Participant’s Testimonials from the Digital Education Club
Latest News Participant’s Testimonials from the Digital Education Club Stefanija My name is Stefanija, and I am a high school student at SABA School in Bitola. I am 16 years old, and I am studying computer science. Today I completed the course ‘Introduction to Digital Business Skills’ from the Entrepreneurship section. I have been studying HP life courses in stages for a year. Although I am determined to learn about technology and its inventions, I often find myself logging into HP and going to the Entrepreneurship or Marketing courses. I simply love those courses because they are quick, easy to understand, and teach me things that I have never heard of before. Mihail My name is Mihail Spasevski and I come from the high school Taki Daskalo. I have been going to the courses for about a month now and to say that I’m satisfied with the courses is an understatement. Recently, I completed the class Social Entrepreneurship, which taught me how to assess a social enterprise idea, utilize stakeholder analysis, and measure business impact. I mostly do classes in the course of Entrepreneurship. I find these courses most useful for my work and me. They are not too long; they usually take me up to an hour to finish, and the shared information that is in these courses is awesome. I like the idea of online courses; I find them easier to understand and learn. If you want to, you can come back to the course and revisit it. The overall quality of these courses is amazing, and I would not change a single thing about them. Irem I am Irem Emektar, a student at the Department of Communication and Design at Ondokuz Mayis University in Turkey. I am originally from Ankara, but I am currently volunteering for two months at the Youth Center in Bitola. In addition to my university education, I have a great interest in the development of the digital world. Therefore, I aim to develop my knowledge and skills in digital marketing by attending courses at the YMCA, supported by HP Life. I believe that the future of communication and design will be shaped by the digital transformation. These courses contribute to both my professional and personal development. I recommend all young people to take advantage of this free opportunity, as the YMCA Digital Center offers an inspiring environment for anyone who wants to learn and improve. Jovan I am Jovan from Bitola, a regular volunteer at the YMCA. In the last year of my primary education, I actively devoted myself to the HP life courses, which were held almost every week at the Youth Center. From the very beginning, I had the feeling that they would complement my existing knowledge. After completing several courses, I became even more interested. I also had the opportunity to be part of the first generation of participants at the HP Gaming Garage, where I studied a course in Computer Game Design. During these courses, I liked the communication and interaction with other students who regularly attended. I recommend this way of gaining new knowledge to my classmates, and to freely study my favorite topic, digital marketing.
Real Stories, Real Growth: Peer School Participants Reflect
Latest News Real Stories, Real Growth: Peer School Participants Reflect Mila Nikolovski, Economic School Jane Sandanski When I first heard about this activity, I immediately felt great curiosity and excitement. I had positive expectations – that I would learn something new, meet interesting people and gain useful knowledge and experiences. What I liked the most was the teamwork and practical tasks, which were dynamic and fun. Through them, I learned new skills for communication, cooperation and critical thinking, and at the same time gained greater confidence in expressing my ideas. This experience helped me develop as a person, improve my social and organizational skills and get a clearer idea of my future goals. I can apply the acquired knowledge in everyday communication, at school, as well as when working in a team and making decisions in different situations. And young people who want to upgrade themselves and gain new experiences would benefit the most from such activities. I would certainly recommend such programs to everyone, because they contribute to personal development and practical knowledge. Sara Gruevska, Economic School Jane Sandanski I came to the peer school with expectations that I would have a good time and that I would learn many new and useful things, and those expectations were fully realized. The workshops were particularly interesting and interactive, and through them I gained new knowledge and insights that I did not possess before. This experience taught me true values and significantly contributed to my personal growth and self-improvement. I believe that the things we learned are fully applicable in everyday life and help us better deal with different situations. We, the participants, benefit the most, because through the activities we learn practical skills that are necessary for us in everyday life. Nektaria Ilievska, Gymnasium SABA Honestly, the peer school met and even exceeded my expectations. I liked the activities and games the most, because through them learning was interesting, active and fun. During the peer school I learned many new things and gained new knowledge and skills that will be useful to me in the future. I believe that what we learned is practical and applicable in real life, and I think that this type of school is most useful for high school students. Stefanija Dimitrijovska, Gymnasium SABA Before the peer school started, I had expectations to learn more information related to the world of career development. The most interesting part of the program for me were the games in which we actively participated and were constantly on the move. Through them, I learned new games and ways of cooperating with others. I believe that the school partially, but significantly, contributed to me in this area and gave me a clearer picture of the topic. The things we learned are applicable in everyday life and can be of great benefit to students in the seventh, eighth and ninth grades, as well as to students in the first, second and third years of secondary education.
