Introduction

The YMCA is a Christian movement, with the Paris Basis as its mission: "Young Men’s Christian Association seek to unite those young men who, regarding Jesus Christ as their God and Saviour, according to the Holy Scriptures, desire to be His disciples in their faith and in their life, and to associate their efforts for the extension of His Kingdom amongst young men."

Based on the same mission, the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong was established in 1901. The object and purpose were clearly stated in the Constitution as "the development of Christian character and the cultivation of the Christian spirit of service among young men, in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ."

To achieve this purpose, a group of fervent Christian leaders and friends initiated a wide range of activities:

1. through which members could develop their interests;
2. to promote meaningful recreational, cultural, educational activities; and the spirit to serve among the young people;
3. to promote Christian ethics;
4. to enhance the well-being of the individual;
5. to enable members to become good citizens of the society.

Over the years, with constant support from the government, organizations and churches, the Association has expanded with centres all over the territory. At present, there are more than 40 service units with a total of about 50,000 members. We continue to develop services according to the principle of "not to be served, but to serve."

Mission Statement

The Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong is a Christian service organization based in Hong Kong as part of the global YMCA movement. The Association is committed to building a civil and compassionate Hong Kong through uniting people with the same spirit to extend the Kingdom of God; fostering youth leadership to shoulder social responsibility with keen concern for the motherland and the world and promoting multiple service programmes based on wholistic personal growth, commitment to the under-privileged and reconciliation extending from self to society.

Brief History

In 1844, YMCA was founded in London by an English young Christian, George Williams. In those days, YMCA aimed at serving the working class who suffered from working pressure and fatigue; helping them to get rid of their bad habits. The YMCA also taught them the Christian faith and to live a moral life.

Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong was established in 1901. Based on the Christian spirit, we commit ourselves to serve, and not to be served. We endeavour to educate the young people to be a person of integrity. The Association is providing a wholesome education for the young generation; helping them to develop their potential abilities and exercise their talents. We also educate them to be responsible citizens who will serve their community.

In the early days, YMCA rented a place at 27 Des Voeux Road, serving as the venue for Bible study group, English classroom, lecture room, recreation and reading room.

YMCA emphasizes the importance of education. The first operation of the Chinese Day School in the early years had been developed into Chinese YMCA Secondary School in the past decades.

In order to achieve the goal of developing YMCA service and building a permanent centre, a membership campaign was conducted in 1910. By God's grace, 1,300 members were recruited. Since then, we were growing rapidly. In 1913, a YMCA hostel was built at Bridges Street, Sheung wan. 5 years later, the first YMCA Centre was built at Bridges Street, erected opposite to the hostel. The building was composed of a gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, resturant and hostel for guests. The Kowloon Centre was established in 1929, extending the YMCA service to the Kowloon Peninsula

In order to achieve the goal of developing YMCA service and building a permanent centre, a membership campaign was conducted in 1910. By God's grace, 1,300 members were recruited. Since then, we were growing rapidly. In 1913, a YMCA hostel was built at Bridges Street, Sheung wan. 5 years later, the first YMCA Centre was built at Bridges Street, erected opposite to the hostel. The building was composed of a gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, resturant and hostel for guests. The Kowloon Centre was established in 1929, extending the YMCA service to the Kowloon Peninsula.

During the Second World War, We focused on the needs of the Hong Kong community and Mainland China. We provided various services to the refugees and the army in need. Our service was forced to cease during the Japanese occupation in Hong Kong. When the war was ended in August 1945, YMCA participated actively in the reconstruction projects for the community. We promoted the education for the underprivileged, youth for Christ campaign, gospel for the children movement, health camp, etc. We also provided services for the overseas Chinese who returned to Hong Kong.

The Education Building and the Student Christian Centre were built in 1952 and 1957 respectively

The Li Cheng Uk and Shek Kip Mei Rooftop Centres were founded in 1956, serving the resettlement estates residents who suffered from the disastrous fire. The main purpose was to help the children in the resettlement estates, providing education and helping them to grow in a caring environment. This project was well supported by the Hong Kong Social Welfare Department and the World Alliance of YMCAs. The so-called "Rooftop Service" was appreciated by many people. In 1958 and 1959, the Wong Tai Sin and Lo Fu Ngan Rooftop Centres were opened respectively. The service they provided was mainly for the children. For instance, learning to read and write, recreational programmes and children's clubs. In 1959, a Vocational Training Centre started to operate for the young people in Hong Kong, providing professional training programmes.

In commemoration of the 60th Anniversary in 1960. 4 construction projects were proceeded then. The Town Centre was purchased in 1960. The YMCA Secondary School was built in 1961. In 1966, a 20-storeyed YMCA headquarter was constructed at Waterloo Road. It consisted of the international hostel, programme centre, gymnasium, etc.

