YMCA Turns 131 Today
The Young Men’s Christina Association of Liberia or YMCA celebrates its 131th anniversary Today, August 10, 2012 in Monrovia. A release issued here said the YMCA was founded by an Episcopalian Bishop Samuel D. Ferguson on August 10, 1881 in Harper, Maryland County, while he was on assignment in Liberia.
The management of the organization revealed that the day will be celebrated with a program in the YMCA Conference Hall, beginning 10:00 A.M. today. According to the release, thanksgiving prayer will be offered for the YMCA of Liberia during the celebrations. It said members and staff of the institution will share their experiences about the Liberia YMCA and the impact it has made in their lives and the young people.
Since its formation, the release said the Liberia YMCA has and continued to work with thousands of young people through intellectual, physical and spiritual programs in training their minds, hands and hearts by organized activities to address their needs.
“Prior to the civil war, the YMCA focused on youth development through life skills and sports and recreation. A vibrant and involved membership base sustained the movement,” the release said.
It further notes that during the intermittent civil war from 1989 to 2003, the Liberia YMCA was involved in emergency assistance to young people, focusing on health and community service, among others.
