I am Roots: Marina Martynenko

Since its inception in 2012 and with two cohorts (2012-2014, 2014-2019) of participants that passed through it, the Roots Peace Work Institute (PWI) sought to enroll young leaders of different backgrounds from across Europe, young people who were and are a voice and not an echo – eager to learn, to try, to grow… Like raw diamonds to shine after the grind.

And we believe that most of these 48 Alumni managed to develop both personally and professionally as they journeyed through PWI.

Today we bring you the story of Marina, a beautiful and responsible activist from Russia.

Marina has been a part of the Roots since 2012. Her journey is long and very special. Marina’s university selection was not a real choice of her profession, as she’s used to say. She never knew exactly what she should have studied or where she wanted to go. But Marina always had a desire to be involved in the international sphere.

“I didn’t know what else I could do except studying to be a translator or a politician. I did not want either of them, and I chose Financial University with a specialization in Taxation. My university gave me a lot in terms of how our society is organized and functions, but from the very beginning, I knew that I would never connect my work just with finances or just with taxation. I completed my Master’s at the same university with a specialization in Economic Sociology and had an exchange program in Spain” Marina tells.

Upon return, Marina decided to search for a job in the field of international education, and soon together with her friend they opened a small agency to help Russian students to choose and apply to foreign universities. Now she is working as a Project Manager at the Dutch NGO support office in Russia. One of her biggest projects is organizing Dutch language courses.

“I’ve been doing voluntary work in the YMCA since I remember myself. Participating and organizing, locally and globally. YMCA has become my second family. Having experienced it, I am eager to share the story as much and wide as possible and to support others to become a part of it. So now I volunteer as a board member in the Russian YMCA and as an Assessor in YMCA Europe Executive Committee” says Marina.

Before Roots, Marina already had been engaged in peace work. And again – in the YMCA framework. One of her first international experiences was the “Jornada para la Paz” event organized by YMCA Spain and Juan Simoes Iglesias back in 2009.

“That was a great event with young participants from a number of countries (Spain, Italy, Russia, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, etc) and it completely changed my understanding of this world and the view on other people and other countries. And I guess because of that I was that much happy to join the Roots.”

Marina is used to saying that Roots has a great impact on her life.

“I think it just helped me to be who I am. All those years spent together, smiles and tears, sharing our thoughts, feelings and beliefs, new real friends, new worries and joys – it all made me think more, feel deeper and love broader. A new feeling that was never known to me before: a real sense of myself being a part of the bigger world. In this aspect, I very much love the Ubuntu philosophy that Nelson Mandela spoke a lot about. “I am because we are” – shares Marina.

Speaking about unforgettable moments during her experience in the Roots, she singled out three:

The song of Russian singer Grigoriy Leps “The best day” (“Самый лучший день” in Russian) under the stars and the youngsters’ unity in Karabakh.

Toledo, sitting in front of the synagogue with Russian, Georgian and Turkish participants. Toledo with such a pure love and pure feelings.

Program Festival “ProFest” at Camp Orange in Georgia, with all its synergy and togetherness – when Ukrainians were singing “Обійми мене” along the music rhymes performed by Armenian & Georgian participants, and us, Russians stood there side by side with Americans with tears in our eyes… It was such a strong sensation shared by everyone there”.

Marina would recommend young people from conflict regions to take part in the project without hesitation, as she wishes more people to live this experience and open up a new world with it – describing Roots with 3 words: “Feelings, life-long experience, responsibility.”

Since 2007 and ever growing, from the South to the North, from the East to the West of Europe – the Roots has always been there for those striving to make this world a better and safer place, a peaceful home for all. We go where the need is, responding quickly to the emerging issues with the legacy and mandate, capacity and adaptability gained for all these years.

By donating to the Roots, you invest in youth opinion leaders from all corners of Europe – varied by age, ethnicity, religion, race or wealth, but united with one strong conviction – Peace is the only way!

