The latest edition of Roots Ecosystem Quarterly, Issue #21, is now available, offering an in-depth retrospective of the events and activities that took place in April, May, June 2025. This comprehensive report can be accessed in PDF format for your perusal.
The Roots Flagship Returns: Join the Next Peace Work Institute Cohort
The highly anticipated Roots Flagship program is back! We’re excited to announce the call for applications for a new cohort of the Peace Work Institute (PWI).
The PWI is a key component of YMCA Europe Roots for Peace program, with the aim to empower youth workers and opinion leaders in acting for change in their organizations and communities as multipliers of peace culture and movement.
It will be a one-year-long scheme requiring commitment of minimum two weeks for residential activities, plus several online meetings and specific homework assignments, specifically:
- Online Induction Workshop(s) to the course;
- One-week-long residential training session in Dresden (Germany): October 27 – November 02, 2025.
- Inter-session Online Workshop(s);
- One-week-long residential training session in Tbilisi (Georgia): March 02 – 08, 2026.
The participants will:
- learn and practice the Roots in-house conflict transformation know-how based on Do No Harm approach;
- gain life-skills in critical thinking and complex problem-solving;
- be empowered and equipped for leadership and social influence;
- make friends, relationships and networking across Europe and beyond.
After graduation, nominated participants will be invited to the Roots Expert Pool Meeting to be held in Malta on September 18 – 21, 2026. All costs covered. The selection will be based on their ongoing and active involvement in grassroots level conflict transformation projects.
The call will be open until September 1st, 2025. Those applicants that require the visa to enter Germany should apply before August 1st, 2025. The PWI Planning Team will carry out the final selection of the participants, so that those enrolled are notified by September 20th, 2025.
The criteria of selection will be entirely merit-based, regardless of nationality, race, religion and gender. There will not be an age limit, however we expect the majority of participants to be young.
We’re looking for applicants who are highly motivated to learn about and engage in peace work, can commit to attending the entire program and are prepared to share the acquired knowledge and skills with their respective community. Good command of English language is a requirement.
Endorsement and pledged mentoring support from sending organizations will be highly appreciated.
Cost Responsibilities, Fundraising And Subsidies
YMCA Europe will fully cover the following cost related to both the residential sessions:
- Board and lodging.
- International and local travel costs, including visa.
- Program costs, including expertise.
We estimate that each participant will cost the total of 3 000 EUR minimum. However, thanks to donor support secured, the registration fee for this series (both sessions) of PWI is only 500 EUR. This is set for participants from Europe, the registration fee for participants outside Europe will be a matter of a separate agreement. The fee should be paid in advance.
Our philosophy is that everyone who can pay, should pay. However, we understand that this isn’t always feasible. We actively fundraise to support participants who require further financial assistance, but this is an ongoing and often unpredictable process. If you or your organization shares our belief in the value of the PWI program, we invite you to partner with us through financial support. We are committed to ensuring that no one is excluded from the program due to a lack of resources. Therefore, financial support will always be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, working with each participant and sending organization to find a suitable solution together.
The Team
The PWI was piloted more than a decade ago and is run by dedicated staff members and team of trainers that are very experienced in creating safe spaces and ensuring the program’s continued high standards.
The curriculum is built on a rich foundation of knowledge, drawing from the impressive pool of experts within the Roots project. Wolfgang Heinrich and Ankica Dragin, authors of the Roots Peacework Guidebook will directly deliver key content for this series.
Since its inception, the PWI has successfully completed three series, empowering over 70 alumni from across Europe. Many of these alumni have gone on to achieve significant expertise, to be applied within the current scheme delivery and mentorship.
Good Luck! We are looking forward to having you with us!
Relight the Fire: The Friendship Torch Story
If you had told me a few months ago that I would be relighting a 99-year-old torch, I might have smiled politely and nodded. However, here I am — holding a symbol that had once lit the night sky in 1926, passed from hand to hand at the first post-war YMCA World Conference in Helsinki.
My hands are steady, the participants silent… it’s time to relight the torch! This moment at the closing ceremony of a summer camp here in Kosovo was quiet, but it carried the weight of nearly a century of hope, pain, peacebuilding, and above all — friendship.
The story of the “Friendship Torch” begins in a time of great upheaval. It was 1926, just after the devastation of World War I. Representatives from 52 nations gathered to ask difficult questions, including: How can the YMCA be involved in peace-building and prevent future conflicts? This wasn’t just a conference. It was a turning point. For the first time, young people were full delegates instead of a parallel conference. For the first time, speeches gave way to small groups and shared voices… then on the final night, they lit a fire — a literal one — called the Fire of Friendship.
