Introduction

 

The International Young Christian Students (IYCS) grew in the spirit of the Specialized Catholic Action movements that were inspired by Joseph Cardijn (the founder of the Young Christian Workers) in the late 1920's. In the wake of the Second World War, the International Coordination was established in 1946 and its Asian coordination functions since 1976 to the date.

 

 

 

International Young Christian Students (IYCS) is

 

- An International Catholic Student Movement composed of several National movements with Regional Coordinations and International Coordination,

- A member of the Conference of International Catholic Organization (ICOs) recognised by the Holy See,

- An International Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with the consultative status with the United Nations (UN) System (ECOSOC) and operational relations with UNESCO, recongised in the Church in Asia by the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) and their respective National Conferences,

- A high school (secondary) students movement in Asia unlike other regions who have both secondary and tertiary/college student members,

- A movement for, of, by and with the students where all students are invited to be part of YCS, regardless of religion, race, sex, economic status,

- A social movement for formation, transformation and liberation through empowerment and solidarity for a just world in the student milieu,

- A space for great opportunities to develop their leadership qualities by planning, participating, facilitating, animating and evaluating different actions and initiatives,

- A cell based groups, which is the heart of the movement. It is in these cells that the "Review of Life" took place. Students review their life situations in relation to their school, family and to the whole community based on the SEE-JUDGE-ACT methodology promoted by Cardinal Cardijn, aiming to transform their selves and the society they live in.

- Is accompanied by the Chaplains & Animators in various levels.

 

The IYCS Asian Secretariat Today

 

The IYCS Asian Team, based in the IYCS Asian Secretariat in Manila, Philippines, coordinates the life of IYCS in Asia. It is the executive body of the movement in Asia. Presently the team for the year 2009-2012 is composed of two full time lay members and one part time chaplain.

 

Ms. Reyna Clemena, Full-Time Asian Coordinator from SCA Philippines

Mr. Deepak Raj C, Full-time Asian Coordinator from YCS/YSM India

Fr. James Molekunnel Chacko SDB, Part-Time Asian Chaplain from YCS/YSM India

 

Our Actions and Fuctions

 

 

 

YCS Asian Session and Council (ASC)

 

The Asian Session and Council is the highest decision making body for IYCS Asia.

Once in three years, the student Leaders of the various National Movements gather to evaluate the life of the Movements in Asia, study the reality of Asia and that of the Movements and decide on the orientation for the YCS In Asia.

 

The detailed historical moments and people of the Coordination till 2006 are available on request to the IYCS Asian Secretariat: office@iycsasia.org