YMCA Campacity Conference 2025 in Germany

Campacity 2025 took place from March 27 – 30 in Brandenburg am Havel, Germany. The third annual camp capacity building conference was held in PerspektivFabrik Camp, involving 65 participants from 16 countries. Made possible through the joint efforts of YMCA Europe and YMCA of the USA, Campacity 2025 brought together passionate camp leaders to share experiences and practices with a special focus on trauma healing and resilience building for refugees affected by conflict.

Prior to the conference, the planning team and US delegates had a chance to spend three days in Berlin for the pre-event gathering, from March 24-27, hosted by YMCA Germany with a warm welcome from Juan Simoes Iglesias, Secretary General of YMCA Europe, Gerhard Wiebe, International Executive Officer, and Hansjörg Kopp, General Secretary of CVJM Germany. The pre-event days in Berlin involved meetings with major funding-partner of YMCA Europe – Bread for the World, to showcase the impact of the long-lasting partnership and discuss future goals for cooperation. YMCA of the USA partook in a City Quest and had the opportunity to visit Berlin YMCA where they learned about the youth and community work the association led and their impressive tree-house camps. YMCA Europe Executive Secretary Vardan Hambardzumyan introduced the “Do No Harm” methodology focused on conflict sensitivity to aid organizations. One of the highlights of the pre-event was the gathering in the Chapel of Reconciliation and joint contemplation upon the recent shared history and the significance of the work we do during the times of division, mistrust and widespread hate.

Campacity 2025 commenced with positive energy and readiness to share expertise, learn from one another, and reinforce the common mission and vision for YMCA camps worldwide. Participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive workshops ranging from creating inclusive environments, trauma awareness, staff and volunteer recruitment to Bringing Philanthropic Culture, Strategic Planning, camp building and sending and receiving international counselors and campers. There was also a variety of sharing from across the European continent from Northern Ireland to North Macedonia and beyond to Georgia!

Other highlights included the Camp marketplace where each camp showcased their programs, merch and activities and a joint cultural night hosted by CVJM. This saw over 110 participants from Campacity but also the team from the host camp and members from the local YMCA in Brandenburg partake in classic German games, cultural dances And a silent auction with funds raised for YMCA Ukraine.

To close out the cultural evening Alex from Iowa presented a 1936 friendship touch that had travelled from a peace event in Helsinki, Finland to his camp in Iowa- where it had remained. He presented this to Executive Secretary Vardan Hambardzumyan, who then passed the torch on to YMCA Kosovo in a symbolic moment of heritage, togetherness and friendship. The torch will visit the camp in Pjetershan, Kosovo before moving on to another camp in the world- Traditions started and passed on at this year’s Campacity!

We also had excellent plenary sessions led by YMCA Europe and YMCA Ukraine- with a stark reminder of the realities our YMCAs continue to face. There was an International partnership panel which highlighted camp partnerships all around the globe from San Diego to Peru, Kosovo to Canada and Spain to the USA. The final morning saw a high level theory of change panel where we together looked forward and over our shoulders on what the future of a camping platform/network could and should be.

In addition to plenary and workshops, peacebuilding was again a crucial element of the event. Participants got to use the Campacity Blog tree tool and be part of homegroups, there was also archery and forest cooking alongside messages of the day and an evening programme. This years programme was packed full of choice and options.

“Campacity is the ability to build bridges internationally to build a better camping world for everyone”

Campacity continues to unite people from all over the world who not only want to make a difference in camping culture but the world as a whole. Through shared values, beliefs, and hopes for the future, we can join forces for a better tomorrow. As the dust settles on this year’s Campacity, planning and conversations have already started for the 2026 addition.

Campacity Conference 2025: Meeting Online Before the Journey Begins

On March 4, 2025, the planning team of “Campacity” Conference organised a pre-event hangout to introduce the program, logistics, and most importantly, the people. The meeting brought together over 40 participants from different countries, providing an opportunity to get to know each other, reflect on the mission of the conference, and draw inspiration from the positive atmosphere and anticipation of the upcoming journey together.

Beginning in late March, the YMCA Camp Europe “Campacity” Conference will be held in Brandenburg, Germany. Involving over 80 camp professionals, the conference is a space to share best practices, gain essential skills in camp management, network for potential partnerships, and, most importantly, focus on trauma healing and resilience, aiming to help individuals affected by conflict and facilitate refugee integration.

