News Desk
Lahore, June 6, 2024:
The Lahore YMCA, in line with 120 countries worldwide, celebrated the 180th Foundation Day of the YMCA, which began as a movement on June 6, 1844, in London, UK. The Foundation Day event gathered leaders from various fields and included an award ceremony honoring notable individuals.
The ceremony’s chief guest was Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora. President of YMCA Asghar Suleman and General Secretary Emanuel Sarfraz welcomed the guests and provided an overview of the YMCA’s work. Program Secretary Irum Nelson introduced the award recipients and highlighted their lifetime achievements.
The award honorees included journalist Shabbir Azam, MPA and head of the Minority Wing of PML-N Ms. Rahila Khadam Hussain, MPA Baba Failbus, the late Rashid Masih, Griffin James, Riffat Alam, Haji Naeem, Victoria Patrick, Kanwal Feroze, Ashraf Janjua, Rao Dilshad, Amjid Javed, Zulfiqar Awan, Tanveer Afridi, Jamil Bhatti, and Sumera Nazli.
“The Lahore YMCA, established in 1876, has been serving the communities of the region ever since,” said Emanuel Sarfraz. “We offer various programs to train youth, enabling them to support their families and communities. Our efforts focus on women’s empowerment and equipping youth with skills to excel in life.”
Sarfraz also announced the YMCA’s plans to introduce advanced computer skills training, particularly in artificial intelligence. He praised CM Maryam Nawaz’s initiatives for the Christian community, expressing hope that these efforts would foster trust and strengthen interfaith relations.
The YMCA is recognized as the world’s oldest and largest youth movement, reaching 65 million people globally.