Regina Grigoryan’s Enriching Journey with YMCA

On November 6, 2024, Regina Grigoryan, project assistant of YMCA Roots for Peace program and former recipient of the YMCA Scholarship at the American University of Armenia (AUA), was elected to join “CONNECT for Change!” Steering Committee, a global network of Brot für die Welt partner organizations, scholarship holders, and alumni.

Originally from Hadrut town of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Regina moved to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, to pursue higher education in 2020. Coming from a family of farmers and healthcare providers, the sense of hard work and dedication was instilled in her since childhood. As a result, Regina decided to study business at the AUA to improve her family’s farming business and bring innovative knowledge and expertise to her hometown.

As an AUA student, Regina was exposed to a new environment with access to resources and opportunities that were limited in her own community back in Artsakh. In addition to academics, she was able to utilize her skills in the workforce, gaining experience in the field of IT as an executive assistant and a project manager.

Coming from Artsakh, Regina faced many hardships with the eruption of the 44-day war in September 2020, followed by the nine-month blockade imposed by Azerbaijan in 2022, and the large-scale offensive, which ultimately resulted in the forcible displacement of ethnic Armenians from their homeland. While this tragedy inflicted psychological trauma, it also created financial difficulties.

During her senior year, Regina became the recipient of the YMCA Generation Next Scholarship, made possible through the generous funding from Brot für die Welt. The scholarship allowed her to continue her education and focus on the possibility of a brighter future.

As a scholarship holder, she actively volunteered in the Rootsmade initiative within the framework of YMCA Roots for Peace program and contributed to her community in a meaningful way.

“Volunteering for Rootsmade helped me regain my belief in humanity. I realized that we as a community are not alone; we have supporters who act with sincerity, not out of obligation. It also helped me gain confidence in my life perspectives, reinforcing the importance and value of social work,” remarks Regina.

After graduating from AUA in 2024, Regina remained an active volunteer. Soon after, she became a staff member within the YMCA Roots for Peace program. When asked about the reason behind her decision to join the YMCA as a staff member, Regina reflected on the evaluation conference of the Generation Next program held in 2023, where she learned about Camp Europe. This inspired her to implement similar projects in Armenia and ignite a dialogue around peacebuilding for the healing and development of our nation.

In 2024, Regina was able to partake in three projects with YMCA: Campacity Conference held in Spain, Artsakh Exodus Response Camp in Georgia, as well as Roots for Peace Export Pool meeting in Albania. All these experiences provided insights into different perspectives and an opportunity for growth.

“I aspire to become as professional and passionate about my work in peacebuilding as the participants in the expert pool. My perspective on the possibility of peace shifted with this event, which was the biggest takeaway.”

Regina aims to continue working towards personal development through the YMCA and be part of positive change. With her main focus on YMCA Artsakh, she hopes to bring forth values and conflict resolution practices from Peace Work Institute and inspire the Artsakh youth to dream big despite the challenges.

Roots Expert Pool Meeting in Tirana, Albania

Tirana, Albania was the host venue of Roots for Peace Expert Pool meeting on November 07 – 10, 2024. 15 participants from 9 countries (Albania, Armenia, Georgia, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Russia and Serbia) came together to kick-start a new project component that envisages to channel the skills and expertise accumulated during 3 previous Peace Work Institute sessions into specific initiatives and actions that will greatly shape the course of current phase of Roots.

The event served as an opportunity to create a safe space for the representatives from different PWI cohorts to meet, interact and share their knowledge and experiences, starting the meeting with the Roots staff providing a fresh update to the attending Alumni on the current phase of the project and the anticipated expectations from their concrete involvement into its key activities for the next few years.

The specific interactive sessions dedicated to: Politicizing and Empowering Young People towards Peaceworking (Andy Hamilton) and Roots Peace Award and Roots Legacy (Combined sessions by Adi Davies) helped the attendees to become better aware of past divisions and current peace-building initiatives in Northern Ireland; and to delve deeper in the history and procedures of Roots Peace Award that has already gained widespread recognition and made a hugely positive difference for several recipient YMCA organizations across Europe. While the overview of Roots website and the accumulated legacy gave a food for thought on how to make sure that we convey our stories and at the same time preserve already rich history in the best possible way.