YMCA Camp Europe expert Adi Davies moderated the meeting, providing vital information on logistics and introduction to the planning team, members of the YMCA Europe, YMCA of the USA, and the host – CVJM Germany.

YMCA Roots for Peace Project Assistant Rezi Shavladze proceeded to address the conference agenda, which involve workshops ranging from trauma awareness to creating an inclusive environment at camp and intercultural camps to philanthropy & fundraising. YMCA Roots for Peace Project Assistant Irina Berdzenishvili and YMCA Roots for Peace Accountant Šárka Čiháková also elaborated more on the financial reimbursement for project participation and the online platform where the community can access the necessary information concerning the project.

YMCA España International Program Coordinator Will Jones introduced the idea of market place, an opportunity for participants to share about their national YMCAs and their functions/activities.

Director of Global Equity Initiatives & Leadership at YMCA of the USA, Adriana Stanovici, shared words of compassion in the midst of uncertainty in the world today, emphasizing the importance of unity and dedication to our work for a better future.

The meeting concluded with a final note from YMCA Europe Executive Secretary Vardan Hambardzumyan, encouraging a positive outlook to the future and preparation for an exciting journey with “Campacity”, an initiative reinforcing the notion that no matter where you are in the world, you are not alone!

In conclusion YMCA Germany International Secretary Gerhard Wiebe welcomed all the participants to Berlin and Brandenburg!

The next day, March the 5th, 2025, another Campacity pre-event e-meeting was held, this time organised for the YMCA of the USA and focused on their 20 participants. From the Planning Team Vardan, Adi, and Gerhard joined the call – providing overview of YMCA Europe and YMCA Germany to the participants, briefing on Camp Europe project and peculiarities of the YMCA camping in Europe, elaborating on the programme of the forthcoming event, on the logistics related to both the city and in the camp days of the activity, as well as on the context of Berlin and Germany.

THE 19TH ROOTS & NEXT QUARTERLY IS ISSUED

The latest edition of Roots & Next Quarterly, Issue #19, is now available, offering an in-depth retrospective of the events and activities that took place in October, November, December 2024. This comprehensive report can be accessed in PDF format for your perusal.

CAMP EUROPE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS 2025

YMCA Europe is announcing a third round of funding opportunities within the framework of “Camp Europe” project initiative for 2025.

INTRODUCTION

The overall aim of “Camp Europe” is to build resilience amongst children and young people affected by the violent conflicts ongoing in and around Europe (Ukraine especially considered), to this end offering a safe space through YMCA summer camps for relief and rehabilitation, trauma-healing and integration.

In 2023 YMCA Europe launched the pilot initiative which saw 16 projects (8 in Ukraine) across Europe supported . And in 2024, 17 projects (10 in Ukraine) made sure that hundreds of kids in the different corners of our continent received quality care and support in activities that fostered engagement, entertainment and growth.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

YMCAs in Europe that demonstrate capacities in relief and rehabilitation, trauma-healing and integration services for war affected children and young people are invited to apply.

All proposed interventions are required to fall within the above mentioned overall aim of the “camp Europe” initiative and are to be held in the form of residential (only!) summer camps.

The maximum sum requested should not exceed 6 000 Euros. On top of that, a contribution of at least 10% of the total budget is required from the applicant organizations operating in conflict affected countries and at least 40% of the total budget from the applicant partners based elsewhere in Europe.

A minimum 50% of direct beneficiaries of proposed projects must be war affected children, young people or IDPs (internally displaced persons) living in/around war zones (e.g. Ukraine or neighbouring countries) or refugees.

For integration activities, the participation of the host community participants is anticipated and welcome, as long as their number does not exceed 50% of direct beneficiaries.

Eligible costs:

Board, lodging, activity costs, materials & supplies (based on tax invoice or receipt)

Transportation (based on tax invoice, receipt, bus/train ticket, declaration of own car usage)
Expertise & facilitation (based on contract with concrete job description or invoice and bank transfer confirmation)
Administration (maximum 10% of whole budget) – no proof required

The provision of bank transfer confirmation is requested for all expenditures over 800 EUR.

Volunteer time and in-kind contributions will be considered as eligible costs and must be agreed beforehand for concrete budget items (both together maximum 10% of the whole budget). You are required to provide appropriate documentation to support your claim: Timesheet (declaration of volunteer hours), Sworn Statement or any other type of paperwork that proves it. We will provide the relevant sample form(s) upon request.

