Chittagong YMCA

𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐥𝐲 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐘𝐌𝐂𝐀

The 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the National Council of YMCAs of Bangladesh (NCYB) was successfully held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the YMCA International House, Savar, Dhaka.
Following the AGM, the election of the National Executive Committee (NEC) was conducted under the supervision of a three-member Election Commission headed by Mr. Babu Markus Gomes.
During the election, Mr. Moses Shamol Gomes (Shamol Gomes), NEC Representative of Chittagong YMCA, was unanimously elected as the President of NCYB for the term 2025–2027.
Mr. Gomes has been actively involved with Chittagong YMCA since 1987 and has served in various leadership roles, including Chairman of Chittagong YMCA and NEC Director and Vice President of NCYB. He also contributes actively to church and community initiatives in Chittagong and has been serving with Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) since 1991.
With his long experience, dedication, and leadership, the YMCA community looks forward to continued growth and strengthened service to society under his guidance.

On behalf of Chittagong YMCA, we warmly convey our heartfelt Christmas greetings and sincere best wishes for a blessed and prosperous New Year 2026. May this joyful season fill your life with renewed hope, lasting peace, and abundant happiness for you and your loved ones.

With sincere regards,

Immanuel Boiragy
General Secretary
Chittagong YMCA

Steve Oscar D Rozario
Chairman
Chittagong YMCA

World Basketball Day, 21 December 🏀

Basketball began at the YMCA. One gym, a peach basket, and Dr James Naismith in 1891. From there to everywhere. 🌍🌎🌏

How is your YMCA celebrating?

Membership Oath Taking Ceremony:

On November 14, 2025, Chittagong YMCA organized a Membership Oath Taking Ceremony at the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cathedral Parish, Chattogram. The oath-taking session was conducted by Rev. Father Regan Clement D’Costa (Parish Priest & Associate Judge, Chattogram Archdiocesan Tribunal).

A total of nine Associate Members were granted Full Membership during the ceremony. The new full members are:
• Mr. Mathew Francis Gomes
• Ms. Joanna Penheiro
• Mr. Benedict D. Rozario
• Mr. Rock Garman Dias
• Mr. Julian D'Costa
• Mr. Richard Gomes
• Ms. Angelica Dewri
• Mr. Marcel Ratan Guda
• Mr. Napoleon Brian Fernandez

The program was held in two parts: the Oath-Taking Ceremony for newly inducted members and the Renewal of Oath for all existing Full Members.

Past chairmen and life members warmly welcomed the new full members with flowers 🌸, while board members presented them with the YMCA Constitution and the official YMCA tie, symbolizing their new responsibilities and values they now carry as full members.

The newly inducted members shared heartfelt reflections, expressing their enthusiasm and dedication to the YMCA’s mission. The gathering was inspiring, filled with camaraderie, participation, and a strong sense of community, leaving everyone with lasting memories of this significant milestone. A total of 80 participants, consisting of Life, Full, Associate, and Auxiliary Members, attended the program.

Membership Orientation Program:

On November 14, 2025, we held our Orientation Program at the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cathedral Parish Hall, Chattogram. It was a meaningful and inspiring gathering with great participation and engagement!

Chairman Mr. Steve Oscar D. Rozario delivered the welcome speech, and the session was conducted by Vice Chairman Mr. John Benette Roy and General Secretary Mr. Immanuel Boiragy.

They delivered insightful presentations on the historical background of the Y Movement, the Mission Statements, Vision 2030, the history of Chittagong YMCA, and provided a brief discussion on membership types, the roles and responsibilities of members, the activities of the YMCA, and the importance of membership.

A total of 75 participants, consisting of Life, Full, Associate, and Auxiliary Members, attended the orientation.

Day 5 – Regional Gender Justice Program 2025

On Day 5 of the Regional Gender Justice Program 2025, we visited Taal Volcano, a large caldera filled by Taal Lake in the Philippines, located in the province of Batangas. Taal Volcano is the second most active volcano in the country, with 39 recorded historical eruptions, all concentrated on Volcano Island, near the center of Taal Lake. The caldera was formed by prehistoric eruptions that occurred between 140,000 and 5,380 years ago. Visiting this remarkable natural site was truly a unique and unforgettable experience.