The Fifth Roots Quarterly is Issued

Although we are still in a complicated period in which it is almost impossible to have meetings or physical activities, Roots has found ways to make his presence felt and implement new actions within the parameters of its goal and objectives: promoting peace and reconciliation.

Roots Quarterly – issue 5 – covers the period of the first quarter of 2021 and is a concise, yet comprehensive account of Roots in action for the mentioned period.

Roots Quarterly – issue 5 – is available as pdf here

I am Roots: Irina Berdzenishvili

And we believe that most of these 48 Alumni managed to develop both personally and professionally as they journeyed through PWI.

Today we bring you the story of Irina, a young charming activist from Georgia.

Irina is a student at Caucasus University in Georgia, she studies humanitarian and social sciences, sociology in particular. As an amateur photographer and visual storyteller, she decided to link her profession – sociologist to her passion and to work on developing a visual sociological approach.

“Right now I am working on a project dedicated to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. My aim is to collect and present the hidden history of buildings in the old part of the city,” says Irina.

The very first contact with Roots for her was at the age of 16 as the participant of Roots Program Festival at YMCA Georgia Camp Orange in 2015. Two years later, she joined Peace Work Institute.

Before Roots, she had experience in volunteering for day centres for people with disabilities, but Roots was her first real experience with peace work.

“I can say – Roots opened up my eyes and showed me the real world. I can hardly remember myself before the project. To become a member of this huge family so young, it had a big impact on me – my professional or private attitudes, approaches and behaviours were shaped because of Roots. I became stronger in terms of knowledge, tools and most importantly – relationships and connections. It didn’t just teach me the value of peace around me and how to approach it, but also helped me to find peace in myself,” mentioned Irina.

When we asked Irina about her most special and unforgettable moment during Roots experience, she said:

“This is the kind of question that I feel thankful to be asked as various memories started shuffling in my head and put a smile on my face. I would recall the moment from the “Roof for Roots” project organized by YMCA Georgia, during which I witnessed Georgian, Armenian, and Azerbaijani teenagers dancing and singing together. It made me proud and happy as I saw the result of work done by me and my colleagues.”

As a person from a country with a complicated history, Irina would recommend the course without hesitation. She says that sometimes we don’t realise how much the environment around us harms us physically and mentally. And Roots is a place to identify the problems, start working on them and heal yourself and the society around you.

Irina spent an unforgettable time with Roots. When asked to describe the project in three words, this is what she had to say: “quality over quantity”.

Roots Peace Award 2021 Winners

It’s that special time of the year again! The time to acknowledge and celebrate our partners and supporters for the work they do, innovative ideas they develop and commitment they have shown towards the YMCA Europe Roots pursuit of peace and justice.

Despite all the turmoil and difficulties caused by global pandemic, Roots stayed the course and true to commitments made to the stakeholders and beneficiaries… Local Capacities for Peace (LCP) is the component that project partners await with particular excitement – an occasion to take the collaboration with Roots to a new level and to demonstrate the capacity to act, deliver and grow.

This year we adopted a different format in the LCP Award process due to developments in our major intervention area – South Caucasus. Devastating war fought over Nagorno Karabakh greatly affected the entire region, causing massive loss of lives, displacement and widespread destruction.

YMCA Artsakh, our long-standing partner from Nagorno Karabakh was substantially impacted as well – with several members falling victims to the war and many others made homeless and compelled to seek refuge in Armenia or elsewhere.

Obviously, Roots did not remain as a static observer to the crisis. A dedicated fundraising initiative was launched in order to provide adequate assistance to our friends and partners in need. And thanks to outstanding engagement and support from people all over the world, Roots is extremely proud to provide Special LCP Award to YMCA Artsakh – 10,000 Euros to go for trauma-healing activity “Camp for Peace” that will be organized in summer and will involve dozens of young women and men of Nagorno Karabakh that survived the war, but are still severely affected by it and suffer the consequences.