Exposure visits to YMCA Albania space was a wonderful occasion to get to know the work of our host better and to learn about the fruitful cooperation with the local municipality. A small, but a vibrant YMCA that is almost entirely run by volunteers and delivers digital skilling and community engagement programs, involving dozens of children on a daily basis; while evening trips to Kruja Castle and the town of Durres treated the participants with centuries rich history and traditions of Albania.

And then there was an exceptional local cuisine and overall great hospitality of Egla, the secretary General of YMCA Albania that went far and beyond to make our stay in her country as pleasant as possible. So it was no surprise that the evaluation session was full of praise and gratitude.

It was yet another reminder that YMCA is our shared home where everyone is always welcome and Roots is a project that safeguards the Peace!

Roots Expert Pool is Ready to Commence

After 15 fruitful years since its inception and three successful cohorts of Peace Work Institute, YMCA Europe Roots for Peace is embarking on a new journey towards peace. Preparations for the first roots expert pool meeting is completed and the team of experts will travel to Tirana, Albania, on the 7th of November, where for four days they will have an introduction into future plans and start preparing for the upcoming collaborations with different NGOs and projects.

15 individuals from our much larger expert pool connected online ahead of our first event for this initiative in Tirana, Albania. They were formally welcomed by Eglantina Lula (General Secretary) and heard more about the sessions and content from presenters and staff.

The Roots, and especially its Peace Work Institute component, has by now achieved a state where the issue is no longer to form an expert pool for the Peace Work Institute participants but rather how to form an expert pool with the Peace Work Institute alumni. In addition to learning through Peace Work Institute, its alumni meanwhile have gained experience doing local community peace work. On top of it, all of them also bring their professionalism in different fields (teachers, social workers, IT, communication, arts, business and NGO management, etc.) to the Roots. This is a huge resource to be tapped for implementing the Roots activities as well as organising post-event support, accompaniment, and encouragement.

Out of 71 Peace Work Institute alumni selected, 15 will be invited to the Pool of Experts, with replenishment as a possibility based on availability, commitment and capacity. Annual Upskilling Workshops will be organised for them, also involving external expertise on special topics. The final year Workshop will focus on the project Reflecting on Peace Practices process analysis.

The members of the Pool of Experts will be involved in the facilitation of the project components and key activities as narrated below. This component will also contain a “helping-the-helpers” approach, as most of the experts will be coming from war affected or conflict prone situations, such as Armenia (incl. Karabakh), Georgia, Russia and Ukraine, etc.

THE 18TH ROOTS & NEXT QUARTERLY IS ISSUED

The latest edition of Roots & Next Quarterly, Issue #18, is now available, offering an in-depth retrospective of the events and activities that took place in July, August, September 2024. This comprehensive report can be accessed in PDF format for your perusal.

Generation Next: Insight into the Scholarship Holders’ Experience

YMCA Scholarship, established through the Generation Next Program, has welcomed eight new and two continuing scholarship recipients from Armenia. Studying at the American University of Armenia, the students embraced the opportunity to contribute to program initiatives, which in turn allowed them to develop soft skills and encouraged civic responsibility.

The eight new recipients are entering the sophomore year of their studies. While building foundational knowledge, they actively participate in programs within Generation Next and Roots for Peace to gain the much-needed interpersonal and project-based learning experience which will help them become the future leaders of Armenia in their respective fields.

Kristine Hovsepyan is one of the students benefiting from the scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year. She is from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) studying English and Communications.

Volunteering has been a big part of her life in her hometown contributing to her social skills and personal growth. Now, as a recipient of the YMCA Scholarship, Kristine is eager to continue her volunteering journey and focus on helping her community.

Another student, Gor Arzanyan, comes from Goris, Syunik region of Armenia. He majors in Computer Science with the goal to become a qualified specialist and contribute to the economic and educational development of Armenia.

Anna Aslibekyan is pursuing a business degree. With a rich background volunteering in the capital and across the country, Anna looks forward to developing new skills to create change.

Another student, Elene Hovsepyan, is majoring in Data Science with a minor in Environmental Studies to promote awareness on environmental issues. In the future, she hopes to dive deep in bioinformatics, travel the world, and continue volunteering.

