We say farewell to 2020 with Quarterly 4 edition of our regular account to the Roots followers.
There was a lot going on during October – December, so please check it out!
The fourth Quarterly is available in pdf version here.
Srbuhi Balayan – 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.
Today we will tell you about a girl who lost not only her home because of the war, but much, much more․․․
Srbuhi is a 24-year-old actress from Hadrut (Artsakh). She is one of the most talented and beautiful human beings of the YMCA Artsakh. In 2018, she became the star of the theater group of the YMCA Artsakh’s “Camp for Peace”, infecting everyone with her creativity and positive energy.
On September 27, when the war started, Srbuhi was in Yerevan (capital of Armenia) because she had been studying and working there. But her whole family was in Hadrut (Artsakh), her hometown. At the beginning of October, the opponent was already approaching Hadrut, as they managed to break through in that direction.
Soon the town came under the control of Azerbaijan, and Srbuhi and her family received a new status – homeless, displaced people. People who have no home anymore, but have a big heart and a great belief for the future․․․ Do you know how it is – not to belong to anything?!…
For Srbuhi, the challenges of the war were not over with the loss of her home. Her boyfriend had left for the front lines in the first days of the war. Everyone knew about their love, true love, filled with care and madness.
Some time later, since October 15, there has been no news from him at all. She didn’t lose hope, she was constantly waiting, she believed. Srbuhi was looking for Hayk in all the lists, whether it was the dead, the captives (prisoners of war), or the missing. She prayed day and night that even if he was a prisoner, he would be alive․․․
Everyone was saying that so much time had passed, it was impossible for him to be alive․․․ She did not listen to anyone. And then, after the new year, which Srbuhi, her family, and all the people they knew didn’t celebrate this year, the news came. He was found. Rather, what was left of him. He was no more… Along with her home in Hadrut, Srbuhi also lost Hayk – her personal home…
That is it, that is the war. The best way to truly get to know war is to move from global war to a war of a one specific, concrete person. In this case, Srbuhi’s war with life, which took away her most precious ․․․
November 24, Waiting
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 Facebook or PayPal.
Lika Zakaryan – Let the piano play again!
It was in Budapest a few years ago… We were there at European Youth Center for Roots “P.E.A.C.E.” Study Session, 35 young people from 17 European countries together in a safe space for dialogue, creativity and inspiration…
Once, during the break between the sessions I went down to go out in the yard – it was September with beautiful warm weather outside, so most participants took every opportunity to enjoy it at intervals. That particular time, however, I did not make it past the porch… Passing through the lobby, I heard beautiful sounds and then saw almost the entire group of ours standing around the piano in the lobby, with two girls seated by it and playing… At first I did not recognize them from distance, but after a few steps forward I knew exactly who they were – Lika from Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) & Parvin from Azerbaijan…
I wish I had taken a photo of them… And I am not sure anyone present there did – music and these two girls playing the piano together was what mattered most to all, I guess…
Now Lika is in Stepanakert, her hometown that suffers from aerial and artillery shelling on a daily basis – the only safe places being underground bunkers and that’s where she found her temporary shelter, refusing to abandon the place where she was born and grew up…
How do I know all these?! Lika keeps the diary where she shares her emotions – love, anger, passion, despair… Sincere feelings of a young girl that has been to several of the Roots events and always stole the show with her positive vibes and personality…
And so she is, until today… Positive, full of life… No matter what!… Read her diary… She really is!
“…Then I asked my dad to give me a ride to my office… On September 22, it was our cameraman’s birthday. I had gotten a present for him – fish. I wanted these fish to share our space. When the war broke out, we were still going to the office, to feed them, under the shelling. But after he got drafted, I couldn’t go anymore, (the city had been bombed heavily and I was alone), and I thought our fish had gone. That thought hurt a lot. So, I went into the office, to the aquarium. The fish were there, but they didn’t move. I kept saying in my mind “Be alive, please, be alive!”
They did not move. And I thought – this is it, so many days, without food. How will I live with such a sin in my heart? I mean, they only recently became members of our office, our second home. I sat next to them, almost crying and suddenly, I saw them move. One fish moved, then another… I jumped up, hugged the aquarium and started crying. I hurried to give them their food and was begging them to see the food and eat it. They saw, they ate. I decided not to leave them alone any more and took them. They are in my shelter now, until their owner returns…
This fish story is a true sign for me today, that we should not lose hope. Even when it seems there is no one, life can reward us a surprise and give us strength to live.”