🌿 Regional Gender Justice Program 2025, Closing Dinner and Solidarity Night
📍 YMCA Manila, Philippines
🗓️ September 24, 2025

The sun was beginning to set over Manila when participants of the Regional Gender Justice Program 2025 gathered for the last time at the YMCA. Over the past five days — from September 20 to 24 — 41 participants from 11 countries had come together, each carrying stories, struggles, and hopes from their communities.

Among the Bangladesh delegation were Chairman Mr. Steve Oscar D. Rozario and General Secretary Mr. Immanuel Boiragy from Chittagong YMCA, who actively contributed to the enriching dialogues centered around the theme: “Climate Justice is Gender Justice.”

Throughout the week, voices rose in conversation and solidarity. Participants from Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Timor-Leste explored how the climate crisis impacts lives differently, and how justice can only be achieved when gender equity is at its heart.
This program was more than just a series of discussions — it was a space of listening, learning, and transformation.

On the final evening, the atmosphere was both joyful and reflective. The night began with a warm welcome dance from the Ramon Magsaysay High School Dance Troupe, filling the room with color and energy.

Ms. Sunita Suna, APAY Executive Secretary, offered a thoughtful overview of the week, reminding everyone of how far they had come together.

Greetings followed from Dr. Ramon Morales, Mr. Nam Boo Won, Ms. Marshia Mili Gomes, Mr. Danilo A. Sanchez, Mr. Rovin Jhon Cincollagas, and Mr. Orlando F. Carreon (Orly), among others — each acknowledging the power of collective action and shared leadership.

The evening then blossomed into a vibrant cultural program, where participants shared traditional dances, songs, and rituals. Each performance became a window into their heritage and identity. Laughter mingled with music, and in every movement, there was a shared sense of unity — many cultures, one movement - Y Movement.

Dinner followed, rich and festive — a moment that felt like a royal feast shared among friends. Conversations lingered as participants took photos, exchanged contacts, and promised to meet again, not just as friends but as partners in advocacy. Group pictures captured the moment: faces illuminated by smiles, solidarity, and a shared commitment to justice.

These words echoed through the hall as the program came to a close. For many, this was not an ending but the beginning of a new chapter. Each participant left with a clear sense of responsibility — to ensure that climate action is equitable, participatory, and empowering for all genders.

The Regional Gender Justice Program 2025 was not just a learning opportunity; it was a powerful platform for building solidarity across nations. It shaped a shared vision — one where climate justice and gender justice walk hand in hand.
As the night ended, people embraced, sang, and celebrated. The feeling in the room was unmistakable: hope — a collective hope that, through action and unity, a more just and sustainable future can be built.

Together, we rise — for people, for planet, for justice. Together, we walk forward—because climate justice is gender justice, and gender justice brings climate justice.

🌿 Day 2 | Regional Gender Justice Program 2025
📍 YMCA Manila, Philippines
🗓️ September 22, 2025
Today, we deepened our understanding of the powerful theme: “Climate Justice is Gender Justice.”
We began with a meaningful biblical reflection on “Caring for Our Common Home” led by Rev. Revelation Velunta—reminding us that care for creation and justice for people are deeply connected.
Dr. Natalia Sali then guided us through a thought-provoking session on the intersection of gender and climate justice, challenging us to reflect, feel, and act with greater awareness and compassion.
Participants engaged in heartfelt group discussions, exploring how advocacy must address both ecological crises and gender-based inequalities.In the afternoon, we stepped into the community with a visit to The Haven – National Center for Women in Muntinlupa. This 24/7 residential care facility provides healing and protection for women survivors of abuse and exploitation. Listening to their stories and witnessing the love and care within those walls reminded us why we are here.
Through this exposure, we witnessed the vital work being done to protect and empower women facing abuse and exploitation.
💝 Thoughtful gifts from the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCA's (APAY) were shared with the women and children of the center—small tokens of love and solidarity.
The day concluded with a visit to local markets and a shared dinner, allowing us to connect over culture, food, and community spirit.