Lili Girgoryan’s passion for community impact encourages her involvement in charitable organizations. In addition to volunteerism, Lili hopes to open her own IT company hiring the bright Armenain youth in the field.

Originally from Russia, Mariam Bolyan repatriated to Armenia for higher education. With a deep interest in communications, Mariam learns foreign languages as well as sign language to better understand and connect with people around the world.

Meruzhan Markosyan is from Spitak town, Lori region of Armenia. Being part of YMCA Spitak since childhood, Meruzhan has been exposed to various volunteering opportunities and community work, which has shaped him into a well-rounded individual.

Majoring in Politics and Governance, Nare Ohanjanyan aims to become a human rights defender, particularly children’s rights, and open an organization to provide opportunities to children who have been affected by injustice.

Hakob is one of the two students receiving the YMCA Scholarship for the second year round. He comes from Vardenik village, Gegharkunik region of Armenia and will be graduating in 2025 with a master’s degree in Public Affairs.

Hakob has served in the army and participated in the 44-Day War in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). His primary goal is to contribute to the prosperity of Armenia, especially the bordering villages.

Artyom Dokholyan is another holder of the YMCA Scholarship for the second year. Hailing from Vanadzor, Lori region, Artyom aims to complete his Master’s degree in Public Affairs and continue contributing to his community for positive change.

With YMCA Europe’s dedication to youth empowerment and the students’ active engagement in the Generation Next program, the scholarship program will continue developing awareness of social responsibility, personal and professional skill set, as well as collaborative mindset.

YMCA Roots for Peace Modelling Masterclass: Closing Ceremony

October 16, 2024, marked a successful completion to an empowering journey: the closing ceremony of the modeling masterclasses for the displaced women of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

As part of the YMCA Roots for Peace initiative, this program was designed to support women affected by the Artsakh Exodus, providing them with essential skills in sewing and modeling. Ten women devoted three months to learning new skills, while overcoming significant challenges of daily responsibilities and motherhood.

The classes started on July 15th, at the historic Hadrut Art Center which was a safe haven for creativity and learning. Under the expert guidance of instructor Nadezda Sargsyan, the women grew more confident in their abilities. “Everyone has a different personality, and it shows in their work and learning. But they all are connected in their diligence, in their desire to learn a new skill and be able to provide for their families,” remarked Nadezhda.

Irina Tamrazyan, the director of the Hadrut Art Center, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to YMCA for gifting 10 sewing machines to the women, noting the profound impact they will have on each household. “These machines are a lifeline,” she shared, illustrating how women will now be able to care for their families with newfound independence.

The group symbolized YMCA’s commitment to bridging generations. It was composed of both young girls, who also participate in local dance classes, and women helping raise their grandchildren. One of those women is Jenya, who looks after four grandsons. Jenya, like others, now finds herself better equipped to care for her family, with a sewing machine gifted to her upon graduation. Her sewing machine will not only mend her grandsons’ football-torn pants but also serve as a symbol of mending hearts in their time of need.

YMCA Artsakh member Srbuhi Balayan, a beloved figure from Artsakh, recounted the emotional moment when she saw YMCA once again, this time supporting her mother. She shared a personal story about her mother’s old sewing machine, a “Chayka” from the Soviet Union. That machine, Srbuhi explained, is a poignant memory of her mother fixing clothes for the entire neighborhood, a gesture of care that lasted through Srbuhi’s childhood. In a tragic anecdote, Srbuhi recalled the last garment her mother sewed—a pair of pants for a neighbor who was tragically killed before they could be worn.

This initiative, with its deep-rooted connections to history and community, continues to sew hope into the lives of those affected by the Artsakh Exodus, empowering them to look toward the future with resilience and solidarity.
No YMCA Roots event happens without the unwavering support of the YMCA Generation Next scholarship holders, who are always present with their dedication and bright, happy faces.

Paradise in the Carpathians by YMCA Karpathy Ukraine

Paradise in the Carpathians: a transformative journey of personal growth, confidence, and lifelong friendships through the YMCA Summer Camp, within the Camp Europe Programme Framework.

A camp is more than just a vacation; it’s a chance to discover new qualities within yourself, overcome personal challenges, and step outside your comfort zone.

