On March 28, 2026 the official chartering ceremony of Yerevan Y Service Club was held in Armenia involving twelve newly joined members along with the Regional Director of Y’s Men Denmark Kristian Helms and the President of Y’s Men Aulum Denmark Birgit K. Jakobsen. 

The club was established to create a fellowship for individuals affiliated with YMCA, but most importantly, for the Generation Next Scholarship holders, serving as an alumni network upon their graduation and providing further opportunities for growth and sustainability as active citizens. 

“I am happy to join the Yerevan Y Service Club. It gives me the opportunity to remain part of the YMCA community, which has greatly contributed to my personal growth,” says one of the soon-to-be alumni of the Generation Next program, Kristine Hovsepyan who made the decision to join the club.

The ceremony commenced with opening remarks by YMCA Europe Executive Secretary Vardan Hambardzumyan, emphasizing the vital role of the club in creating unity and promoting kindness and peace in current challenges of the world.

Kristian Helms welcomed the members pledging their loyalty and commitment to the club’s mission. Alongside Birgit K. Jakobsen and Vardan Hambardzumyan, he formally presented each member with a certificate and token as a signifying achievement of joining a fellowship. 

“We are delighted to serve you as your mother club. Many of us have visited Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh in 2019, and we also had the pleasure of seeing YMCA Vardenis. We feel a special connection to your beautiful country,” remarked Birgit K. Jakobsen. 

The ceremony concluded with words of gratitudes and tokens of appreciation to Y’s Men International, Region Denmark representatives followed by a celebratory reception and opportunity to network and learn more about each member.