Inspiring, Isn’t it?! Amidst all the destruction, fear and grief around her…
“…Today, I live in a war and wait for it to end. All of us, I guess. Life seems to have stopped. We do not remember what day of the week, date, hour… I don’t know when the war will end, do you? And so, I decided to learn how to live during the war, and not merely exist until it ends. I really hope that it will be very soon, but for now, I will look for good signs every day and feed the fish.”
Please read it… Lika’s Diary… As It’s not just her story, she speaks for many, many more all over the world… For millions of those girls and boys, women and men that seek Peace… Something that many of us take for granted, but the story is so different for the others…
But Roots goes on… And It won’t be long before Lika and Parvin sit side by side again by the piano to play… We believe in it.. And will do our best to make it happen!
And it would be great to do it together with you! Please support Roots to get that piano playing again!
Why to donate to Roots for Peace?
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!
Author: Rezi Shavladze
The Third Roots Quarterly is Issued
Roots stays the course amidst the trying times that all of us have to navigate through…
The Third Quarterly Issue is a concise, yet comprehensive account of Roots in action for the period of July – September 2020.
Have a good read!
The third Quarterly is available in pdf version here.
Roots making a difference!
These testimonials from “Roof for Roots” participants acquire an extra special meaning with recent developments in South Caucasus Region…
These are sincere feelings of young women and men that strive to live, love and progress together… and in peace – the only way!
“Skills, fun, multicultural environment, integration, bonding, challenging & overcoming stereotypes – this is Roots! ” – Rima Marangozyan – 21 Years Old; Ethnic Armenian; Student of Journalism at Tbilisi State University
“Roots is where expectations are exceeded… And we, coming from different ethnic groups learn about each other and how to work together. This is how you become the true citizen of your country. ” Anvar Jafarov – 21 years Old; Ethnic Azerbaijani; Student of Medicine at Tbilisi State University
“All the activities we do here are fun… but with deep meaning – for communication, for team-building, for trust, for making new friends! I feel cared for and appreciated and always want to come back.” Keti Kobiashvili – 18 Years Old; Ethnic Georgian; 12th Grade at School; Volunteer at Telavi YMCA
„Roots is where I felt welcome and that I belong… That I am not the only one with challenges in life; and that I can overcome them… It is where all the activities are inspired with the atmosphere of love. I am happy now! “ – Chinara Kojaeva – 20 Years Old; Ethnic Azerbaijani; Works at Innovations & Reforms Center in Tbilisi
“Roots has become a big part of my life… Here we are all equal. And every time I go home, I feel like a better person!” – Salome Kalabegashvili – 18 Years Old; Ethnic Georgian; Volunteer of Tbilisi YMCA & Student at Tbilisi Agricultural University
“Roots is a space that helps to learn and grow. I am taking great new ideas to my youth organization!” – Aram Akopyan – 26 Years Old; Ethnic Armenian; Village youth association leader and football team trainer
“Be a Voice, not an Echo” Study Session Planning Team Online Meeting
The preparations for the Roots International Program Festival “Be a Voice, not an Echo” to be held in cooperation with the Council of Europe at European Youth Center Budapest (EYCB) on November 29-December 05, 2020 continue in full mode – despite the uncertainty with COVID19 still gripping tight the entire European Continent.
The Planning Team held the online meeting with the representatives of EYCB: Natalia Chardymova – The Educational Advisor & Dani Prisacariu – The External Trainer for the Study Session on September 25th, 2020.
The main discussion points focused on the current situation and regulations in the host country (Hungary) regarding the pandemic and subsequent limitations for participants from different parts of Europe to gain uncomplicated entry.
Upon detailed analysis and exchange of opinions, it was unanimously determined to go ahead with the original plan (Preparation of Program; Open Call for & Recruitment of Participants, etc.) while monitoring the evolving trend regarding the spread of the virus and resultant steps taken by authorities across the continent – EYCB has total trust in the capacity and expertise of Roots and the Planning Team to do what it takes to produce yet another “Game Changer” Activity for its beneficiaries with all health and safety measures in mind and observed.
Because and despite the challenges – we, the Roots have to always be a Voice, not an Echo!
We all carry Peace in our hearts… And some of us take it to Expertise level!
Almost five years passed since I graduated from the Roots Peace Work Institute and today I am very proud to be chosen for the Chevening Award – one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world.