Ineligible costs:

Equipment

Staff costs (could be financed under administration allowance only)
Tips
Alcohol, cigarettes
Penalties, fines

CONTRACTING CRITERIA

Disbursement of the project funds is subject to a formal agreement to be signed between YMCA Europe and partner organization, assuming the following responsibilities for the recipient entity:

★ As part of the contracting process to provide YMCA Europe with implementation plan, timeframe and budget breakdown of 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 for total contracted amount including both – grant and own contribution, incl. the proofs of expenditure (receipts, checks, etc.) and/or audit resolution.

★ Ensure the visibility of the project with the YMCA Europe logo, as well as with the reference to YMCA Camp Europe initiative to appear on any document, publication, website, etc. linked to the project.

DISBURSEMENT SCHEDULE

★ 80% of funds will be provided upon the signature of the contract and prior to the start of the project.

★ Remaining 20% of funds will be provided upon the submission and approval of financial and narrative reporting.

No cash transactions are allowed.

APPLICATION, ACTIVITY & REPORTING TIMEFRAME

★ The deadline for applications is April 30, 2025. “camp Europe” application form is provided as an attachment to the call and is available for download.

★ Applications must be sent in electronic format to campeurope@ymcaeurope.com. selection will be carried out by the YMCA Europe task force. The contracting process is to be completed by June 15, 2025.

★ All projects must be finished by August 31, 2025.

★ All narrative & financial reports must be submitted by October 31, 2025. “Camp Europe” narrative & financial report forms will be provided upon project approval.

Attach 2025 Application form – Camp Europe Application Form

ETHICS OF PEACE – YOUTH VISIONS

During 2023 – 2024 thanks to the financial support from the Swedish Institute (SI), received through YMCA Sweden, the project “Ethics of Peace – Youth Visions” was implemented in Ukraine. It enrolled representatives of YMCA Ukraine and students from Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. Moreover, youth from Sweden, Armenia, and the USA also became part of the project. Through various project activities the participants thoroughly studied the mechanisms of peacebuilding and gained access to new methods and tools for youth social engagement. YMCA Europe Roots for Peace provided continued backstopping to the project team and partners.

In Ukraine 4 training cycles were held among the youth in Kyiv, Ternopil and Zhytomyr. Participants received knowledge, skills, and competencies that reveal and develop their potential in critical thinking, conflict prevention and dialogue. They also participated in online sessions with youth leaders, researchers, and experts on peace, security, intercultural dialogue, ethics of peace, and critical thinking. Participants gained skills in the field of conflict resolution, intercultural communication, peacebuilding and mediation, critical thinking, including abilities to identify and neutralize the elements of hybrid warfare, including disinformation, fakes, and propaganda. During the project implementation issues of peace ethics, ideas of human development and prosperity were considered within a single conceptual framework.

As a result of the project, methodological materials for workshops and trainings on the formation of critical thinking, fact-checking and countering fakes, conflict resolution and mediation for a youth audience of different age groups (14-16 and 17-20 years old) were elaborated.

Within the project framework a survey of over 200 Ukrainian leaders and volunteers of youth organisations was carried out to illuminate their life strategies, attitudes towards war and peace, knowledge of and skills in conflict resolution and peace-making. Identification and analysis of stress- and conflict-generating factors that negatively affect the lives of young people under martial law were carried out. In addition, coping strategies and methods for overcoming stressful situations in the conditions of a full-scale war were developed, including cognitive, emotional and behavioural components of coping.

The role of youth as a key agent of peace-making was highlighted. In youth environment the values of human development, democracy, self-expression, peace, and respect for others are being most actively formed. Practical recommendations were prepared for civil society organizations to overcome negative and passive attitudes of young people and to involve youth segments in the processes of peace-making and post-war reconstruction of the country. Based on the results of the project, a strategy of the formation and cultivation of peace ethics in the youth environment will be developed.

The project participants and organisers have prepared a new expanded application to the Swedish Institute for the next project so that the ideas developed in this project can be implemented and disseminated in their communities.

The learning framework developed by the project was also applied in Armenia amongst the displaced youth from Nagorno Karabakh. An Ethics of Peace focus groups was mainstreamed during two events and online survey conducted with 178 respondents. This formed the baseline for the Artsakh Exodus Response ad hoc initiative within the YMCA Europe Roots for Peace project, ongoing till 2027.

