Sun Xiaobing, vice president and general secretary of the Wuhan YMCA, was invited to attend the 30th-anniversary celebrations of the YMCA Macau from August 7 to 9.
Founded in 1994, the YMCA Macau held its 30th-anniversary celebration event on August 8 in the auditorium of Pui Ching Middle School, said Hubei TSPM.
Participants included officials from the Macau Liaison Office and the presidents, general secretaries, and youth volunteers of the National Council of YMCAs of China, as well as of YMCAs in Shanghai, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Xiamen, Xi'an, Chengdu, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
The President Ung Wai Keong and General Secretary Grace Kuan of the YMCA Macau respectively introduced the organization's development over the past 30 years, from starting as a single service unit with one full-time staff member operating out of rented office space to now owning its own property management companies, operating nine service units, and employing 180 staff members. Notably, since Macau's return to China, the YMCA Macau has undertaken government service projects, directly serving local children and youth by providing diverse services referring to health, traditional culture, physical fitness, and environmental protection.
During his time in Macau, Sun Xiaobing exchanged views with Grace Kuan and Executive Secretary Chio Kin Kuong on youth ministry and community service work in both regions. He learned about the work, facilities, and core services of the YMCA Macau's Youth Service Center, including outreach services conducted by the community youth work team, a family support program for children in crisis, drug abuse prevention services, and crime prevention services. Sun also introduced the social service activities recently undertaken by the Wuhan YMCA, including services for left-behind children and community health initiatives for the elderly.
A total of 64 young people from 10 YMCAs, including those from Macau, Shanghai, Tianjin, Xi'an, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Tainan, participated in the youth camp themed "Youth Heritage and Cultural Coexistence Journey" from August 6 to 8, reported the official website of YMCA Macau. Additionally, participants also visited local communities in Macau to learn about the stories and evolution of the small neighborhoods with the concept of "Revitalizing Traditions: A New Interpretation of Old Times." They experienced the blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures in Macau and witnessed the city's development.