The scholarship will give me an opportunity to pursue my scholarly interests and study MSc Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict at Birkbeck, University of London.
This Master degree considers how ethnic, national, and religious identities intersect and how they cause conflict and violence within and among states. The South Caucasus has a multitude of diverse cultural, religious, and ethnic groups. For this reason, the Caucasus region has attracted international attention for its numerous ethno-territorial conflicts.
Unfortunately, to date, neither the countries of the South Caucasus nor the international community has been able to identify a viable political model for conflict resolution. Transforming the conflicts and strengthening democratization processes in Georgia and the wider region will be a long and difficult process. Georgia has two established ethno-territorial conflicts.
Therefore, it is crucially important to get involved so that the tensions involving national minorities do not develop into increased conflict. It is equally important to identify and address the causes of ethnic tensions and conflicts. Of course, particular attention also has to be paid to those external players who have an interest in destabilization, as well as those who are committed to global cooperation, peace, and security.
Chevening offers a unique opportunity for future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from all over the world to develop professionally and academically, networkextensively, experience UK culture, and build lasting positive relationships with the UK. Chevening has supported the development of incredible and talented professionals and their careers.
Among the Chevening alumni, you would find presidents, prime ministers, CEO, diplomats, and social leaders from all over the world, and in every field of expertise. That has made Chevening Scholarships an attractive brand.
Kristi Arakelova
Peace Work Institute Alumna
International Day of Peace
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21st.
The 2020 theme is “Shaping Peace Together”.
It should be within the paramount interest of the global community to contribute towards building the peace, as it represents the basis of prosperity and progress. And it is essential to address the issue at grassroots level, since it is impossible to achieve real peace until the society is prepared and ready for it.
That is why it is important to sustain and expand peace-building activities to the maximum level possible – ensuring wider outreach and impact. Therefore, it is crucial to grant young people with as many opportunities as possible to be involved in dialogues, peace-building and conflict resolution initiatives and actions.
Youth drastically need the platforms where their voices will be heard; their priorities will be taken into account; and where they can elaborate and implement projects that may and will tackle the root causes of conflicts – stereotypes, misunderstanding & lack of trust.
In this period when social distancing is more and more present, when face-to-face meetings are almost impossible at the international level, there are still ways to collaborate and together promote the ideals of the International Day of Peace.
Pdf version available here.
Check out the statistics here.
We all carry Peace in our hearts… And some of us take it to Expertise level!
“Since joining the roots family almost a decade ago I’ve continued researching and practicing in the field of youth and peace work. Currently I’m in the final year of a PhD research project (Ulster University in Northern Ireland) examining how youth work practitioners in Northern Ireland orient themselves towards the politics of peace-building.
The research acknowledges the influential contribution of youth work practitioners in societies navigating conflict legacies. Different perspectives are identified on what the primary focus of peace-building with young people should be, reflecting distinctive ideological positions.
The research adds to the ongoing conversation on approaches to peace work with youth. Critical questions are raised regarding neoliberal agendas that seek to depoliticise transformative peace work with young people.”
Andy Hamilton, Vice President YMCA Ireland
Peace Work Institute Alumni
Roof for Roots follow-up online meeting
“Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” – Mattie Stepanek
Upon successful implementation of “Roof for Roots” project in August by YMCA Georgia within the framework of YMCA Europe Roots Peace Award project component, the Roots Staff Team conducted a follow-up online meeting with the group of young leaders that made the activity happen on all of its stages.
The conversation was structured and moderated with the main purpose to obtain the feedback, share experiences, make conclusions and receive recommendations for the future Peace Awards to take place in 2021 & 2022.
Along with very positive experiences overall and the relevance of the topic for all engaged beneficiaries, for each YMCA Georgia young leader the highlight of “Roof for Roots” has unanimously been the opportunity to grow as an individual and a team member – for many of them it being the first time to take the full responsibility over managing the activity. And from the organizational perspective, it was a big step forward in terms of visibility, positioning and relevance.
Half (3) of YMCA Georgia Leaders’ Team comprised the Roots Peace Work Institute (PWI) Alumni that were eligible to vote for the projects in 2020.
Their recommendation is to adhere to the same system for the Peace Award contests in the following 2 years, as being entitled to vote forms part of the general empowerment process for PWI Alumni and enhances the sense of responsibility and belonging towards the Roots.