Our Youth at the European Leaders Camp in the Netherlands
Latest News Our youth at the European Leaders Camp in the Netherlands Six young people from our YMCA took part in the European Summer Camp Young Leaders (ESYL) – an international training held in Ommen, the Netherlands, organized by YMCA Nederland. This unique event, which has become a beautiful tradition uniting young leaders from all over Europe, gathered participants this year from the Netherlands, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Portugal, the Czech Republic, N.Macedonia, and other countries. Together, they learned, shared ideas, and built friendships that will shape the camps of tomorrow. Through a four-day program filled with interactive workshops, teamwork, and practical sessions, participants learned about summer camp organization, leadership, communication, teamwork, safety, ethical behavior, and camp traditions. Of course, there were also plenty of games, campfires, and moments full of true camp spirit. Our YMCA has been a long-standing partner of YMCA Netherlands for nearly a decade and has actively participated in this program since 2015, preparing new generations of young people who will lead the summer camps of the future across Europe. Below are reflections from our six participants — their impressions, experiences, and inspirations from ESYL 2025. Nikola Gelov Arriving in Ommen — the little town that will stay engraved in my heart — was simply wonderful! Since our journey was the longest, our group was the last to arrive. We settled into our rooms, and from that moment, what I would call a total connection began! Meeting new people, exchanging thoughts, lots of laughter, games, and friendships, fun, singing, and above all, spreading positive energy! Throughout all five days, I truly felt at home. Each day carried on a new story. As the leader of my group, I was beyond proud of everyone who was part of our team! The fun and connection never ended. But as with all the good things, it had to come to an end. Stefanija Dimitrijovska The experience was spontaneous, filled with laughter, new friendships, and long conversations on all kinds of topics. There were around 40 volunteers and leaders who wanted to deepen their leadership skills and personal approach. That’s exactly what I was learning about there – leadership. More specifically, I learned how to apply different leadership approaches in different situations, and how one type of approach can sometimes work better than another. Jovana Kirjakovska I was thrilled and so grateful for the opportunity. All the activities were amazing, especially on the last day when we had an exercise about communication and communication styles. Everyone chose a color that represented him/her, so we discovered how different and unique we all are. I made new friends and gained new knowledge and experiences that are very applicable in everyday life. I would recommend this experience to all young people, because it is something that will truly help them in their future. Vladimir Gelov What I liked the most was the team spirit and the interactive workshops. The sessions on group dynamics and social safety were great and helped me open up more in a team environment. I learned a lot about the importance of active listening, empathy, and safe communication within a group. I realized how small gestures have a big influence on the sense of belonging and trust in the team. This camp helped me become more aware of my strengths and how I can positively influence others. I gained more confidence in public speaking and collaborating with people of different personalities. I would definitely recommend this program to every young person who wants to grow as an individual and a leader — especially to those interested in teamwork, leading projects, or building positive community relationships. Emilija Ilievska I wanted to gain new skills in leadership, teamwork, and activity organization, but also to connect with people from different countries and cultures. What I liked the most was the practical part – team tasks, simulations, and interactive exercises. The atmosphere was positive, and the exchange of experiences with other participants was truly inspiring. I learned many things, like how to communicate effectively, feel more confident speaking a foreign language, handle conflicts, and stay flexible in different situations. The training helped me become more self-confident in my role as a leader and develop various skills that I can apply both in other projects and in everyday life. Some of the workshops I plan to use in my school’s youth organization. This experience is especially valuable for young people who want to grow as leaders, particularly those who wish to work with youth or in non-formal education. Manuela Spasevska When I heard about this event, I was excited because my previous experience was unforgettable, spontaneous, and wonderful. I had high expectations since the last camp I attended in Denmark was incredibly good. However, this one was great in its own way. I knew that every camp is different and that some experiences happen only once, in a specific place. The beauty of the event lies in that feeling – the daily sessions were full of interaction, communication, and personal growth. Through games and team workshops, we created a six-day family. Besides learning about friendship, empathy and creating a warm atmosphere where everyone feels safe and brave, I also learned about teamwork, creating safe environments, organizing camps for different age groups, communication types and working with children. All these professional and personal skills are things we will carry back and apply in our YMCA work. Photos from this unforgettable experience of our young leaders.
