YMCA OBSERVATORY, International Edition
-Published by the Young Men’s Christian Association / YMCA of the Republic of Argentina.
June 2011, Year VII, No. 20
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- FIRST NATIONS (INDIGENOUS PEOPLE)
From June 1 to 7 a new edition of the PERMANENT FORUM FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ RIGHTS –initiative of Argentina’s YMCA- was held. It included the exhibition of traditional craftwork in their metropolitan venues, the Ceremony of the Pachamama (Mother Earth), at the hall of the head offices. Children participated in these activities as part of the institution’s educational programme. They got actively involved and sang in the original language of the indigenous peoples. The Forum was attended by a leader of the Qom community “La Primavera” (“The Spring”), which for five months set up camp right in the middle of downtown Buenos Aires and cut off one of the most emblematic avenues in this capital for five days. Mr. Díaz exposed the ruthlessness of his people’s daily life, pierced through by severe mistreatment situations.
- 167th ANNIVERSARY OF WORWIDE YMCA
“The Argentine Young Men’s Christian Association / YMCA is celebrating the 167th Anniversary of our institution born in London in 1844. In this world of unrest and contradiction YMCA’s Mission still shines. This Mission rests on the promotion of these life’s core values: love, justice, peace and solidarity. We feel united to the YMCAs around the world, just because we share a common mission. We pray to the God of Hope to continue blessing YMCA’s work. In that sense, we assume the commitment we are responsible for as part of the Young Men’s Christian Association / YMCA.
- PRIZE "YOUNG MEN CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION/ YMCA - CITIZENSHIP AND VALUES”
On June 6, in coincidence with the 167th international anniversary of the institution, Argentina’s YMCA awarded its price “Citizenship and Values” to the Dr. Juan P. Garrahan Paediatrics’ Hospital that has an extraordinary reputation at local and worldwide level. The full-house event took place in the symbolic auditorium of the Stock Exchange of Buenos Aires. It gained a wide media coverage. It was the seventh edition of this award. The "Plan Nagua" (
- DISTINCTION OF THE CATHOLIC ACTION ARGENTINA
On May 28, in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, an event, presided over by the local Archbishop and President of the Argentine Episcopal Conference, Cardinal Jorge M. Bergoglio, was held to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Catholic Action Argentina, Institution to which YMCA is closely related. During the ceremony, the Argentine YMCA was publicly acknowledged by the Catholic Action Argentina and awarded a testimony of the friendship and communion of purposes that link both organizations.
- NATIONAL CONGRESS ON VALUES, CRITICAL THOUGHT AND SOCIAL FABRIC
On September 22 and 23 the Tenth National Congress on Values, Critical Thought and Social Fabric organized by Argentina's YMCA shall take place. Like every year, some 500 attendants are expected. More than 30 speakers shall be present, all of them opinion leaders of Argentina’s public and private life. Among them, the Head of the Government of the City of Buenos Aries, candidates to the presidency of the Republic, the Governor of the Province of Buenos Aires, journalists, religious leaders, ministers and first-level intellectuals. This Congress, a classic in Argentina, maintains unchanged its broad and plural nature. Its focal point shall be: “Imperatives of the Third Century as a Nation: Integral development, social inclusion and culture of meeting”.
- ARGENTINA’s YMCA AND PLAN NAGUA (CANADA)
Now, ten young Canadians of the province of Quebec, who belong to the Plan Nagua, are taking part of an exchange with the Argentine YMCA that will take 75 days. These youngsters are accommodated in family homes of members of the Entre Ríos quarters of Argentina’s YMCA and cooperate in a shantytown. Preparing this programme took two years and different implementation stages, among them the presence of a young volunteer from YMCA of Argentina, of the province of Entre Ríos, who stayed over two months in Quebec. This is an innovative and challenging experience.
- JOURNEY FOR JUSTICE 2011
Like in previous years, in 2011 Argentina’s YMCA has positively answered to the invitation of the Palestinian YMCA. Luis M. Alman Bornes, a young member of the Board of Directors, shall represent the Argentine YMCA in the “Journey for Justice” programme at the end of July and beginning of August. This participation confirms the strong support of the local YMCA to the efforts of the Palestinian YMCA in favour of justice and peace.
- YOUTH PEACE NETWORK 2011
Once again, Argentina’s YMCA is taking part in this excellent programme of the YMCA of Vancouver, Canada. From early June and for three months, the local YMCA is being represented by María E. Daiqui, a Young leader. We are pleased to thank the deference and generosity of the Vancouver’s YMCA.
- SEMINAR ON EDUCATION FOR PEACE IN EUROPE
The young leader Belén Otero shall represent Argentina's YMCA in the seminar on “Education for Peace" of 2011 organized by Spain's YMCA and the European Alliance of YMCAs to be held in Prague. Like always, we thank Spain’s YMCA for its generosity. We really appreciate the effort and work of the secretary general of the European Alliance, Mr. Juan Simoes.
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