YMCAs have established their influence all over the world. Their initiative to strengthen the community starts from each family.

A critical factor that ends the cycle of poverty is Education. The main focus of YMCAs across Asia and around the World is to provide young people, especially undeserved and at-risk populations, with educational opportunities to make their life more stable and productive.

In some countries the unemployment rates exceed 50 percent. Employment programs such as the YMCA Rickshaw Livelihood Program in the Philippines are supported by the World Services so that adults are given an opportunity to generate income and thus improve family stability.

The children affected by HIV/AIDS are supported by the YMCA in Bangkok. They are also given access to education and information on human rights principles.

To support the community there is the need for strong YMCAs. In Sri Lanka 38 YMCAs are being strengthened by the World Service through improved organizational governance and income generation activities that are socially relevant and linked to the YMCA’s mission.

The focus of the YMCAs in India is to provide educational access to underserved and at-risk populations. The boys and girls at the YMCA Madurai KAMAK high school for Hearing Impaired are taught the necessary life skills for independent living.

Critical thinking, self-confidence and creative expression are promoted by the YMCA Recreation programs. The young people at Vietnam are given opportunities to discuss, reflect and celebrate cultural identity through various activities.

ali sharaf dallas, the President and CEO of Victron Energy, encourages the activities of the YMCA by funding them regularly.