FOUNDING OF THE ASSOCIATION

           The Young Men Buddhist Association (Y.M.B.A.) is one of the leading Non-Government Organisation (NGO) founded in 1906 by the Prominent Patriots, U Ha Pe, U Maung Gyi and Dr. BaYin. The primary aim of the Association at the time of inception was to promote (1) National Spirit, (2) National League and Literature, (3) Buddhist Doctrine and (4) Education in general. Since then successive Committees of the Association have ceaselessly worked to achieve these four main objectives.

           When the Y.M.B.A. came into existence, our country was under Colonial rules of the British Time. Y.M.B.A. therefore, became the first organised body, to strengthen the political consciousness of Myanmar's Young Men.

           The path the Association had set upon itself to follow was far from easy or smooth. It had to face innumerable obstacles , problems and difficulties. The Association nevertheless should surmount all these hardships and make considerable contribution towards the attainment of national freedom at the later date. Thus it has been recognised and recorded in historical event of Myanmar that Y.M.B.A. gave birth to Myanmar Politics and is the nucleus of National Independence.

          In order to promote nationalism the Association took active parts in the maintenance of such traditional national cultures and literature and also prevented the same being polluted by outside influence. In January 1948 Myanmar regained her Independence and henceforth Y.M.B.A. abandoned the political instigation instead devoted its activities to the accomplishment of its original aims and objects, namely, advancement of nationalism, national language, Buddhist doctrine and education in general.

MORAL UPLIFT OF MYANMAR YOUNG PEOPLE

          The subsequent leaders of the Y.M.B.A. after the second World War, began to realise that the substantial progress and prosperity of the Myanmar as an Independent Nation cannot be achieved without moral rehabilitation of Young Men. Realising that " the youth of today will be the man of tomorrow ", it was decided to improve the morality of the young people and the teenagers, the Y.M.B.A. is holding classes to teach the Mangala Sutta, "38 Blessings of Buddha " through out the country and even in jails, followed by the examination on these discourses. At present there are over 350 Examination Centres in all the States and Divisions of the country. Annual entrants for those examination total about fifty thousands. Prizes in the form of cash, medals and Certificates are awarded to the Young People who pass the examination with credit and certificates are also awarded to the rest who pass the examination. The annual cost of the examination as well as the prizes are more than K. 200000 (Two hundred thousand). "Mangala Sutta" covers every aspect in the life of the individual.

           For those of middle and older age Y.M.B.A. conducts classes on Basic Buddha Dhamma called the Abhidhamma during the four mouths of Buddhist lent. Prizes in cash, medals and certificates are also presented to those who passed the examination in "Abhidhamma"

EDUCATION IN GENERAL

           The Y.M .B.A. also undertake duties for promotion and propagation of Myanmar Literature. Every year the Association gives prizes to those high school final students who achieve first, second and third position in Myanmar literature. Moreover the Association is holding the Myanmar essay competition examination for High School and Middle School students yearly and prizes in cash and medals are presented to those who stood first, second and third.

HEALTH

          During the year 1991, UNICEF, WHO and UNICEF jointly issued the book , "Facts for Life" giving general knowledge how to give protection for our children and married woman. The book was translated in Myanmar language and at the request of UNICEF, Y.M.B.A. has taken responsibility of distributing the publication at all, Mangala Sutta Centres. Responsible personnel were requested and also to hold classes for men, women and children on the the "Facts for life" with directives on teaching to pay particular attention for facts in AIDS.

          Y.M.B.A. announced the examination of "Facts for Life" to be held at various centres on 2nd, August 1992 inviting all students, teachers and people from all walks of life to sit for the examination. A total of 24,000 (twenty four thousand) appeared and prizes distribution ceremony was held at our centre in March 1993 with attractive prizes contributed by UNICEF for those who passed the examination. The second examination on "Facts for Life" was held again in August 1993 with 26,000 (twenty six thousand) candidates. The prize distribution ceremony was held on 2nd April 1994. More prizes contributed by UNICEF were given to those who passed the examination. The third examination on "Facts for Life" will be held in September 1994 and Y.M.B.A. decided to co-operate with UNICEF to educate the people of Myanmar about facts for life as well as facts for AIDS.

PUBLICATIONS

List of Books and magazines published by Y.M.B.A.

I . Life of Buddha with Illustrations.

2. 'Mangala Sutta' (38 Blessings of Buddha) written by five learned authors.

3. Books on Buddha Abhidhamma by two learned authors.

4. Monthly Magazine issued by the Y.M.B.A. under the name of "YADANAMON"

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

YOUNG MEN BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION

DATED: 12th, JULY, 1994.