Testimonials on ProfilPASS Career Guidance
Latest News Testimonials on ProfilPASS Career Guidance Ana, University Student I have always wanted to discover myself, so filling out questionnaires, as well as solving psychological tests and quizzes for self-awareness, aroused curiosity and interest in me. With Profile Pass career counseling, I was pleasantly surprised by the unique experience I gained and the different approach from other tests I had been exposed to before. It allowed me further get to know myself, to face my virtues and shortcomings to learn how to deal with them. I also discovered what the other categories/types of people are and how they function and now I apply healthy communication with them, depending on their character.This way of self-examination is definitely unique in itself and I feel that it gave me the most accurate and relevant results. I would especially recommend it to those who feel some kind of identity crisis, do not know which career path to choose or feel that they are not happy in their job. It should also be applied to high school students, because they are mature enough to understand and that is when they most need to get to know themselves to know which path to take. Angela, high school student While participating in the process I felt free to share what I wanted to express about myself, and I was assured that through this method I would receive a direction that suited me, and at the same time I could learn something new about myself. Since I had one-on-one sessions, I felt free and with no stress. The most enjoyable part of the activity was the privacy I had while participating. I learned about myself that I am an altruistic person who has great analytical and engineering skills, and through the meetings, I received direction on how to build myself as a person further. Since I did not have a specific idea of what to do next when I started my career life, the activity especially helped me to be able to explore and decide, what jobs would suit me according to my experiences and abilities.I believe that I could not have done this on my own with equal efficiency if I had not participated in Profil Pass. I also received guidance on what jobs to research based on my experiences, skills and interests and on how to enrich my CV, things which will be applied throughout my life. In the past, I had a lot of stress because I believed that there were no secure career paths for me and I was not sure if I would ever be employed in the future. Through this activity, I learned that there is and everyone has a secure career path and I can find my path. This was so helpful for me and I believe that it would be also of great help to those around me.I think that this methodology would benefit the youngest people in secondary education who are still not sure what to do next after secondary education, for example, which university to go to when they become adults. I think there are so many young people unsure of themselves and with no idea for their future professional lives. This activity would be of great benefit to them. Natasha, Youth worker When I first learned about the Profil Pass career counseling, I was curious, but not overly optimistic. It reminded me of past experiences in high school when we worked with psychologists to discuss our future educational paths. My expectations were modest, yet I decided to give it a chance. I realized that even though I had been working for nearly a decade, engaging in self-reflection and understanding my personal and professional affinities could still be valuable.The process encouraged honesty and openness, which allowed me to reflect deeply on my qualities and experiences. There were moments when I needed extra time to recall certain details, but that only made the process more meaningful. Despite my years of experience as a youth worker, volunteer, and coordinator, I discovered new insights about myself. This activity helped me reaffirm my strengths, recognize areas for growth, and feel more confident in my career path.Overall, I found this experience incredibly beneficial. It not only enhanced my self-awareness but also gave me practical tools, like a detailed document summarizing my results, which I can use for personal and professional development. I would highly recommend the Profil Pass career counseling to high school students preparing for college or young adults unsure about their career direction. Andrea, high school student At first, I didn’t had any big expectations, but I felt like I really needed this activity. This activity not only made me get to know myself, but it also allowed me to realize all my abilities, skills and traits, my character. Which really helped me further, both in personal and professional growth. For example, after this activity I gradually noticed how much easier it was for me to form new collaborations, and acquaintances and approach new experiences. I recommend this activity to everyone, but especially to young people who don’t know each other well enough, and I believe that it will help them as it helped me. Luka, high school student In a way, I learned more about myself and it was interesting, but I liked the part when I consulted with the psychologist about my life the most, because I was open and honest, also about my interests for the future, as an important part for every young person. I cannot confirm about professional growth, because I am still young, but I know that it will certainly be useful for me. They apply to everyday life, such as raising self-confidence in young people, and therefore conversations with a psychologist on these topics are very useful to start from a young age. I recommend the Profil Pass career counseling to young people who want to get to know themselves better, to discover what they are good at and what they want
Lasting Impressions – The Festival “Wonderful Days” through the Eyes of our Youth