The YMCA’s Paradise in the Carpathians camp provides a unique environment where children and teenagers can grow, gain valuable experiences, and form lifelong friendships. One of the most inspiring stories is that of Bohdan, a participant whose two experiences at the camp completely transformed his outlook on himself and the world.

“My name is Bohdan, and I participated in the Paradise in the Carpathians camp. I live near Verkhovyna, just two hours away by car. It was my first camp experience, and being a tent camp made it even more challenging. Every day pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I struggled to adapt. A day before the camp ended, I decided to go home because I couldn’t cope with the new environment and routine.

Afterward, I didn’t keep in touch with many campers, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to try again. But when I saw the information about the Paradise in the Carpathians 2024 camp, something inside me changed, and I decided to sign up again.

When I returned, everything felt different. I was more comfortable, the other campers treated me with respect, and I felt confident. The previous camp experience had impacted me more than I realized. I discovered new aspects of myself—confidence, lightness, and even a sense of humor. This time, I joined in all the activities, made jokes, dressed up, and even danced. I felt free and saw myself in a new way, and it’s all thanks to YMCA!”

Paradise in the Carpathians is not just a place for relaxation—it’s a space for personal growth and transformation. Bohdan’s journey is one example of how a camp experience can lead to profound change. Each new day at camp offers opportunities for development and self-discovery.

Grow from Roots Camp by YMCA Zhytomyr Ukraine

“Grow from Roots” served as both the title and guiding theme of a residential camp held in the Zhytomyr region, organized within the framework of the YMCA Camp Europe 2024 programme.

Young people in Ukraine—children, teenagers, and young adults—are currently facing constant stress. Living under the threat of war, many wake and sleep to the sound of sirens. The camp’s primary goal was to offer these young participants a respite from the pressures of daily life by providing them with a peaceful environment away from the city.

The Zhytomyr region is home to a cultural treasure, the Cultural-Art Centre “Poliska Khata,” an ancient Ukrainian estate that features traditional houses and historical artifacts. This venue became the ideal location for the camp’s second goal: helping the youth reconnect with their cultural roots, which serve as a foundation for building their futures and fostering personal growth.

With support from YMCA Europe Camp Europe Programme, the “Grow from Roots” camp provided an enriching experience for 30 participants.

Camp attendees enjoyed four guided tours: to the Poliska Khata, the Trypillia Culture Museum, the Red Mountain—an archaeological site with traces of ancient inhabitants—and the house of renowned Ukrainian artist Yurii Kamyshnii, whose work was deeply inspired by the local landscape.

Participants also engaged in a variety of cultural activities, learning four Ukrainian folk songs, three traditional dances, and performing four ancient summer folk ceremonies: Leading the Bush, Seeing Off the Mermaids, the Reaping Ceremony, and Curling the Birch.

In addition to the cultural immersion, six workshops were organized for the children, which included crafting amulets, painting on textiles, making magnets, weaving flower wreaths, playing traditional percussion instruments, and creating lavender sachets. An art therapy session was also held to help participants explore their cultural roots and discover pathways for personal growth.

Surrounded by nature and domestic animals, the camp provided a peaceful setting that fostered both physical and emotional well-being. Each day began with morning exercises, followed by traditional YMCA devotions and evening candle ceremonies.

The camp concluded with a final quest featuring prizes, where participants completed various tasks and contributed to volunteer efforts. The goal was to create an environment where children felt safe to trust their mentors and peers, and where they could openly share their experiences and emotions regarding the hardships they’ve faced since the onset of the war. Special candlelit discussions took place each evening, focusing on themes like kindness, personal values, and overcoming challenges.

Physical activities and board games were also incorporated into the program as another means to support mental health, providing both younger and older participants with a positive outlet. The blend of traditional, nature-based activities with recreation and leisure offered a truly unique experience for the participants.

“During the camp, it was evident how the children became calmer and more open-hearted,” said YMCA Zhytomyr camp leader Anastasia Nesterova. “They formed friendships and communicated freely with one another, but it was clear how much they also craved adult attention. Many of the children have been separated from their fathers due to the war, and their mothers are often too overwhelmed to engage fully. We hope the camp provided the participants with the support and care they needed.”