We are confident that this very relevant initiative will be one small, yet very effective step in providing a safe haven for local youth and will contribute towards rebuilding life back to normality. This is the message of Roots – wars destroy, but peace prevails! And we send this message on behalf of every individual and organization that contributed to the cause, thank you!

The regular Local Capacities for Peace Award nomination process had one single entry in 2021 – YMCA Kosovo project “e-bridge” aims to build a peace & reconciliation based youth friendly e-learning programme, accessible to young people across the continent of Europe.

“e-bridge” it is a multi-partner initiative with YMCA Ireland and YMCA Serbia as key partners and planning to use Roots training material as one of the main learning components in the process. In times of closures and restrictions, we were happy to witness YMCA Kosovo adhering to international dimension and developing the concept that responds to current circumstances, yet maintains the spirit and relevance of what Roots is about – learning through cooperation and sharing!

But our opinions have never been the only criteria for decision-making, especially in determining the LCP Award winners – Roots Peace Work Institute Alumni were the ones that granted YMCA Georgia the prize in 2020 and this year we approached them again. For apparent reasons, there was no voting in 2021, but we asked the Alumni to evaluate both projects submitted – “Camp for Peace” & “e-bridge”, inquiring about their relevance and feasibility, as well as their alignment with mission and goals of the Roots.

More than ⅔ of PWI Alumni responded to the specially designed online survey and unsurprisingly, about 80 % have expressed the confidence and endorsement for both projects. So, the floor is all yours, “Camp for Peace” & “e-bridge” – good luck, we believe in you!!

But this is not the end of the story… Building upon a wonderful tradition established last year, in 2021 YMCA Europe Executive Committee decided to give the Roots Peace non-monetary Award to our time-honored partner – The Council of Europe Youth Department for their outstanding support and collaboration over the years!

We hope to deliver the Award Medal and to express our gratitude in person as another activity showcasing our partnership is set to take place at European Youth Center Budapest in September 2021!

I am Roots: Maksym Studilko

And we believe that most of these 48 Alumni managed to develop both personally and professionally as they journeyed through PWI.

Today we bring you the story of Maksym, a young charismatic leader from Ukraine.

Maksym “Max” Studilko is a Roots Peace Work Institute Alumnus from Ukraine. He was loved by all the participants and organizers for his positive energy and kindness.

When Max first came to the Roots, he had no practical experience in peacebuilding. For many years he worked in the field of youth and non-governmental organizations, where from time to time he would come across conflicts and dealt with them in the best way he knew at that time.

However, according to Max, Roots took him to a new level in the field.

“During those two years, I learned a lot. Although peace work has not become my main profession, the knowledge and skills I have gained there have helped me in many ways, especially in my new job, as I was elected to the district council in the last local elections in Ukraine. I can patiently listen to the parties, identify the common aspects of their views and offer solutions accordingly – so that they are convenient for both parties. “

If we generalize what Roots gave to Max, the skills and knowledge will be in the first place. But many other things follow. The network is the second point mentioned by him.

“I feel how Roots’ network works. I made many new friends from different countries, got acquainted with their cultures and way of life. It helps to understand other conflicts that are outside of Ukraine. For example, recently, when the Karabakh conflict entered a new phase and war broke out, I had friends from there, and that allowed me to follow not only our local and international press but also personally follow those people, to get a more realistic picture of what was happening in that region. “

Development and education are not only scientific methods. Within the framework of Roots, the participants had the opportunity to visit 4 countries: Georgia, Germany, Hungary and Spain.

In addition to the training time, one free day was given for a day trip to the city – to visit museums or other historical and cultural sites, taste local food and learn something about the country.

Max says that as part of Roots Program Festivals he attended the International Activity at Camp Orange in Georgia, which was one of the best summer camps of his life. It was a well-organized multicultural experience that strengthened the connection between the participants.

Being from a country where unfortunately conflicts are real and personal, Roots’ values and skills were very important to Max.