Latest News Lasting Impressions – The Festival “Wonderful Days” through the Eyes of our Youth In July 2025, eight representatives from our YMCA – two leaders and six young people aged 13 to 18 – took part in the unforgettable youth festival Wonderful Days in Denmark. Organized every two years by YMCA Denmark, this unique camp-festival offers an outdoor adventure filled with concerts, workshops, sports, moments for personal reflection, and countless new friendships. Thanks to the support of the Erasmus+ programme, our participants had the opportunity to join youth from several other countries in this inspiring event. Wonderful Days is more than just a festival – it’s a shared experience that inspires, connects, and empowers young people through non-formal education, volunteering, and joyful engagement. Our team returned home full of ideas, skills, and motivation, ready to bring a piece of the festival spirit into our local community. Below, we share their reflections – honest, vivid, and full of gratitude. MihailMy first thoughts when I found out about the festival in Denmark were that this would be unforgettable. I think we all had certain expectations, but what I expected became a reality – a paradise for young people. I felt accepted and was very happy that everyone was friendly and communicative. The international connection aspect was very pleasant – we shared our cultures and games. I learned to be more communicative and to enjoy nature. The activities we did around the campfire had a positive impact – I learned how to make wooden utensils and various sculptures. Overall, I would describe the experience as unforgettable, extremely fun and unforgettable for anyone who attends in the future. TeonaBecause we do not have such events here, my first thought was that this was something impossible for me. However, with a bit of hope, I still applied. I felt excited with a small dose of fear about whether I would manage, but at that place, nothing is impossible – everyone gives you hope and strength that you can do anything. I gained new experiences because it was my first time camping. I also got to know myself better. After each activity, I felt stronger than I believed I was. Primarily, I learned to live more simply than I do in everyday life. I learned to be more resourceful, to know my worth, and that people care about my opinion. I would recommend this festival to many young people because you can learn things that help in everyday life and personal growth. StefanijaBefore the trip, I expected something modest, but it turned out to be even better, and the place was wonderful, clean and organized. During all the activities, I felt great and accepted by everyone. Taking part in this festival brought me many benefits – I gained new skills, improved communication and discipline. Before, I used to hesitate to join new activities. Now I’m more open to challenges and have made new friendships, which also means a lot. I would definitely recommend this type of educational activity. You learn how to work in a team, gain knowledge, and develop discipline – which is very important. The activity was excellently organized and left a great impression – I want to tell everyone with such an opportunity to go for it. EmilijaFrom the moment I found out about the festival, I was thrilled and excited for the adventure because I hadn’t had such an experience before. At the festival, I learned about teamwork, how to become more responsible and developed other skills like creativity and resilience in the face of challenges. I learned things I will use in everyday life, like flexibility, problem-solving, and finding creative solutions. I also learned how to make the most of the day and feel fulfilled. My recommendation: I don’t think I’ll stop telling everyone about this for the next six months, because it was such an unforgettable and super fun experience. I recommend everyone to go if they get the chance – no one teaches you the things you learn at camp: friendship, skills, experience, and memories. Overall experience: I would describe it in one word – unbelievable. JovanaHonestly, I didn’t think I’d be lucky enough to be part of such an adventure and had no expectations. But when I found out I would participate, I knew I’d have a great time, meet new friends, and learn something new. The activities I liked most were those we could do in our free time – like weaving, sewing, working with clay, and making bracelets. Participating in such an organized camp festival meant you truly have a chance to learn many new things, find yourself in a different environment, and meet different people. The things you learn at these camps are applicable and useful in everyday life. I recommend these camp activities, friendships, memories, and experiences to every young person because they begin to become more aware, confident, make new friendships and become stronger. ManuelaI couldn’t fully imagine what a camp festival would be like because it was my first time participating in something like that. The fact that I already knew everyone in my group meant that my only expectation was to have fun! Each game was new to us and designed to be engaging. I enjoyed every single activity offered to us – even just having a simple conversation with one of the internationals. All of it was an opportunity to grow within myself. In the 21st century, everyone thinks they need to look perfect, act perfectly, have no flaws, be the best, compete with each other and focus most on their social media. However, at camp we remember the real standards – what really matters. Kindness, friendship, humanity, loyalty and LOVE! We believe that moments like these at Wonderful Days leave a lasting impact and encourage young people to be more active, confident, and open to the world around them. Gordana – a group leaderWhen I first heard about the summer camp in Denmark, I felt excitement and