The camp’s diverse activities helped distract participants from the war, air raid alarms, and daily stress, contributing to the improvement of their mental health.

For YMCA leaders, the camp also proved to be a valuable experience, enhancing their professional skills and fostering teamwork. It served as an opportunity for growth and inspiration for future projects aimed at supporting youth in the region.

Y Leader Camp by YMCA Zdolbuniv Ukraine

This year’s Y Leader Camp, organized by YMCA Zdolbuniv with support from YMCA Europe as part of the Camp Europe Programme, successfully brought together 23 children, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable youth.

The camp, held at Sand Lake in Volyn, also included three coaches and two mentors.

The camp provided six days of intense learning and relaxation, filled with memorable activities such as swimming in the lake, leadership training, bracelet weaving, crafting tote bags, water and night quests, team-building games, campfire gatherings, and marshmallow roasting.

The Y Leader Camp created a space for children to learn, connect, and grow, all while enjoying the great outdoors. It helped develop leadership skills, fostered teamwork, and provided a sense of belonging for IDPs and vulnerable youth.

Additionally, the camp offered a chance for young leaders to step up and gain valuable experience in mentoring and guiding others.

With activities designed to engage both the body and mind, YMCA Zdolbuniv continues to make a positive impact on young people, helping them build resilience and form lasting friendships in challenging times.

The feedback from the campers provides a glimpse into the impact and atmosphere of the camp:

Daryna, 13 years old:

“We did so much at camp—making bracelets, playing games, swimming, attending leadership training, performing at the final concert, completing quests, and just having an amazing time. All these moments were memorable because everything was so interesting and accessible. The camp was filled with unique experiences and had a special atmosphere. I am very grateful to the organizers for allowing us to have this unforgettable experience.”

Margot, 14 years old:

“The camp was awesome! The lack of internet didn’t stop us from having a great time. It seems like one day without the internet at home lasts longer than the five days we spent at camp. I would like to thank the organizers for the knowledge they shared with us, the vivid emotions, and the fun and useful games. I’ll always remember waking up the girls in the morning and running together for exercise—this is my best summer memory, and I’ll cherish it for a long time.”

Sasha, 15 years old:

“I was nervous about the YMCA camp, but I knew it would be a great opportunity to make new friends and learn. The camp was filled with games, workshops, and relaxing by the lake, all while building teamwork and learning new skills. Evenings by the campfire were special, creating unforgettable memories. The camp brought joy, new friendships, and a real sense of collaboration in a beautiful setting.”

Anya, 16 years old:

“Spending the summer in Zdolbuniv, I wanted to do something meaningful, so I volunteered as an assistant camp leader. It was a challenge, but the YMCA training helped me feel confident. I loved working with the kids and knowing I could help create positive memories. Later, as a participant in the Y Leader Camp, I stepped out of my comfort zone and improved my communication skills. These experiences helped me reconnect with people, and I’m so grateful for such an exciting and meaningful summer.“

“Dignity Camp 2.0” by YMCA Moldova

YMCA Moldova proudly hosted its first overnight camp, Dignity Camp 2.0, from August 21 to 30, 2024, under the Camp Europe 2024 framework.

This transformative event brought together 30 Ukrainian and Moldovan participants for an experience that blended fun, self-development, and leadership training in a supportive environment.

With a strong emphasis on personal growth and leadership, Dignity Camp 2.0 featured a variety of educational and mental health-focused activities designed to build resilience and self-awareness among participants. The camp’s goal was to equip children with essential life skills while nurturing their capacity for leadership and self-discovery.

To balance its educational focus, the camp also offered a wide range of recreational activities, ensuring the children had a joyful and memorable experience. From sports competitions and swimming to singing and dancing contests, the camp was filled with excitement.

Highlights included a lively disco, which created a festive atmosphere and left participants with unforgettable memories.

By merging meaningful development with fun, YMCA Moldova created a dynamic and enriching space for both local and Ukrainian youth, fostering valuable skills and deepening connections that will last a lifetime.

This milestone marks a pivotal achievement in YMCA Moldova’s commitment to empowering youth through inclusive and impactful programming.

Previously, in 2023 and 2024, YMCA Moldova organized a series of day camps under the Dignity Camp banner, offering support to both local children and Ukrainian refugees.