The war in Ukraine created a large number of internally displaced persons in the country, with whom it was quite difficult and challenging to work. He was able to see the real needs of each person, to accept the peculiarities of their way of thinking or living and to provide appropriate support to them using the “Do No Harm” approach.

“Each of our meetings was unforgettable, full of wonderful memories and moments. One of them is the very first day when I came to the first meeting in Tbilisi (Georgia). On that day I went out on the balcony and saw three girls from Armenia on the next balcony. We talked and immediately became friends. At the end of our conversation, I made a video where the girls greet my city, Vinnytsia. That moment was unforgettable for me, It was Roots’ start, it showed how open we are to friendship and communication.

Such an unforgettable moment was one of the activities during the Toledo Reunion when everyone joined 3 songs and had to explain why each song was unique to them. It was a very personal and deep experience that made me look at everyone from a new perspective and get to know their cultures” says Max.

Asked if he would advise others to participate in the program or not – Max said – definitely! He added that people that work for the government and communicate with citizens should receive such training for better relationship building and problem-solving.

“If I describe Roots in three words, I would say – development, understanding and love. Because within this program I learned to see the unique side of each person. Roots helps us to become better, to understand and love other people and to realize that the most important thing is our safe, peaceful environment,”

Max is a 30-year-old man from Ukraine, who was included in the Top 30 under 30 by KyivPost (Annual prize awarded to selected young people that achieved something special).

YMCA response to humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh

We all have got used to hearing news of distress and tragedy on a continuous basis…. For many they already sound like mere statistical data – without even establishing the human connection to the people that are or were behind those events…

Roots has been trying hard to change this unfortunate trend – for the last 2 months the storyline of “Humans of Artsakh – Glimpse of Real War” followed the lives of ordinary young people from Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) that fell victims of a recent war – the lives that were lost or changed forever… And the video we share today is a recap of the conflict that had none and simply could not have the winner – because wars and destruction can never win, only Peace can…

These are not just words, we have the proof – YMCA Artsakh is already in preparation to hold the trauma-healing camp for local young people this summer thanks to generous contributions to their cause from all over the world – the fundraiser initiated by Roots collected thousands of Euros to be topped up by the project, so that the hope for peace lives on and triumphs – in the end!

Last, but definitely not the least – enormous credit to Lika Zakaryan, our new Media Consultant from Artsakh that brought those stories to you and herself sets and lives by best example for what we aspire for: LOVE > HATE… Always!

Arsen and Maria Nikolyan – Glimpse of Real War

The Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) war that started in September 2020 and lasted for weeks turned out to be a vivid failure of international law, order, and ideals.

Unfortunately, the conflict which claimed thousands of lives and displaced much more remained largely overlooked by international media and community alike. The young people of YMCA Artsakh, regardless of their will, became a direct part of the war.

Arsen and Maria are siblings who participated in the YMCA Artsakh 2018 camp. Generally, camp participants are selected in two stages․

First, they fill out an application form, and then they are invited for an interview. Since Arsen and Maria lived in Kovsakan, which is about 3 hours away from Stepanakert, they could not come to the capital for the interview. However, taking into account their remoteness, the organizers of YMCA-Artsakh decided to include them as an exception.

In fact, there are very few youth entertainment programs implemented in the regions of Artsakh, and YMCA Artsakh wanted to attract young people from far-flung villages who really need communication and good entertainment opportunities.

Maria, in the middle, with a cross, YMCA-Artsakh camp

In the 21st century, it seems that it is a bit difficult to surprise young people. They adapt to even the best conditions, entertainment programs or food very quickly. But the case of Arsen and Maria was different.

For Arsen it was the first camp of his life, everything was new. He was so impressed that he inspired everyone around him.

They got the most out of that camp. They enjoyed educational, leisure, sports and guitar evenings to the fullest. During such kind of moments, the organizers see that their event and all their work wasn’t in vain and they are on the right track.

The war that started on September 27 in Artsakh did not bypass their family. On October 18, they lost a close relative and their parents had gone to Armenia to attend a funeral. Arsen was at home in Kovsakan, and Maria in Stepanakert.