More Than a Camp: Stories That Stay With You
Latest News More Than a Camp: Stories That Stay With You Campers’ Testimonials This summer, a group of girls from different schools and backgrounds came together at GLOW Camp — and left with more than just great memories. What started as a fun summer opportunity quickly turned into a life-changing experience, full of personal growth, new friendships, laughter, and learning that reached far beyond the campgrounds. Mihaela, a 15-year-old medical student, the camp became a place to build self-confidence and learn how to better communicate with others. “Everything we learned is something we can use in everyday life — and the friendships still remain.” Ema, 14, arrived nervous but hopeful — and left with a full heart. She described the camp as fun, educational, and deeply empowering. “I learned to speak in front of others without being shy,” she said. “I got better at working in a team, made friends, and became more confident.” Ana Marija, also 15, felt that these activities should be experienced by all teenagers — even adults. The camp taught her practical and emotional lessons that, as she said, “changed my daily life.” She believes this kind of camp is especially important for younger generations to disconnect from their phones and connect more with people. Emilija, 16, called her GLOW experience “amazing.” She found not just joy in the moment, but tools for life — learning the value of resilience, leadership, and how true strength lies in unity and support. “No one teaches you these things the way camp does,” she said. “The friendships, the skills, the memories — they stay with you.” Angela, 14, embraced every activity — from setting up a tent for the first time to learning how to express herself with more confidence. “Since camp, I’ve started taking better care of myself and speaking up more,” she shared. “It helped me open up and work as a team.” And for Jana, 15, the magic was in the energy. “It was fun, educational, and helped me be more open,” she said. She especially enjoyed the water games, teamwork, and the feeling of learning through playing. These girls came to GLOW Camp looking for something new. They left with new skills, new friendships, and a stronger sense of who they are — and who they can become. Staff Testimonials “I really appreciate being part of the first time bringing back to the camp. It is only up from here. Thank you so much!” — Lizzie Bradshaw, Peace Corps Volunteer “Particularly with GLOW camp, there was enthusiasm and excitement to participate. It was clear that meaningful bonds were established. The counselors worked really well together, and there are clear opportunities to grow the program next year!” — Shayna Meltzer, Peace Corps Volunteer “This was a challenge for me, because it was the first time I was directly involved in planning outdoor camps, working with a team from the USA who have rich and real-world experience behind them. Of course, there is always room for improvement, and I look forward to more such or similar activities in the future.” — Natasa Darkov, YMCA staff “The girls had an amazing time, which is the main goal. I’m really happy the camps are happening again, and I cannot wait to see how I can contribute to getting them back to their former glory! Godspeed!” — Roberta Petrovska, Local Volunteer Campers’ Survey After participating in the camp, many girls feel significantly more confident in their decision-making abilities (72% high level of agreement) and committed to fulfilling their obligations (67%). Most participants stated that they are more aware and proactive in taking care of their physical and emotional health (78%), as well as having a significant increase in self-confidence, security, and independence (67%). Many of them feel more effective in teamwork (78%), their ability to cooperate with others has improved (78%), and they are also more willing to put the goals of the group before their own (72%). Also, 72% value and consider different opinions more and understand group dynamics better. Participants showed an increased interest in exploring new experiences (89%), and a great willingness to get out of their comfort zone and try new things (85%). They feel more confident when meeting and interacting with new people (79%) and more effective in working in a group (85%). Parents’ Survey To better understand the impact of this year’s GLOW Camp, we asked the parents of participants to share their impressions. Their responses showed not only strong satisfaction with the experience but also visible changes in their daughters after the camp. All parents agreed that the camp was useful for their daughters — a clear sign that GLOW continues to offer meaningful content and a supportive environment. When it came to the overall camp experience, a big majority of parents rated it as excellent, with the remaining saying it was above average or average. The activities also received high praise with most of them describing them as excellent and a few as very good. One of the most encouraging results came from the question about changes in the children after the camp. Most parents said they saw a positive difference — their daughters came home happier, more confident, more creative, and more socially engaged. A few noted they were smiling more, initiating conversations, or expressing themselves in new ways, and a few were not sure yet or saw no noticeable change. Most parents felt the camp met their expectations and when asked how GLOW compared to other camps in the country, half said it was among the best, while others did not have a comparison point. Parents described GLOW as a safe space where girls could express themselves, try new things, and grow – emotionally, socially, and creatively. Many expressed gratitude that such a program exists and hope to see it continue in the years to come.
