The Star of Hope

Roots Peace Work Institute Reunion in the Holy Land is already a history.. 28 participants, more than 10 countries, 3 different cohorts and 1 week together is a mere statistics for an event that was like no other we have implemented before.. And we have a lot – all over Europe, thousands reached, impact made, lives changed.. But this one was different, totally different.. And it had to be!

I will start with hosts: exceptional hospitality and care was the highlight of each day and place – our friends from Bethlehem, Jericho and Jerusalem, representing both the East Jerusalem and Jerusalem International YMCAs, made sure that each detail of the program was well taken care of; that we all felt safe and welcome at every moment, at every place!

The Program: what a privilege to have Wolfgang Heinrich & Ankica Dragin still with us after all these years! The Roots Team & generations of Rooters trained and equipped with tools and knowledge that still define our work and performance. This time it was the Roots Context Analysis together with them – with particular focus on the impact and relevance of Peace Work Institute Scheme and run through the prism of Reunion participants. The detailed feedback and analysis will be made public later, but the statement can already be made from what we have witnessed during the process – our efforts all these years were not in vain!

Exposure Visits: Bethlehem, Jericho, Jerusalem.. Nativity Church, River Jordan, Mount of Temptation, Al Aqsa Mosque, Holy Sepulchre Church and a myriad of sacred places.. Following the footsteps of Jesus Christ and reflecting upon his life, his journey, his sacrifice.. Deeply humbling and impactful – giving so much meaning and motivation for what we do and how we live..

And the work that YMCA does for its beneficiaries in a very challenging context – generating skills, opportunities and hope for the entire community for almost a century. And all of it despite a wide range of limitations and restrictions – because they believe in what they do.. Dear Peter, Sammah, Fadi, Nicola, Elias, Nidal, Mira – you are true champions of relevance, commitment and impact!

We still had time to analyze Roots Media Platforms, record the traditional message of peace, enhance our soft skills, share gifts and of course – to have a great social time!

All of it in a place that accepted us so warmly, in a place that felt so much like home…

And we will be back!

Camp Europe: YMCA Czech Republic

YMCA Czech Republic emerged as one of the pioneers to get involved in the Camp Europe pilot initiative. Demonstrating an unwavering dedication to delivering high-quality programs for Ukrainian children, the organization elaborated an immersive camp experience that created unforgettable memories for those most in need of such enriching engagements.

Over the span of a month-long program, the YMCA Czech Republic team held five distinct camp programs, each characterized by unique thematic and activity-driven pursuits. Among the 70 attendees, a considerable 72% comprised Ukrainian Children.

The camp’s program included the following activities:

1. “Art Camp In the Footsteps of Animals” – During this week-long program, stories about the friendship between a fox and a rabbit were told. Together with a wide range of activities, this was a fantastic way to teach kids about friendship and being kind to each other.

2. “The Wild West Camp” – This camp took participants to a realm far from the modern world and technologies, immersing them in the charm of the Wild West, teaching them practical skills and promoting the core values of the YMCA.

3. “The Olympic Games Camp” – This camp focused on the physical development of children. It taught them to love nature and the importance of staying active, all while having a great time. Little champions had a chance to demonstrate their skills, and celebrate each other’s success together.

4. “Nature Enchants and Paints Art Camp” – Through this program, children were introduced to various ways of expressing themselves and being ingenious. The camp widened the door to the enchanting world of imagination and creativity while acquiring practical skills for everyday life.

5. And the fifth camp, “Journey to the Real Treasure” – This adventure-packed camp involved experiences such as canoeing, paddleboarding, walks by the waterfall and immersing themselves in mesmerizing scenery. The program was filled with an array of activities, which fosters mental well-being and contributes to children’s physical development.

Summing up the accomplishments of each camp and the team’s unwavering dedication to crafting unforgettable experiences for Ukrainian children is a story that cannot be narrated in a single sentence.

Camp Europe and all participating camps are more than just venues for games and adventures. They serve as spaces for healing and rejuvenation, offering inspiration and motivation for peace and togetherness. It’s about the will to help and support one another; it’s about the drive to bring about positive change and Do No Harm. Apart from the high-level program that the YMCA Czech Republic team delivered for Ukrainian children, there are other narratives that need to be told, and we are pleased to be the messenger of one of the inspiring stories that the team shared with us.