In 1960, the Wong Tai Sin Community Centre was opened. YMCA is the first voluntary agency that starts working with the Social Welfare Department. Seeing the social environment in the 60's, the Hong Kong Government began to realize the importance of social service and worked closely with YMCA from then on. The Sau Mau Ping Centre, Tsz Wan Shan Centre and Chai Wan Centre began serving the community in the 70's. In addition, we also promoted the Playleadership Project at Yaumatei Public Playground, Mobile Gymnasium service and the Pilot Youth Guidance Projects. From these projects, we developed the outreach service. In the 80's, we began to provide social service for schools. Meanwhile, the Shaukiwan/Chai Wan Outreaching Social Work Team and Sheung Wan Outreaching Social Work Team were established to serve our community.

In the 70's YMCA also served the Vietnamese refugees camps in Hong Kong, namely the Silver Jubilee Centre and the Argyle 4 Transit Centre. In the area of education, we worked with the Vancouver YMCA of Canada, recruiting Hong Kong high school graduates for the universities in Canada; providing more opportunities for the Hong Kong students to study abroad. For camp site service, we began to run the Junk Bay Youth Camp in 1957. In 1970, YMCA received the Wu Kwai Sha Children's Home from the Christian Children's Fund, and then developed it into the Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village. The Y's Men—YMCA Wong Yi Chau Youth Camp was also established, expanding the YMCA camp site service for the young people.

For the celebration of the 80th Anniversary, 3 extension projects were launched in the 80's. The Wong Chuen King Centre in Shaukiwan, the New Territories Centre, the Hong Kong Centre and The Harbourview were built in 1980, 1982 and 1985 respectively. In response to the needs of the emerging satellite towns in the New Territories, the Tuen Mun Centre was opened in 1982, whilst the Lai Yiu Centre was established in 1985.

The second phase of the construction project for the New Territories Centre included an indoor swimming pool and the Lam Woo Hall. Lam Tin Centre began to provide library facilities for the community in October 1986. The renovation and additional facilities projects were also carried out in Kwun Tong Centre (1987), Tsuen Wan Centre (1988) and Sau Mau Ping Centre (1989).

In 1987, YMCA established the Christian Works Department. We support the religious activities of each YMCA centre, school or joint district function. We endeavour to fulfill the Great Commission for Christ.。

For the sake of city planning, the Wong Tai Sin, Wang Tau Hom and Lok Fu Rooftop Centres were closed in 1988. The establishment of Kwong Fuk Centre, Chuk Yuen Centre and Hin Keng Centre continued to serve the community. Meanwhile, the Sheung Wan Outreach Team changed to serve the Shatin district. It became the Shatin Outreaching Social Work Team.

July 1988, Kornhill Centre began to serve in the Eastern District of Hong Kong Island. In 1989, YMCA began to operate the Y's Men's Centre for the Deaf, Tin Ping Social Centre and Hostel for the Elderly.

In response to the development of providing services at new towns, the YMCA College moved to Ma On Shan. The Chai Wan Centre moved to Siu Sai Wan. Meanwhile, the Kwai Ching Outreaching Social Work Team bagan to serve the community.

March 1990, Wang Tai Sin Centre moved to Diamond Hill, renamed as the Diamond Hill Centre.

For the celebration of our 90th Anniversary, YMCA launched 5 major projects. The Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village reconstruction project was completed in 1995. The "Hundred Years Build Men" Foundation subsidized the youth who want to study theology, serve the community and spread the gospel for Christ. In 1992, we developed our works in China, working closely with the YMCAs and other organizations in Mainland.

In 1995, Home of Love was established for the mentally handicapped, providing shelter and job opportunity for them. In 1996, the Kowloon Centre Extension Project was completed. A building of 29 storeys, consists of YMCA headquarter and various departments, namely the Children and Youth Department, Adminstration Departments, International Hotel, etc.

In 1991, we published the "Grossroot" Magazine, arousing the concept of environmental protection among youths.

In 1992, Kwai Ching Outreaching Social Work Team began to serve the young people. May 1992, Chai Wan Centre was in service. In 1993, Bridges Street Centre was under renovation. In July 1993, the opening ceremony of "Live in Brillance, Strive Towards 2000" was conducted. In December, we operated the first "Enjoying Christmas and the Dynamics of Life" function, proclaiming the love and concern of Christ.

In April 1994, the Youth Hotline "A Link of Affections for Youth" Service was introduced. In October, Siu Sai Wan integrated service team was formed.

The AIDS Concern-Youth Action Biweek was held in February 1995. In the same year, the Home of Love —Mentally Handicapped Hostel began its service for the needy people. The opening ceremony of the new location of the Y's Men's Centre for the Deaf was held in 1996. The counselling service began in April, providing hotline counselling service since then. The Mongkok Social Centre for the Elderly began its service in August.

As the Association celebrated its 100th Annivesary, we have grown from one centre into over forty centres. Our members have increased from 1,300 to about 50,000.

We believe that these years of harvest for Christ is surely a blessing from God! Not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit. To God be the glory!

Organizational Chart