The mayor of Kovsakan said that everyone would be evacuated from the city soon, but there was no need to take anything special – they would leave for a few days and when the danger subsided, they would return to their homes.

For the last 20 years, they and their family have been renovating the house, building it, setting up a cosy corner cut off from the world and having a charming garden. As Arsen’s father says, they did not have time to enjoy what they have created for so many years ․․․

Everyone was evacuated. The city was soon occupied and Arsen and Maria became homeless. Now they do not know where to start or where to continue.

Maria was getting ready to start a family and got engaged in August. The wedding was planned for October, but the war started and the marriage could not take place. There is such a tradition in Armenia – the girl prepares a dowry that she takes along to her new home after marriage. Maria’s entire dowry was chosen by her and her mother, and it was to be the basis of her new family, but all of it remained in their home.

Arsen has health problems, so he was not called up to the army and did not did not take the gun. He is a cook by profession and loves his work. Despite all the vast challenges in life, Arsen is looking forward to our next camp, where he can work cook for his YMCA friends.

“The camp went so well that I could not even imagine. It was one of the best times of my life. At first, I thought there would be so many people, so many characters, all strangers. But the people were so friendly and open that I felt in my comfort zone. It was my first camp, I am looking forward to the next one. It seems to be light in the dark,” says Arsen.

An article by Lika Zakaryan, Roots for Peace Media Consultant.

The recent war over Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) left a trace of massive destruction, loss of lives and thousands fleeing for safety to Armenia that faces a large-scale humanitarian crisis as a result.

Roots is launching a campaign to raise funds in support of young people affected by this ordeal.

Please join us in our efforts to make sure these young people keep hope and faith alive… Every contribution matters! YMCA Europe pledges to double the total amount raised. Yet yours makes a real difference, as it’s not only about money but about care and responsibility! You can Donate via PayPal.

YMCA Europe Roots Peace Award 2021 – Call for nominations

In our pursuit to sustain and enhance peace-building initiatives across the continent, YMCA Europe is pleased to announce the second call for the Roots Peace Award.

This initiative is part of YMCA Europe Roots for Peace project, with Brot fur die Welt Germany as our key funding partner.

YMCA Europe member and cooperating organisations are invited to submit applications to receive the Award of € 10,000.

In doing so, the applicant organizations are expected to:

With maximum 500 words demonstrate the organisation’s contribution specifically towards YMCA Europe Roots project. Let us know what do you think was that unique footprint of your organisation that enriched the Roots so far, and now deserves due appreciation.
With maximum 500 words elaborate on the concept of the project, which you plan to implement if awarded. Let us know how far that project promotes peace and whether it is in line with YMCA Europe Roots’ theory of change and what innovation it offers. Please indicate clearly who are the target group(s) benefiting from the initiative.
Indicate the estimated project budget, and whereby over € 10,000, provide clear information on co-funding sources and guarantees.
Provide a piece of visual material (free style) exhibiting your case for further use in YMCA Europe Roots online platforms.

The applications have to be submitted by February 28th, 2021, through email to YMCA Europe Executive Secretary – Vardan Hambardzumyan.

The shortlisted applications will be nominated for final selection through online voting exclusively by YMCA Europe Roots Peace Work Institute Alumni by March 21st, 2021.

The award ceremonies are to take place within YMCA Europe General Assemblies.

Disbursement of the Award funds is subject to a formal agreement to be signed between YMCA Europe and laureate organisation, assuming the following responsibilities for the recipient organisation:

As part of the contracting process, to provide YMCA Europe with an implementation plan, timeframe and budget breakdown of the granted project.
Upon the completion of the project, to provide YMCA Europe with a narrative report, including the list of participants, summary evaluations (if available), and visual (video, photo, publications, etc.) materials.
Upon the completion of the project, to provide YMCA Europe with financial reports, incl. the proofs of expenditure (receipts, checks, etc.) and/or audit resolution.
Ensure the visibility of Roots for Peace Project with the YMCA Europe Roots logo, as well as the reference to the Roots Peace Award to appear on any document, publication, website, etc. linked to the project.
The 75 % of the award sum will be disbursed prior to the planned activity; the remaining 25 % will be released to the implementing organization only upon the fulfilment of the above-mentioned requirements.
During the following two years the laureate organisation will not be eligible to reapply for the YMCA Europe Roots Peace Award.