Camp Europe 2024 Post-Season Evaluation

It has been a very busy year for Camp Europe project team with 28 applications submitted to us for the review and 17 making the final cut in 2024. Eventually, hundreds of kids in different parts of Europe received the opportunity to be engaged in summer camp activities that had a very diversified profile (according to each context and capacity) and methodologies used (experiential learning, outdoor activities, role plays, open theatre, etc.), but all of them were unified by fostering care, integration, fun and growth.

The Camp Europe 2024 Post-Season Survey was launched in November to evaluate the project’s outcomes and its impact on those 17 beneficiary projects (10 from Ukraine). All implementing partners participated in the survey and this summary provides an overview of the key findings.

The survey received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Hereby we offer you the synopsis of selected stats, figures and statements below:

Safety: 100% of partners reported that children felt safe during the camp.
Skill Development: All 100 % of beneficiaries confirmed that children acquired new skills during the camp.
Positive Behavioral Change: 100% of them observed positive changes in children’s behavior following their participation in the camp.
Resilience: Overwhelming majority (94.1 %) have highlighted increased resilience among the participants.

So it comes as a no surprise that the majority of kids (more than 80 %) would love to engage into other YMCA activities and are looking forward to be a part of the summer camp again in the future (close to 90 %).

And, as one would expect nowadays – success in the field work is directly translated into the new followers of various social media channels that our partners operate: with more than 1 000 new arrivals in total regularly checking out their activities at different platforms for the moment.

As for the lessons learned and specific recommendations for the future, there was quite wide array of opinions too, with mostly used words being “communication”, “safe space”, “flexibility” and “teamwork” – underlining the significance of careful planning, qualified implementation team and sense of adaptability, especially when carrying out the activities in Ukraine.

There were challenges too, of course – provided the mixed nature of the camps (at least 50 % of the kids were supposed to be of Ukrainian origin) and the related emotional state, safety, integration issues or language barriers; transportation or weather conditions are all valid concerns and we are happy to learn about and deal with them, but what makes everyone hopeful and enthusiastic is the feedback received about the long-term impact of the camp on participants:

“The camp not only helps the participants in the short term, but also lays the foundation for their further development, integration into society and self-realization. Its impact is lifelong, improving the quality of life of participants, their families, and the community as a whole.”

“Camp is a life-long experience, as the knowledge and feelings campers receive, are deeply stuck in their personalities. Small details that kids see in camp is most important. for example if someone was afraid to speak up on the first day, they would freely express themselves on the third day. If someone thought they did not know how to swim or were not as athletic as others, this stereotype was also broken, because by the end of week everyone was happy with their small achievements.”

And many more quotes like these inspire us to gear up for 2025 with renewed energy, dedication and passion to make sure that even more kids receive what they fully deserve – lots of fun, love and opportunities to thrive!

Watch participants testimonials

Rootsmade Christmas Event

On December 24, 2024, YMCA Europe hosted a truly memorable Christmas Eve celebration. Held at the museum of the iconic Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian in Yerevan, the event embraced the spirit of unity and reflection on an incredible year of accomplishments within its Roots for Peace and Generation Next projects.

The evening began with a recap of 2024, highlighting the milestones achieved by the Roots Artsakh Exodus Response activities through the Rootsmade platform. A special focus was given to the graduation of the embroidery classes, which commenced in November of 2024 and concluded just before Christmas. Eight remarkable women were celebrated for completing the program and becoming skilled embroidery artisans.

Gratitude filled the air as the organizers expressed their heartfelt thanks to the project’s beneficiaries and the partner organizations that made this success possible. Special acknowledgment was given to the Association of Syrian Armenians, the Hadrut Art Center, and YMCA Artsakh for their good partnership practice and unwavering collaboration.

The evening also highlighted the 10 YMCA Scholarship holders from the American University of Armenia enrolled in the Generation Next project. Each of them received monetary gifts in recognition of their dedication to volunteering within the Rootsmade program over the year. Their hard work stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations.

During the event a Y’s Men Club was also inaugurated, providing an opportunity to the Generation Next alumni to remain part of the YMCA service community and continue engaging in projects promoting professional development and contribution to local communities.

Stunning musical performances by pianist Inara Arushanyan and guitarist Larka Danielyan created a festive atmosphere. The talented musicians have been part of the Roots for Peace “Start Over, Start Up” YMCA Artsakh Camp and the” Come to Us” YMCA Georgia Camp, embodying the spirit of resilience and creativity. Their melodies resonated beautifully within the historic walls of the museum, blending past and present in perfect harmony.

Of course, the event wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated team who brought it all together. From vision to execution, their passion and commitment ensured the evening was unforgettable.

