YMCA Europe Roots for Peace programme had an honour to be present at Youth Unify 2025, hosted by YMCA in Czech Republic at YMCA MASARYK’S CAMP, Soběšín, Czechia.
The camp, under the title Called to be closer, brought together around 170 participants from 19 different countries all across the globe.
Youth Unify 2025 was a safe space for many young people, who traveled outside of their country for the first time, to learn about different countries and cultures. It was a blessing to see young people sharing stories of their countries, and to see their happiness when discovering similarities between each other, even if they were separated by long distance, or the excitement on their face while learning about something new about their new friends from a foreign land. But, most importantly, it was heartwarming to see young people sharing their beliefs with bright and shining eyes, without the fear of being judged for their beliefs. This camp was a place for people of any religion and belief to connect with each other, share, laugh, cry and pray together and for one other.
The camp was not a space only for prayers and carrying for one’s spirit, but also to gain knowledge in many fields, from various sports games (well known or relatively unknown ones), to cybersecurity or bible studies.
During the week, Roots for Peace was also given generous three sessions for Roots for Peace Do No Harm Multipliers training. During the sessions, 18 participants learned about Do No Harm and the importance of context analysis prior to getting involved in any context, followed by a brief introduction of the Peacework Guidebook and various resources available for those who are willing to explore. Additionally, they learned about RAFT and implicit ethical messages, as in the modern world it is critical to be mindful of our actions and words.
The session received high positive reaction and participants expressed their interest in getting involved in future Roots multipliers training and/or study sessions.
We would like to express our gratitude to Youth Unify team for this wonderful opportunity.