2020 was the inaugural year of YMCA Europe Roots Peace Award. After a highly competitive and participatory process YMCA Georgia was selected to receive it. Their proposed “Roof for Roots” award project was successfully implemented in August 2020, notwithstanding all the limitations and challenges caused by Covid-19 pandemic. Learn more

Roof for Roots – When the roots are deep, there are no reasons to fear the wind

Harut Petrosyan – Glimpse of Real War

The Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) war that started in September 2020 and lasted for weeks turned out to be a vivid failure of international law, order, and ideals.

Harut Petrosyan, from Harut’s Facebook page

Lilit and Harut were one of the most beloved couples in Stepanakert and the YMCA-Artsakh. The whole city admired their love and company.

In 2017, YMCA-Artsakh organized a camp within the framework of the Roots for Reconciliation program, which was named “Camp for Hope”. Yes, the goal of the camp was to bring hope for peace to the young people in the conflict region for at least a week. Unfortunately, that peace could not be permanent․․․

Harut and Lilit were the only couple in the camp who were married. In general, the camp tents were divided into “for girls” and “for boys”. For Harut and Lilit, however, an exception was made; they had their own tent, as their little forest home, because they were already a family, they were creating a cosy home everywhere they went.

Harut and Lilit in front of their tent, or their forest house

Their warmth and energy moved everyone. While the majority were dancing or engaged in other entertainment programs, they played intellectual games with a group of young people.

Every time someone was near them, a person’s head would spin from their difficult, but at the same time, interesting games. Thus they formed an intellectual team as if they were in their own world. And then, upon many requests, they explained the meaning of those games to the rest, the whole camp fell in love with them.

Even after the camp, they kept in touch and gathered to continue their favourite games.

Harut and Lilit with YMCA-Artsakh members in the camp

Such were Lilit and Harut, full of love and warmth. Every time someone met them, so much love was conveyed that a person instantly became inspired with their positive energy.

A wedding picture of Harut and Lilit, from their Facebook page

After some time, the new member joined the family – Alexandra. Of course, parents always love their children, but especially Harut’s love for her was felt even through ordinary Facebook pictures․․․ The father-daughter relationship is very special, that was theirs.

Harut and Alexandra, from Harut’s Facebook page

The unfortunate September, when the Artsakh war started, did not pass by Lilit and Harut’s happy family․․․

Harut did what he thought was right to defend his family and home… And he sacrificed his life for it… He was injured, he was in a coma. Everyone was praying, hoping, and confident that Harut would wake up because he always did, always raised as a phoenix. Not this time․․․

On November 11, Harut woke up no more, leaving behind him only wonderful memories and pride for his beautiful wife, who is crazily in love with him, and his little daughter.

Sometimes in the movies, it often ends with the death of the main character, and they don’t show the pain that the closest people of him have to live with.

But this is not a movie, after death the worst begins – life without a loved one. Sometimes when it is written in the film after such an incident – “six years later”, they do not show the worst. They show the wife of the main character who is already standing up on her feet and starts to live again.

I wish it was possible to press such a button in life, to make it easier to feel those feelings. But it is not possible, we are here now, we live in the moment, and Lilit is left without the love of her life, and little Alexandra is without her father․․․

Alexandra, 2.6-years-old
– Mom, where is dad?
– In the sky, near the moon and stars.
– Where your dad also is?
– Yes.
– Will I see him only during the nights?
– No, also when you close your eyes, you will see him in your dreams…
#onemonthwithoutyou
From the Facebook page of Lilit

An article by Lika Zakaryan, Roots for Peace Media Consultant.