Senior leaders passed torches to the younger generation. One by one, the boys raised their flames and declared in their own languages:
“We leave this fire with a vision of a great Christian fellowship, conscious of difference but resolved to love.” — Shedd, 1955
That fire has flickered quietly for decades. One of those torches, signed by international friends, found a home in Greater Des Moines Y Camp, where it stayed as a focal point of youth programming for 99 years.
Earlier this year, in a moment that was completely unexpected, I received the torch from my friend Alex Kretzinger, Y Camp Director, with the blessing of Vardan Hambardzumyan, YMCA Europe at the Campacity training. The torch passed to Kosovo and it’s not just a heritage item. It’s a challenge. A reminder. A question asked 99 years ago that still echoes loudly in our times:
How will we be the bridge? How will we be involved in peace building?
As the relit torch passed around the circle of young people, at the first summer camp.in Kosovo it was a special and unique moment. I am sure this torch was relit many times at the Y Camp in Iowa but seeing it now pass around young people in Kosovo for the first time is a moment (and story) we will tell for many years to come.
Written by Adrian Davies, Camp Europe Media Consultant
YMCA Roots for Peace: Unforgettable Charity Fair of Art and Culture
On June 28 and 29, within YMCA Europe Roots for Peace Artsakh Exodus Response Rootsmade Charity Fair was organised in support of war affected artisans from Syrian-Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as Middle East. Held near the Republic Square, downtown Yerevan, the fair brought together 30 talented craftspeople presenting their work rich with Armenian patterns, ornaments, and history.
The two-day charity fair’s mission remained unchanged – to bring a new light to neglected artistry and preserve cultural heritage. The vibrant atmosphere captivated both locals and tourists of the capital with vendors eagerly engaging passersby in the process of their craft.
Zita Avagimyan is from Artsakh. After the war, she relocated to Yerevan with a goal – to open her own bakery. Today, she is the founder of Kro Bakery. In the Artsakh dialect “kro” means unbreakable. “I chose that name on purpose,” she says. “It perfectly describes the people of Artsakh – resilient, strong-willed, and unbreakable.”
Zita participates in various events and festivals. During the charity fair, she was invited to lead a masterclass teaching passersby how to prepare “Jengyalov Hats” (ժենգյալով հաց), a traditional Artsakh dish involving a flatbread called “lavash” and more than 10 different types of greens.
Armine Gasparyan is part of the Artsakh Artisans Center in Armenia. Her expertise involves the knitting of national socks and the weaving of traditional, Armenian carpets. During the fair, Armine led the carpet weaving masterclass, teaching the technique of creating an identifying piece of Armenian culture.
Organized by the Roots for Peace Program, the charity fair also involved the invaluable support of the YMCA Generation Next Scholarship holders. The student volunteers worked to promote the event, organized contests, and provided guidance and translation to tourists visiting the fair.
The event was accompanied with live music performance by the talented Artsakh youth creating a memorable ending to the cultural celebration.
Please see the reportage on the link below:
Access and Opportunity: Two Digital Hubs Launched Through the Roots Artsakh Exodus Response
As part of the YMCA Europe Roots Artsakh Exodus Response, two fully equipped digital hubs have been officially launched in Armenia through support from HP Hope. These hubs are hosted by two trusted partner organizations: YMCA Artsakh and the Artsakh Artisans Center, both of which have been actively engaged in long-term recovery and development programs for displaced communities.
This initiative is rooted in Roots’ mission to provide sustainable, community-based solutions for those affected by conflict and displacement. The creation of the digital hubs represents a strategic investment in education, skill-building, and digital inclusion, all of which are essential for restoring stability and opportunity for displaced people of Nagorno-Karabakh.
YMCA Artsakh, active in youth and community support since 2007, reached a new chapter with the opening of its permanent center on May 30, 2025—a milestone made possible by the YMCA Europe Roots for Peace project as well as generous support from Armenians Unified and other donors.
The new YMCA Artsakh Center will serve as a space for personal and professional development, offering programs tailored to displaced youth and families. Thanks to HP’s donation of laptops, the center is now equipped to function as a digital hub, providing access to the internet, digital tools like certified online courses, and training opportunities.
This permanent space strengthens YMCA Artsakh’s ability to deliver consistent support, expand its educational and psychosocial programming, and respond to the evolving needs of its community.
The second hub has been established at the Artsakh Artisans Center, a long-term partner of Roots for Peace since 2020. Having already implemented three projects under the Artsakh Exodus Response—focused on empowering displaced women—the center is now integrating digital education and creative technology into its programs.
The hub will provide access to online learning platforms and digital tools, opening new avenues for students previously focused on art skills. This is a key step in supporting sustainable self-reliance and professional development for displaced individuals.
Together, these two digital hubs are more than just physical spaces—they are tangible outcomes of Roots for Peace’s mission to support recovery through local leadership and inclusive opportunity. While contributions such as HP’s laptop donation made the technological setup possible, it is the vision and dedication of community organizations and the Artsakh Exodus Response initiative that drive lasting impact.