Story of YMCA Czech republic and The Musician from Ukraine

“Supporting people and supporting the community goes beyond camp and the fate of the entire Ukrainian community is close to our hearts. Unfortunately, we cannot influence the course of the war, but we are trying to mitigate as much as possible the impact on those whom God has sent us. There are that many stories! I would like to share one of them with a happy ending. About six months ago, a mother of two children, a teacher in our Ukrainian kindergarten, asked me if we as YMCA could try to invite her husband, whom she misses more and more, to our country. Without a verified invitation, the Ukrainian authorities would never allow Mr. Vasyl to visit us, even though he has a wife and children here whom he has not seen for a year and a half. We immediately started negotiations, started cooperation with the university where Mr. Vasyl works, and we succeeded. Mr. Vasyl spent a wonderful four weeks with us, and of course with his wife and two children. Since he is a professional musician, he also volunteered at our camps and other events and prepared wonderful workshops for the children. He went back to Ukraine and took his family with him. His wife and children will come back to our country again, but we are already planning another invitation!”

We would like to thank YMCA Czech Republic for the commitment and hard work, and for creating a summer wonderland for the little ones.

Camp Europe Pilot Initiative (2023)

Camp Europe: A summer of peace and healing for Ukrainian kids and young people.

Within YMCA Europe Roots for Peace framework, 16 YMCA projects across Europe served hundreds of beneficiaries during this summer, the majority of them being Ukrainian kids and young people – temporarily displaced from home or still living in their places of origin, despite all the hardships and devastation.

Originally planning to support 5-7 projects in the pilot year, we are thrilled and inspired to have received more than double that number of applications. This remarkable response underscores the empathy and solidarity of the YMCA family in Europe towards the incredibly vital and noble cause of improving the lives of children while nurturing the enduring flame of hope and faith in humanity.

We know that supporting more projects will be extra work for the Roots staff, but we are committed to it. We believe that this is an important cause, and we are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children across Europe.

At the “Family camp” in Verkhovyna, Ukraine, participants engaged in thoughtfully designed programs offering a variety of activities, such as crafting toys, creating beautiful mosaics, and a diversity of other exercises fostering creativity, teamwork, and hands-on learning.

A week-long camp “Paradise in the Carpathians” by YMCA Karpaty (Ukraine) has took place. During the camp, participants had an opportunity to engage in a variety of sports activities, creative workshops, and invigorating excursions.

The evenings have been packed with activities that promote bonding and relaxation. Throughout this entire experience, the safety and well-being of the participants have been diligently prioritized, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity for those who greatly needed it.

The Volyn YMCA in Lutsk, Ukraine team successfully implemented the “You Are Not Alone” camp. From creative arts and crafts to thrilling sports and insightful sessions with psychologists, the activities have been truly enchanting.

With the unwavering support of the YMCA Volyn team, the children have formed new friendships, expanded their social circles, and developed the ability to connect with others based on essential Christian values such as love, responsibility, honesty, and kindness.

YMCA Kropyvnytskyi (Ukraine) team implemented the Peace Camp, which offered a unique riverside recreational experience, featuring activities such as yoga, outdoor games, volleyball, swimming, and even dinners by the riverbank – truly wonderful conditions for spending hot August days and creating a peaceful atmosphere for those who need it.

Another remarkable camp, Side-by-side, orchestrated by YMCA Poltava. Young participants have experienced numerous incredible moments. Every single day, they explore the realm of new adventures, absorb fresh knowledge, share their stories, and form new friendships.

From engaging workshops to athletic accomplishments, from unforgettable discos to inspiring creative sessions – the YMCA Poltava team ensured to infuse each day with curiosity and the thrill of exploration.

A fresh week leads to new journeys. The International HarmonY Camp 2.0, organized by YMCA Romania as part of the Camp Europe initiative, assembles a diverse group of campers.

Young people from YMCA Romania (Romanians and Ukrainians), YMCA Ukraine, YMCA Moldova, and YMCA Camp Duncan USA are set to embark on a week filled with new experiences, education, and meaningful exchanges. Our heartfelt wishes accompany the team as they set forth on this journey.

35 Ukrainian kids had a blast from the very first day at YMCA Orange Camp in Georgia.

YMCA Plzeň-Starý Plzenec, Czech Republic, has once again achieved success with their recent Art Camp, “In the Footsteps of Animals.” This camp is just one of the many wonderful programs that the YMCA Czech Republic team is organizing for Ukrainian children, within the framework of the Camp Europe pilot initiative.

