-Godwin Fernandes (Secretary Goa YMCA )

At the recently held General Body Meeting of the YMCA Goa at Panjim, all the Contestants for the Board of Directors were elected unopposed. Subsequently the Board elected Mr.P.M.Vaz of the Manvin’s Group as President, unopposed for the second term. Mr.L.Ferrao was elected Vice President and Mr.A.Silva as the treasurer.

In his address, Mr.Vaz stated that the life members of the YMCA Board are pleased with the present Board as they are doing an excellent job. This is why the President and Board members are continuing unopposed.

The biggest achievement of this and the earlier Board comprising of the same members is the creation of the YMCA International house at Campal without any liability to anyone anymore. The building comprises of 14 air-conditioned rooms of 2 star standard and two meeting halls. This accomplishment will be available for generations to come for the development of budding talent in all spheres of life. Goa YMCA’s range of activities presently include leadership and personality development, women’s emancipation and upliftment of the downtrodden.

Standing L to R: Lawrence Fernandes (Sr.Member), Roy Vaz(Eco Clean), Elvis Gomes(Sr.Govt. Officer). Bryan Soares. (Sr.Architect), Rajiv Aguiar (Engineer) Oswald Fernandes(Advocate)

Sitting L.to R…Godwin Fernandes, Secretary, Joseph Vaz(High Court Advocate),P.M.Vaz(MANVIN’S GROUP), Dr.Aida Mukherjee(HOD-Psychiatry Dept.GMC) Luigi Ferrao(JET AIR Executive) Alvito D’Silva (GOVT OFFICER)

Providing accommodation is a secondary activity to generate income to meet the financial needs .The income generated through these facilities is ploughed back into the society through programs carried out for the benefit of the society. Summer camps, trekking, camping and competitions in various fields are regularly held for school and college students. Training in Public Speaking and leadership development is carried you by an exclusive wing called GOA YMCA Toastmasters Club.

YMCA was founded in 1844; and is a worldwide voluntary movement for women and men with special emphasis on Youth. The Board comprises of a mix of young men and seniors. The Seniors have wide ranging experience in their field and are at the helm of YMCA affairs in order to mould the Youth with a wholesome personality of the mind, body and spirit.

Membership of the YMCA is open to all persons, male or female, irrespective of race, religion, caste, community, class or creed, who subscribe to the objectives of the Association and as such the doors of YMCA Goa at Panjim are open for life membership. Other temporary membership is also open.

Meanwhile, the NATIONAL COUNCIL OF YMCAs held its triennial Convention at Vizag where Mr. Vivek Aranha of Goan Origin was elected Vice President of the National Council

after a keen contest which saw 1200 voters from all over the country. Mr. Aranha is the Chairman of the Rosary Chain of Schools in Pune and is also the President of the YMCA PUNE. Mr. Roland Williams, from YMCA Vizag was elected President at this convention. Four office bearers of YMCA Goa at Panjim participated in this Convention that was held from 8th to 10th June, 12

As the top most posts at the YMCA National Council have been bagged by our close neighbours and associates, we hope that sooner or later a Goan will hold this prestigious position.

Posted on: 18-06-2012