What is a YMCA Coalition?
In a coalition, YMCAs in the United States partner with Y-USA to strengthen international YMCAs. Y-USA facilitates dialogue and coordinates financial and technical assistance. Local US YMCAs share leadership to ensure broad-based participation. Coalitions provide space for Y-to-Y partnership priorities as well as focus on national larger issues.
Who is in the Philippines YMCA Coalition?
YMCA of San Pablo City
This YMCA, about a 3-hour drive from Manila city, was established in 1947. Once a thriving Y, it fell dormant for almost 20 years before being revived in 2008 with support from World Service Y-USA. Some important programs at this Y are:
- Alternative Learning Systems in collaboration with Department of Education provide life-long learning for Out-of-School Youth and Adults
- Livelihood, Technical and Skills Trainings
- Children’s Education & Development Program under the Adopt-A-School Program of the Department of Education
- YMCA Samurai-Karate Club (regular martial arts training housed in YMCA and is income-generating)
- YMCA Summer Program, including Learn to Swim & Basketball Clinic BATANG-Y Internship Volunteer Program for local youth, especially Out-of School Youth
Learn more about YMCA San Pablo
YMCA of Albay
For fifteen years, Albay YMCA have been carrying out livelihood, employment and entrepreneurship programs for the most vulnerable population including the young people with the intention to establish financial independence, promote local economy and create opportunities for the disadvantaged sectors.
Primarily, Albay YMCA started working with emergency livelihood restoration for displaced people during disasters. Initial interventions were market-based alternative livelihood skills training and organization of different community groups that developed into social enterprises. As the organization progressed, they begun partnering with schools and other community sectors to educate young people and community members on money management skills and financial goal setting through Financial Literacy Program.
Likewise, several in-school programs were institutionalized such as career guidance, competency building, apprenticeship and mentoring, career fair and pre-employment support. Additionally, life skills were also integrated in the program to help improve recipient’s ability on communication, decision making, coping mechanisms and interpersonal relationships. While for other program recipients who opt to start their own business, Albay YMCA provided entrepreneurship development trainings, product enhancement, skills upgrading, seed capitalization, marketing and assistance in establishing micro and social enterprises.
Through the years and through these programs, Albay YMCA was able to equip young people and community members with livelihood and entrepreneurial skills resulting in gainful employment, development of micro-enterprises and economic advancement.