By investing in local partners, Roots for Peace continues to help build resilient, future-ready communities where displaced individuals can reconnect, learn, and rebuild with dignity and hope.
Grand Opening of YMCA Artsakh Center in Armenia
On May 30, 2025, YMCA Artsakh hosted the official opening and celebration of its new center. Located in the capital of Armenia, the center serves as a dedicated space for personal and professional growth of the Artsakh youth affected by war.
YMCA Artsakh President Davit Melkumyan welcomed guests with an opening speech emphasizing the importance of the center and its role in reinforcing advancement and continuous involvement in YMCA Artsakh activities.
The center opening has been realized through close partnerships with YMCA Europe Roots for Peace Program and Armenians Unified. An appreciative remark was extended to YMCA Europe Executive Secretary Vardan Hambardzumyan and Armenian Unified Board Member Argo Keshishyan as representatives of the respective organizations.
“Artsakh youth has been and always will be active participants in YMCA. This center is home and a safe space. Anyone who has been part of YMCA camps knows that this is the best gift we can provide,” Vardan Hambardzumyan noted.
The opening ceremony continued with a tour of the space and an introduction of a newly established partnership with HP Hope. The center is equipped with 14 computers donated by HP and YMCA Europe to encourage digital literacy and provide access to educational resources. These new developments will play a crucial role in training both hard and soft skills of Artsakh youth and preparing them for the workforce.
The event concluded with a reception and celebration of the long-anticipated accomplishment. More than a hub for professional development, the center is a space for the community to come together, exchange ideas, and collectively strengthen YMCA Artsakh.
THE 20TH ROOTS ECOSYSTEM QUARTERLY IS ISSUED
The latest edition of Roots EcosystemQuarterly, Issue #20, is now available, offering an in-depth retrospective of the events and activities that took place in January, February, March 2025. This comprehensive report can be accessed in PDF format for your perusal.
Rootsmade Initiative: Preserving Cultural Heritage & Launching a Digital Hub
On April 16th, Roots for Peace celebrated the successful completion of their ‘National Sockknitting’ project within Rootsmade initiative while simultaneously celebrating the newly launched Digital Hub dedicated to the further personal and professional development of Nagorno-Karabakh refugees. Thanks to the generous support of HP, YMCA Artsakh and Artsakh Artisans Union each received 14 laptops marking an exciting transition to digital empowerment.
The idea of the sockknitting program originated from the Hadrut Creative Center after discussions around traditional costumes. Despite the challenging technique of the craft, each of the 18 participants completed two pairs of socks during the two-month program, with some handcrafted items sent to program sponsors.
“This program allows us not only to preserve this craft but to pass it on to the next generations. We cannot allow our national culture to disappear,” emphasized Gohar Ohanyan, the Roots & Next Foundation representative.
Participants were so enthusiastic that they organized additional sessions outside regular hours to continue knitting. The course involved female participants of different ages providing an opportunity to dive deeper into the neglected craft. This marks the third collaborative program between the organizations, with the primary goal of providing each participant with a source of income.
During the certificate ceremony, one participant expressed: “I’m very happy that the organization is helping us maintain and develop our Artsakh heritage. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to revive this aspect of Artsakh culture.”
The traditional sock patterns, known as “shatal,” feature detailed designs. Some include bird motifs (bird-shaped shatals), while the main patterns incorporate carpet designs originally created in Hadrut.
Through the partnership with HP Hope Program, beneficiaries will have resources for personal and professional development courses, certified training programs, and technical education in English. With the aim to create more inclusive opportunities by equipping vulnerable communities with technological tools and knowledge, the cooperation with HP will build pathways for beneficiaries to fully participate in our increasingly digital world.
“This program has increased our resilience during these difficult times. Together, we are trying to preserve Artsakh’s cultural heritage and maintain connection to our roots,” noted Vardan Hambardzumyan, YMCA Europe Executive Secretary.
The Artsakh Artisans Union’s next initiative will focus on embroidered textile works. The instructor, Nadezhda, presented the first embroidered tablecloth to Gohar Ohanyan as a gift. These works will gradually be compiled into a guidebook for future artisans.
The event concluded with touching words from a participant from Nagorno-Karabakh: “It’s important that we live, but it’s much more important that others give us reason to live.”
Through this transition from traditional crafts to digital tools, Roots for Peace continues to empower communities while honoring cultural heritage – creating pathways for sustainable development and preserving invaluable traditions.
The National Sockknitting event was covered by national television of Armenia. The full video is available here.
