The “Generation Next” program of YMCA Europe has been instrumental in the development of Armenian youth.
In 2022, the YMCA Scholarship was established at the American University of Armenia (AUA), providing an opportunity for students to acquire quality education and actively participate in the Generation Next program initiatives.
YMCA Leadership Academy in Slovakia, 2024
One of the scholarship holders whose candidacy for the scholarship has been approved for yet another year, Artyom Dokholyan, is one bright example of the Generation Next impact.
Artyom is from Vanadzor, Lori region in Armenia. He is a second-year student majoring in the Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program at AUA. After completing his mandatory military service and participating in the 44-Day War in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Artyom returned to civilian life with the aim of gaining quality education in the field of public affairs to instil in him the values and mindset of a responsible citizen, fostering critical thinking, as well as analytical skills. Due to the extensive tuition fee, Artyom was awarded the YMCA Scholarship with the condition of becoming an active volunteer for Generation Next.
“The YMCA Scholarship not only gave me the opportunity to pursue my master’s degree, but it was also the most significant practical experience in my professional sphere. My experience with the YMCA as a volunteer has significantly influenced my career prospects, which made me realize that I genuinely want to work in the public sector,” remarks Artyom.
In the Spring of 2024, Artyom had a chance to participate in the 6th cohort of the YMCA Leadership Academy in Slovakia. This greatly empowered him by providing in-depth knowledge and skills in conducting non-formal education training sessions. Artyom successfully applied the newly acquired knowledge in the YMCA Artsakh camp in July 2024.
YMCA Artsakh Camp in Vanadzor, 2024
“The experience of being both a participant and a trainer provided a unique perspective on education I never had before. Interacting with peers from around 15 countries was highly valuable. I was impressed by how young leaders in their local YMCAs address various issues, which gave me insight into unique approaches to empowering youth in different societies.”
YMCA Europe conference in Yerevan, 2023
Upon graduation from AUA, Artyom plans to stay in Armenia and make a difference through his profession. He believes that his experience with YMCA Europe Generation Next program served as a valuable life lesson for both personal and professional development.
“YMCA taught me about empowerment and demonstrated that, with the right values and methodology, many significant social issues affecting vulnerable groups can be addressed. Most importantly, I learned that education is the most powerful tool for making a difference.”