During “The Wild West Camp” organised by YMCA Czech Republic, children were involved in a wide range of sports activities, expanded their vocabulary, crafted jewellery and shirts, gained knowledge about Indigenous traditions and practised their languages.

Additionally, they had an incredible experience in a genuine Indigenous teepee near Mariánské Lázně, where they acquired survival techniques without relying on modern technology. Is not this truly marvelous?!

Once again, YMCA Czech Republic has amazed us with an extraordinary camp! At “The Olympic Games Camp” kids created their very own fictional nations to champion in the Olympics. Despite the rainy weather, a plethora of activities awaited the little ones, offering them an abundance of joy while nurturing their Body, Mind, and Spirit.

Hats off to YMCA Czech Republic for fostering such a holistic and engaging experience for the young ones!

Within the Art Camp’s framework, youngsters engage in a multitude of imaginative activities designed to nurture their creative aptitude. Beyond hands-on activities, the participants were treated to folk tales that enriched their cultural understanding, while the melodic strains of an accordion added a delightful experience to their days at the camp.

During the Nature Camp – Journey to the Real Treasure, in addition to fostering essential outdoor skills, the young adventurers embarked on an unforgettable journey into nature. Activities included canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the Otava River, leisurely walks by the waterfall, and even fishing.

Following each eventful day, the evenings were enriched by a campfire and the harmonious melodies of the music.

In the midst of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Artsakh, the YMCA Artsakh “Camp for Peace” has encountered numerous difficulties this year.

With Artsakh being subjected to a complete blockade since December 12th, 2022, the youth participating in the camp have sought solace from the hardships they face on a daily basis, such as enduring long queues for bread and coping with the lack of electricity. In the picturesque village of Patara, the young people try to find joy and respite, allowing themselves to simply be carefree “young people” for a week.

Camp YMCA Liptovský Mikuláš (Slovakia) offered excursions to “Shtrebské Plesso”, “Slovakian Paradise”, a day at the water park “Tatralandia”, rafting, Ice Cave, climbing to the top of the Mount “Baranets” and of course, a bonfire on the last evening of the camp. All those things provided bright emotions and left incredible memories for the children.

“Take a Breath” camp was organised in Munich, offering a unique opportunity for YMCA Ukraine staff and volunteers to come together. The program was designed to create a safe space for all the leaders who are actively working in their local YMCAs and serving the communities of Ukraine.

As the summer comes to an end, the joy, friendships, and new hope created at Camp Europe camps will stay with Ukrainian children and youth.

The YMCA is dedicated to keeping this positivity alive, nurturing the impact of this summer’s projects into the future. Together, we’re lighting up a symbol of strength, showing that compassion and working together can bring lasting positive change to our European community.

YMCA Europe Generation Next Joins the International Youth Day Celebrations in Gyumri, Armenia

August the 12th, a Generation Next charity expo took place in downtown Gyumri. This charming city currently is hosting the Pan-Armenian Games. The event was the exposure component of the ogling Embroidery Summer School, and was organized in close cooperation with Gyumri Municipality Department of Culture and Youth.

The works of 25 artisans were presented, including wide range of embroidery. All the craftspeople enrolled are those, who took refuge in Armenia from the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Karabakh.

More than a dozen of young people, both selected participants of the Summer School, and YMCA Scholarship holders at American University of Armenia (AUA) supported the event as volunteers. Starting from late evening of August the 11th till early morning of August the 13th they were involved in organizing the transfer of the group from Yerevan to Gyumri and v.v., setting up the expo site, and helping the artisans with presenting their works to thousands of locals and tourists visiting the expo, and many more. But apart from the hard work they also became part of the celebrations dedicated to the International Youth Day, happening all around.

Also, during the day an induction meeting was held with the new batch of the AUA YMCA Scholarship holders. YMCA Europe Generation Next staff, Rootsmade volunteers and AUA YMCA Scholarship previous batch representatives helped them to understand the nitty-gritties of their internship ahead, grasp the value and the vision behind it, get motivated on the opportunities the scholarship and the YMCA offer them. Future plans and steps were discussed and agreed.

All in all, the International Youth Day 2023 was a remarkable happening in the life of the Generation Next. The YMCA expo was covered by Radio Liberty, and is on the official Facebook page of the Gyumri Municipality.

Multinational Georgia – Celebrating the Mosaic of Diversity

There are projects that have a slogan and there are those that live up to it… And recently completed activity by YMCA Georgia certainly belonged to the latter ones – bringing together young people of Georgian, Armenian and Azerbaijani ethnic origin and immersing them into activities that promote mutual understanding, tolerance, cooperation and empathy.