The recent war over Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) left a trace of massive destruction, loss of lives and thousands fleeing for safety to Armenia that faces a large-scale humanitarian crisis as a result.

Roots is launching a campaign to raise funds in support of young people affected by this ordeal.

Tamar Sargsyan – Glimpse of Real War

The Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) war that started in September 2020 and lasted for weeks turned out to be a vivid failure of international law, order, and ideals. Unfortunately, the conflict which claimed thousands of lives and displaced much more remained largely overlooked by international media and community alike. The young people of YMCA Artsakh, regardless of their will, became a direct part of the war.

Tamar Sargsyan is one of those young people of the YMCA-Artsakh that carry very important values, such as kindness, devotion and care.

After studying in the History Faculty, she chose the direction of art in history and became an Armenian national dance teacher. This is what she was doing also during YMCA-Artsakh’s Camp for Peace. Gathering everyone and showing simple dance steps and movements.

Everybody loved that, because even people who always thought they could not dance were able to repeat her moves and get motivated. These dances next to the fire on cosy evenings are much more than just activities. They are ice breakers, connectors which bring people together. So, her art therapy was so loved by the participants, that they were asking to do it every evening.

Tamar Sargsyan in the YMCA-Artsakh’s Camp for peace (the first from the left side)

This is who Tamar is – a connector. She was always saying that children in the regions of Artsakh don’t have to be discriminated against as they didn’t have a dance teacher. They also have a right to learn dancing. Then Tamar decided to go to regions herself and teach these children what is culture and art.

When the Artsakh war started in September 2020, she could not just sit idly by. Public activities could not be organized; Many women soon moved from Stepanakert because the city was constantly bombed and was not safe.

As a result, there was a shortage of women in the city, including the bread bakers. Tamar did not leave Stepanakert, volunteering in different places and eventually started working in a bakery. She toiled for many days to provide the simple civilians with bread.

“We were doing what was up to us, at that moment we needed it, together with my friends, I thought we should do whatever was required of us in order to support civilians in the bunkers.”

With those thoughts, Tamar woke up at 6 in the morning, went to the bakery, and came home at one o’clock in the morning. The word fatigue did not exist for her.

One fateful day, Stepanakert was bombed with cluster bombs, and it happened right before her. She was going home with two friends after a long and hard-working day. Tamar is originally from the village of Hovtashen and she lived in a rented flat in Stepanakert – right next to the electricity station that was a constant target for missile attacks. As a result, multiple houses were destroyed from the face of the earth.

One of those explosions took place right in front of them․․․ That was an awful feeling – fear… When you think that these moments are last in your life… But who wants to die? All of us have so many plans, dreams, we want to live and make them true, and not to die in a war, coming back from work… They couldn’t stay in Stepanakert anymore, her apartment was also damaged, so she found a shelter in Armenia…

Fishing in her village, photo by Lika Zakaryan

The village in which Tamar lived, Hovtashen was handed over to Azerbaijan in November. That means, she is now homeless. Her family started a new life after the first war, built their house, finally improved it during all these years, worked hard to have a normal life, and they succeeded. But now they are obliged to leave․․․ When you grow up in a house, where all your childhood, memories, photo albums are… The place where you started walking, got your first scar, learned to love… All these are taken from you, and that can break people down…

A view from Tamar’s window, Hovtashen. Photo by Lika Zakaryan

This is how war changes lives. From a positive girl, sharing art and love, she became a displaced person without a home…

But let me finish this story with Tamar’s own words:

“I am displaced, but not destroyed!”

An article by Lika Zakaryan, Roots for Peace Media Consultant.

The recent war over Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) left a trace of massive destruction, loss of lives and thousands fleeing for safety to Armenia that faces a large-scale humanitarian crisis as a result.

Roots is launching a campaign to raise funds in support of young people affected by this ordeal.