Proud to be YMCA

Thursday 13th was Bombay YMCA day, and a day which made me proud to be part of such a fantastic vibrant movement. Bombay YMCA has almost zero reliance on government funding, generating the funds needed for it's extensive social programme through the profits of it's tourist (and other) hostels, giftS and donations. The Board of West Bromwich & District YMCA provided us with a small gift of 40,000Rs to give to Bombay YMCA which will go towards the establishment of an outdoor pursuits centre (similar to Lakside in the UK).
We visited a vocational training centre and kindergarden, which trained disadvantaged young people (particularly women) in skills such as needlework, computing, embroidery and hair and beauty - enabling them to gain work and earn an income. The 30 plus kindergarden classes operate across the sprawling city for children from slum areas. The class we saw had very scant resources but a dedicated staff team and very happy children. Later in the day we visited a boys childrens home or children whose families were too poor to ba able to support them. The YMCA provided a home, schooling and on going family contact all the way until they boys achieve skills which will enable them to gain employment. The Juhu centre was a type of long term 'night shelter' for older children who were homeless - but ironically it's location is on one of Mumbais most prestigeous beaches, with realestate prices soaring as the 'jetset' move in. During the day time the young people find work or sell items to tourists on the local beach. The welcome from Jacob and colleagues was fantastic - and plans for jint working and exchanges between West Bromwich YMCA and Bombay are a real possibility....