Generation Next Scholarship Holders Gear Up for a Memorable Event
The vibrant energy of collaboration filled the air at YMCA Georgia Camp Orange as YMCA Europe’s Generation Next Scholarship holders from Georgia came together for a productive Induction meeting from April 25th to 27th, 2025. The three-day gathering served as a crucial platform for these young leaders to lay the groundwork for the highly anticipated Multinational Georgia summer camp, scheduled to take place from August 15th to 21st, 2025.
The Generation Next induction meeting brought together a diverse group of project beneficiaries, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to the table. The primary objectives of the session were twofold: to elaborate on the activity program for the summer camp and to allocate specific tasks and responsibilities amongst the scholarship holders.
Over the course of the weekend, participants engaged in dynamic brainstorming sessions, drawing upon their individual experiences and the core values of the YMCA to shape a compelling and enriching camp experience for future attendees. Discussions revolved around creating a balanced program that fosters intercultural understanding, promotes personal growth and encourages active participation from young people of various ethnic backgrounds.
The participants explored potential activities ranging from interactive workshops on cultural exchange and conflict resolution to engaging outdoor adventures and creative expression sessions. The group also elaborated the logistical aspects of each proposed activity, ensuring feasibility and alignment with the camp’s overarching goals.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the strategic allocation of tasks. Recognizing the diverse talents within the cohort, they divided responsibilities across various areas, including program development, logistics and administration, communication and on-site support. This collaborative approach ensured that each aspect of the summer camp would be managed effectively and efficiently.
The spirit of teamwork and shared ownership was present throughout the meeting. Each scholarship holder demonstrated a strong commitment to making the Multinational Georgia summer camp a resounding success:
“It’s inspiring to see the dedication and passion of these young leaders,” commented Salome Kalabegashvili, one of the senior leaders of YMCA Georgia. “Their commitment to creating a meaningful experience for the summer camp participants is truly remarkable. This working meeting has laid a strong foundation for a really impactful event.”
Eventually, the Generation Next Scholarship holders emerged with a robust vision for the Multinational Georgia summer camp, a well-defined activity program and a clear understanding of their individual and collective responsibilities. The energy and enthusiasm generated during these three days at Camp Orange promise an exciting and impactful summer camp experience for everyone involved. We are all looking forward to the week of intercultural exchange, learning and growth – as it has always been the case!
Open Call to Host: YMCA Campacity 2026
Be the next destination for Europe’s most inspiring YMCA camp gathering!
DEADLINE: May 18th 2025
We’re inviting applications to host the 3rd edition of YMCA Campacity, an international camping conference that connects YMCA leaders and camp professionals from across Europe and the USA. After energizing editions in Spain (2024) and Germany (2025), we’re looking ahead to 2026 — and your YMCA could be the next home for this growing community!
🌍 About YMCA Campacity
Campacity is more than just a camping conference — it’s a space for exchange, learning, collaboration, and inspiration. Each year, around 80 participants gather to share best practices, develop new ideas, and explore the power of camp as a tool for social impact.
The 2026 edition will continue to spotlight:
- YMCA organizations currently providing services — or planning to — for people affected by conflict, especially in response to the war in Ukraine and its wider effects.
- YMCA camps (day or overnight) actively serving communities or preparing to launch new programs.
- The role of camp in healing, resilience-building, and peace-making for youth and families.
🧭 Who Can Host?
We welcome proposals from YMCA camps, centers, or associations in Europe who are ready to help shape this unique international experience.
Ideal hosts will:
- Provide accommodation (on-site or nearby) for ~80 participants
- Have indoor workshop/meeting space and outdoor activity areas
- Be connected to camping work and/or humanitarian youth services
- Be accessible for international travel
- Be eager to collaborate with the Campacity planning team
- Be able to apply for co-financing (either locally, nationally or through Erasmus+)
📅 Timing
Campacity 2026 will be held between March and April 2026, with final dates to be confirmed together with the host.
🤝 What Does Hosting Involve?
As host, your YMCA will:
- Lead the logistical planning and delivery of the event (food, transport, rooms etc)
- Share your own camp/associations work within the program
- Organise transport and instructions for attendees travelling from near and far
- Having a staff/volunteer team available to ensure smooth running and support
- Joining the international planning team 5-6 months in advance of the event
- Assisting YMCA Europe with merchandise, evening activities and cultural exposure
- Capacity to apply for co financing (example Erasmus+)
We’re looking for a host that’s ready to contribute energy, creativity, and vision — and we’re here to support you along the way.
📬 How to Apply
Interested in hosting? Submit your expression of interest by May 18th to campeurope@ymcaeurope.com .
Your proposal should include:
- A short introduction to your YMCA site or camp
- Why you’re interested in hosting Campacity
- Your ideas for cultural exposure or activities during the 2026 edition
- Details on accommodation, facilities and transport
DEADLINE: May 18th 2025
Links to previous Campacity Editions
YMCA Campacity Conference 2025 in Germany
YMCA Camp Europe Campacity Conference 2024 in Spain