As we bid farewell to 2024, the Christmas Eve celebration stood as a testament to the power of community, the strength of partnerships, and the beauty of shared success. With hearts full of gratitude and hope, we look forward to the new year, ready to continue building a future rooted in peace and opportunity.

The event was covered by the Public TV of Armenia, now as the continuing media partner of the Rootsmade initiative.

Campacity 2025 Preparatory Site Visit

On the 13th and 14th November Šárka Čiháková and myself headed over to Berlin, Germany on a pre conference visit ahead of next year’s Campacity conference.

After a very early flight we met at the Sophienhof YMCA, which is a beautiful old building across from the church and small park. The classic branding and cute restaurant were very welcoming and after checking in we jumped straight into lunch with our hosts Alena and Gerhard (from the national YMCA).

After lunch we had a short tour around the YMCA and the facilities, where we asked questions about the structure and programmes. We then visited the National CVJM office on the same premises and heard more about the advocacy and work with the national government.

We then visited CVJM Jugendhais where we joined their drop-in session and met some young volunteers and staff. Ana gave us a tour and shared how the space is funded and operates for the community. It was the middle of a drop-in session and we got to speak to young participants and volunteers who were operating the cafe bar and organising activities.

We finished off the evening with a visit to the famous Brandenburg gate and a trip to parliament. I listened to recounts of Sarka and Gerhard from how their teacher and school reacted to the fall of the wall- truly a moment that changed history.

The second day started with a S’more latte (in the spirit of camp) then a trip to the camp and tour of the facilities. The camp is very youth friendly and has nice rooms and a rustic/nature feel. As we walked around my mind buzzed with what we could potentially do with 80 participants in Spring. Perspektivfabrik YMCA Camp has grounds of more than 35,000 m² in the middle of a nature reserve, they have their own beach, playground, BBQ areas, climbing wall, an outdoor football pitch, a beach volleyball court (with floodlights), a lake with rowing boats and canoes, a large multi-purpose hall, seminar rooms and plenty of space for recreation, reflection, leisure, training or seminars. Not to forget the large Party Tent for 200 people! It was a quick tour as we had to zoom in live to the global working group from the camp! A YMCA first?

After the zoom meeting we headed across to Brandenburg YMCA for a community dinner with their cooking group, who meet twice a month and fund the activities themselves. It’s a warm and inviting group and everyone must contribute and then sit together to eat. There were people from Germany, England, Czech Republic, Mexico and Colombia all trying to work and contribute in many languages (and at times sign language). It really did remind me of our international YMCA and bringing people together. After thanking the group we invited them to join us for the cultural evening at Campacity and I am also sure many participants will take the opportunity to visit them before the conference.

In conclusion it was a packed agenda and felt very much that we were always on the go. Many conversations, thoughts and hopes were shared these days and a special mention should go to Gerhard from the national YMCA who was a great host and really looked after us.

CAMPACITY 2025 – Call for Participants

Written by Adrian Davis

CAMPACITY 2025 – Call for Participants

YMCA Europe invites all interested YMCA organisations to apply for Camp Capacity Building Conference “Campacity”, to be implemented within the framework of “Camp Europe” project.

The detailed description of the Conference and the application form are provided below:

YMCA Camp Europe “Campacity” Conference is a joint initiative of YMCA Europe & the YMCA of the USA, hosted by CVJM Germany that aims to:

Capacitate YMCA Camp Europe with human resources able to offer relevant and innovation-led ideas on forms and contents of camp programmes, whereby they are focused on trauma-healing or mental health, life-skills or resilience development, refugee rehabilitation or integration, conflict management and transformation, etc.
Build capacity for the YMCA Camping Movement to work with war affected young people and families in Europe – with a focus on, but not exclusively limited to Ukrainian IDPs (Internally Displaced Person) and refugees.
Bring together camp professionals to discuss, share and collaborate on topics related to camps, camping, outdoor education and adventure-based learning- with a focus on exchange of knowledge, professional development and regional and global networking.

Bringing together up to 80 leaders from the U.S. and European YMCAs, the conference attendees will:

Provide a safe space to share practice and experience for those YMCAs working with refugees or youth affected by conflict.
Strengthen their capacity as camp programme leaders to deliver relevant and innovative programs focused on trauma-healing, development of life skills, conflict management & refugee integration;
Gain practical tools, skills and resources for camp management;
Become a catalyst for deeper strategic cooperation within camping program in Europe;
Build a network of camp peers between Europe and the United States.

PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTS

The Conference is organised for participants who are/have:

Representing the YMCA organisations/institutions that currently provide services or intend to do so for beneficiaries affected by the conflicts in Europe and beyond, the war in Ukraine especially considered.
Representing the YMCA organisations/institutions that currently provide camping services (day or overnight) or intend to do so in the near future.
Camp staff that are primarily affected by the conflicts in Europe and beyond, the war in Ukraine especially considered.
Representing the YMCA organisations/institutions that have existing international (US – Europe) partnerships or are willing to establish them.
Decision makers, camp directors, program leaders or team members eligible to assume the responsibility for development and enhancement of camping programs in Europe and the United States.
Competent and willing to share their knowledge and experience in camp program management to the other participants of the Conference.
In a position to transfer the knowledge gained during the Conference to respective sending organisations and the teams carrying out camping activities.
Previous experience in camping programs and/or the motivation to develop their competencies and skills in the camping field.
Committed to attend the full duration of the Conference.
Able to communicate and work in the English language.

Campacity Conference welcomes all candidates who fulfil the specific profile outlined above – irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, religion, belief or sexual orientation.

CONFERENCE DATE: March 27 – 31, 2025

CONFERENCE LOCATION: Camp PerspektivFabrik, near the city of Brandenburg an der Havel, 85km west of Berlin, Germany. The closest train station: Brandenburg Hbf. (For more precise address details, please see the following link)

CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION FEE: € 300 per participant

NUMBER OF SUBSIDISED PARTICIPANTS PER NATIONAL YMCA: Maximum 2

PARTICIPANT AGE: Twenty-one (21) & Above

NOTES:

1. Subsidies (including the travel costs) can be available upon request for the applicants from the selected countries & regions, such as: Ukraine, South Caucasus and Western Balkans; as well as for the applicants from those organisations that previously partnered with the YMCA Camp Europe project.

2. You will be expected to participate during the full duration of the event. Please DO NOT apply if you will be unable to attend all four working days of the Conference.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please submit your applications no later than January 17th, 2025.

Thank you!

Generation Next: Leadership Development Workshop at YMCA Georgia

A group of 23 young and dynamic individuals, including YMCA Georgia leaders, Generation Next project scholarship holders and local community youth recently gathered at Camp Orange for a transformative two-day leadership development workshop. The event was designed to foster leadership skills, inspire community engagement and create a network of motivated young people.

The workshop featured a diverse range of topics, each led by a scholarship holder. Sessions covered essential leadership skills such as team-building, effective communication, public speaking and promoting tolerance. Additionally, the workshop delved into important social issues like addiction, procrastination and the responsible sharing of resources.

To ensure active participation, each session incorporated interactive elements – encouraging attendees to engage in discussions, share experiences and provide valuable feedback. This collaborative approach created a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

YMCA Georgia plans to make this leadership development workshop a recurring event, with the next session scheduled for April 2025. By providing regular opportunities for young people to connect, learn and grow, YMCA Georgia aims to empower the next generation of leaders and inspire them to make a positive impact on their communities.

This event was a significant milestone in activating young people from the local community and encouraging them to become more involved in public life. By fostering leadership skills and promoting social awareness, YMCA Georgia is empowering young individuals to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Meet the Scholarship holders:

Tekla is from Tbilisi; currently studying at Tbilisi State University, at the Faculty of English Literature

Nino is from Karajala, a village located in eastern Georgia, Kahketi region. She is a future doctor, currently student at Tbilisi State University at the Faculty of Medicine.

Luka comes from Kutaisi, currently he lives in Tbilisi, studying at Tbilisi State University of Physical Education & Sports, Faculty of Coaching.

Nino is Tbilisi, She studies at Faculty of Biology at Agrarian University.

Like many other schollarship holders, Julieta moved to Tbilisi from Ninotsminda for educational purposes. Currently she is a student at Ilia State University, Faculty of English Literature.

Giorgi is from Tbilisi; He is another future doctor among scholarship holders, studying at Tbilisi State Medical University, Faculty of General Medicine.

Irine from Tbilisi, studing at Tbilisi State Academy of Arts; Faculty of History of Arts.

Elene is from Telavi, she studies at Black Sea International University at Faculty of Business Administration.

Arushiak is from Akhalkalaki, currently studying at Samtskhe-Javakheti State University, Faculty of Georgian Literature.

Ana is from town Gori; Currently studying at Georgian Institute of Public Affairs; Faculty of Business Administration.