff took to the airwaves to get the message across about YMCA’s role in protecting communities from COVID-19. On 28th April, YMCA staff Diacounda Sene and Raoul Cabo appeared on Espérance FM’s youth programme, Espaces Jeunes, to explain how YMCA in Senegal were mobilising in response to the crisis, and to provide advice to young listeners.
YMCA staff and volunteers have been active in combating COVID-19 throughout Senegal, distributing food parcels, masks and cleaning products, and instructing communities on how to fight the virus. Learn more on their website.
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Helping the community stay healthy in Greece
In Thessaloniki, the YMCA is helping its community stay healthy and well in a variety of ways.
Working in collaboration with the town council and local food banks, staff and volunteers are distributing food to vulnerable families. The YMCA is organising a series of ‘Stay Home – Stay Active’ activities such as theatre workshops, is organising a series of webinars on personal development and wellbeing, and is also promoting blood donation.
You can learn more on the group’s Facebook page.
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We are pleased to announce the Resilient YMCAs: Leaders Talks – Session Five
This session’s speakers are experts in global cooperation, humanitarian development, innovation, systems change and philanthropy. Our speakers will share insights to how their organisation and industry has been affected by the Covid-19 crisis, and how they are mitigating the consequences. They will also share with us a framework of how YMCA leaders can emerge from COVID 19 with more resilience and resources to face the emerging future together.
We invite YMCA CEOs, board members, youth leaders and senior staff to join
Resilient YMCAs: Leaders Talks - Session Five
Online Event
Thursday 7 May, 15:00 CET
Moderator:
Carlos Sanvee, Secretary General, World YMCA
Speakers:
REGISTRATION :
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8215881713973/WN_i1fQYDvQTT2gJaqICFHFaA
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