Even if being citizens of one country – the differences are truly there, differences that often transform into mistrust, alienation and isolation; but when differences serve as part of a common fabric that becomes only richer and more beautiful with every color – then you end up with a mosaic.. A mosaic of diversity!

That’s exactly what we recently witnessed at YMCA Georgia “Camp Orange”, where 35 young people spent a week full of fellowship, learning, sharing and fun! Getting inspired by conviction that only together they can build a society where each member belongs and has equal rights, but also bears equal responsibilities.

And all of it facilitated by YMCA Europe Generation Next project scholarship holders – once participants of the similar project, it was them that took charge and made sure that each participant felt safe, welcome and accomplished. Their Roots?! Truly reflecting the background of participants and perhaps that was the key of the success – leading by example and performance.

The mosaic does not end there, though.. The project funded by YMCA of the USA; implemented by YMCA Georgia in partnership with YMCA Europe Generation Project and inspired by YMCA Europe Roots for Peace… A vivid manifest of what the project and the entire YMCA family stand for!

The 14th ROOTS & NEXT QUARTERLY IS ISSUED

The latest edition of Roots & Next Quarterly, Issue #14, is now available, offering an in-depth retrospective of the events and activities that took place in April, May, and June 2023. This comprehensive report can be accessed in PDF format for your perusal.

Roots Peace Award 2023 Winner – YMCA Ukraine – Empowering Youth to Create a Peaceful Future

On 19-28 June 2023, YMCA Ukraine embarked on an inspiring journey of implementing a youth forum in Verkhovyna, Carpathian Mountains. The event titled “Create a Peaceful Future!” is the Roots Peace Award 2023 Winner project. With a primary focus on discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine and envisioning the personal development of young individuals in the post-war era, the forum strives to pave the way for a harmonious and meaningful tomorrow.

The event aimed to develop the spirit, mind and body of each participant, implementing YMCA values, improving children’s health and recreation, involving them in social movement and providing them with the opportunity to learn English.

More than 45 children aged 7-17 took part in the summer camp,“including children of military personnel, kids with socially underprivileged status or those from internally displaced and vulnerable families from Verkhovyna District”; the leaders and instructors were young people aged 18 and over.

To achieve this goal, the camp leaders and instructors covered important topics such as life values, spirituality, leadership and volunteering skills, and promoted a healthy lifestyle. Various activities were organised to develop soft skills and relax from stress, including hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, excursions to Hutsul museums, swimming in the river and pool, master classes (wood carving, beading, knitting, drawing, burning, creative and decorative arts), art therapy, scouting training, competitions various quests (day and evening), games, training sessions, English lessons, dance and song competitions, sports competitions, yoga, fitness, film screenings, visits to the rope park, climbing wall, campfire and disco evenings, and work with psychologists. We also held a Peace Day at the camp, where participants discussed mechanisms of partnership and peacebuilding.

One of the forum’s key achievements was the development of a comprehensive roadmap for self-development and peacebuilding. This empowering roadmap offers a clear and structured path for the youth to embrace their roles as catalysts for positive change in the aftermath of conflicts.

Adding a touch of creativity and expression, the participants prepared a performance titled “Create a Peaceful Future.”

To further enrich the event, YMCA Europe Roots for Peace staff joined the participants online during the forum, sharing invaluable experiences in conflict resolution, particularly during the war and in the crucial post-war period. They shed light on the significance of the Do No Harm methodology, emphasizing its potential to pave the way for lasting peace and understanding.

An eminent presence during the forum was Professor Ankica Dragin from the University of Belgrade and a revered Roots expert. Professor Dragin emphasized the critical importance of employing the Do No Harm methodology and shared her experience of successful cooperation in YMCA Europe projects.

As the winner of the Roots Peace Medal 2023, YMCA Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to fostering a peaceful and united society continues to inspire us all. Together, let us applaud their remarkable initiative and support the young leaders who dare to dream of a brighter, more harmonious world.

YMCA Sports Program Unites Polish and Ukrainian Children in Olsztyn

Fabulous news from YMCA Mission in Poland, as twenty-one Polish and Ukrainian children participating in a joint sports program of the Monsters Club and YMCA Europe Mission in Poland left the hustle and bustle of big city life and went to Olsztyn (220 km to the North of Warsaw) between 10 and 16th of July, 2023.

Here, surrounded by lakes and forests, the kids found great conditions to strengthen their physical and mental health and develop sports skills.

They also could develop specific social skills, needed when being part of a team that is diverse in terms of nationality and language. The program of the camp reflected the motto of the YMCA: body-mind-spirit (which means the harmonious development of a human being).

They were familiar with the YMCA methodology as all of them participate in the integration Polish-Ukrainian program that has been run in Warszawa by the YMCA Europe Mission, and for most of them that was not the first camp organized by YMCA and their partners in Poland.

The camp’s itinerary was incredibly diverse and engaging, offering a wide array of activities. Apart from the regular sports and recreational pursuits, the program encompassed a visit to the University Equestrian Centre for bonfires and horseback riding, an enlightening encounter with masters of Chinese martial arts, a captivating guided tour through Olsztyn’s historic district, retracing the footsteps of Nicolaus Copernicus.

Additionally, there was an enjoyable coach trip to the open-air museum in Olsztynek, “English Everyday” sessions featuring entertaining games and competitions in English, cinema outings, thematic presentations, and a plethora of other enticing attractions. Participants were treated to a truly enriching and memorable experience throughout the camp.

The entire event unfolded in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with joy and positivity prevailing throughout each day, as evident from the wonderful photographs.

A team of dedicated professionals, which even included a child psychotherapist, spared no effort in ensuring that every child experienced a sense of ease and belonging. The main focus of the camp program was to empower and ensure that every child felt at ease, as they were upskilling, diversifying their knowledge, and practicing various sporting programs with a dedicated team of camp leads.

This camp was of significant importance for rebuilding the YMCA movement in Poland.

In May 2023, another event was organised with polish – ukrainian beneficiaries in Lipno.

This time the members of the Czarny Orzeł Club have paid a return visit. The Polish-Ukrainian team counted 11 people and participated in the training on YMCA methodology in action – it looked like they enjoyed it and were interested in further cooperation. It was another step towards developing common standards for organizing sports camps for children and youth.

YMCA Europe Mission in Poland has been implementing the Polish-Ukrainian integration program in partnership with the Warsaw-based sports club for children, Monsters.

The program, which began a year ago with a pilot project called “Polish-Ukrainian City Camp (Sport & Culture),” has been successfully providing integration after-school and camp programs for Polish and Ukrainian children and their families.

The camp is a part of YMCA Camp Europe initiative within Roots for Peace framework.

Give Peace a Chance Preparatory Meeting

Strasbourg, France played host to a crucial preparatory meeting organized by YMCA Europe Roots for Peace during July 12-15. The meeting took place in the European Youth Center and served as a stepping stone for the upcoming “Give Peace a Chance” study session. This collaborative project is being implemented in partnership with the Council of Europe, highlighting the collective effort to promote peace and harmony in Europe.

The primary objective of the study session is to share the knowledge and expertise of YMCA Europe Roots for Peace through the implementation of the “Do No Harm” method.

The preparatory meeting brought together the dedicated team from YMCA Europe, who worked diligently to create a comprehensive agenda and refine the tools and details of the project. This planning ensures that the study session will effectively deliver its core message and provide participants with a rich learning experience.

Scheduled to take place in October, the study session in Strasbourg will gather 35 participants from 16 European countries. These young individuals, hailing from diverse backgrounds and cultures, will come together to explore the various dimensions of peacebuilding and share their own experiences and perspectives. The session promises to be a transformative journey, enabling participants to develop essential skills, broaden their horizons, and foster lasting connections with like-minded peers.

The collaboration between YMCA Europe Roots for Peace and the Council of Europe exemplifies the power of partnerships in driving transformative initiatives. By combining resources, expertise, and networks, these organizations aim to amplify their impact and create a more peaceful and inclusive Europe.

Camp Europe Pilot Initiative kick off

Just a few more days before the first activities within Camp Europe Pilot Initiative kick off… 16 YMCA projects across Europe will serve hundreds of beneficiaries during this summer, majority of them being Ukrainian kids and young people – temporarily displaced from home or still living in their places of origin, despite all the hardships and devastation.

Initially planning 5-7 projects for the pilot year, we are thrilled and inspired to have received and to be able to support more than a double envisaged number of applications – it is a vivid demonstration of empathy and solidarity of YMCA family in Europe towards very crucial and noble cause: to make the lives of children better, to keep the spark of hope and faith in humanity alive! And even if it’s extra work for the Roots staff, we remain committed to it.

We will be back soon with lots of stories, photos and videos filled with smiles and joy – stay tuned!