Students’ Stories from the Peer School for Primary Schools
Latest News Students’ Stories from the Peer School for Primary Schools Jovana Georgievska, School Dr. Trifun Panovski From all the topics, “How to deal with peer violence” was my favorite topic to present because we taught the children how to stand up for themselves and to create their self-confidence. In the future, I would like to be a peer educator again because I think this is an important topic that needs to be discussed not only in class, because we see it every day but many do nothing to stop it. Furkan Metliku, School Goce Delchev With the help of the educators and the workshops, I became more confident and prepared to speak in front of others. The topic that interested me the most was psychological violence, because it often happens and is difficult to recognize. During the presentations in front of the students, I was glad that the students listened carefully and showed interest. I believe they learned something important. I would like to be a peer educator again, because this experience helped me to express myself better, to gain self-confidence, and to be a support for others. Mert Rustemov, School Dame Gruev To be a peer educator for the prevention of violence was a great responsibility for me, but also an opportunity to learn something new and to help others. Through the workshops and trainings, I gained self-confidence and felt prepared to speak in front of other students. I consider the topic of peer violence to be very important, because each of us has the right to be safe and respected at school. What was most interesting to me was that through games and discussions, we learned how to recognize different types of violence and how to react properly. I felt most excited when I had to speak in front of other students, but over time I realized that there is no place for shame and fear – it is important to speak openly. I believe that such activities are extremely important and I would like to be a peer educator again. The feeling that I can make a change, even a small one, gives me the strength to continue. Jovan Grozdanovski, School Kole Kaninski When I heard about this workshop, I was nervous about meeting new children, but with each new workshop, I relaxed more and more. Before presenting at my school as a peer educator, I was afraid, but during the presentation, I relaxed. Something that helped me relax was the children who participated in the workshop, because they were open and shared their own experiences with peer violence and how they dealt with it. Jana Lozanche, School St.Cyril and Methodius The workshops helped us to connect with each other, to build team trust, and to feel safe when speaking in front of other students. The most interesting part for me was when the students shared experiences about violence they had survived or witnessed. That was the moment when I truly felt how serious and important this topic is. In those moments, I learned that every child hides a story behind their behavior and that we need to be there for each other. The most difficult part for me was the preparation for the presentation. Although we were prepared and had support, I still felt nervous and wondered if I would say everything as I should. But when I saw that the children were really listening, I felt that we were truly doing something good. I would like to be part of such activities again, even to be a peer educator again.
Internship Opportunities at the YMCA: Supporting Young Professionals in Their Growth
Latest News Internship Opportunities at the YMCA: Supporting Young Professionals in Their Growth Leona I have benefited from the internship in several ways. It has given me the opportunity to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting, allowing me to gain hands-on experience in graphic design. Working on diverse projects has helped me develop my creative skills, improve my design process, and become more confident in my abilities. Additionally, the internship has taught me how to work effectively within a team, collaborate with others, and meet deadlines, which are all valuable skills for my future career. It has also provided me with a better understanding of the professional environment and the importance of communication and feedback in achieving quality results. Overall, this experience has significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth. Fidela My name is Fidela and I am a master’s student. During my studies, I had the opportunity to become part of the YMCA as an intern. I would like to share that during my internship in the organization I gained skills and knowledge that contributed greatly to me as a student, as well as to my professional development. Additionally, I would like to highlight my positive experience working with my mentor, as his support and cooperation significantly contributed to the successful completion of my tasks.
Participant’s Testimonies from the Peer School for High Schools
Latest News Participant’s Testimonies from the Peer School for High Schools Mihaela, Gymnasium Taki Daskalo During the training on peer violence, I had the opportunity to give a presentation in front of 40 students and two psychologists at my school. It was a huge experience for me, but at the same time a big challenge. What scared me the most was whether I would be able to keep everyone’s attention, especially when I knew that not only first and second-year students would be listening to me, but professionals as well. The nervousness and fear of making mistakes were constantly present, because it was important to me that my message was clear and well understood. When the presentation was over, I felt relieved, happy and relaxed. Although I was afraid, I managed to overcome my fear and convey the topic with dedication. It was wonderful to see how my words affected the students, and to hear positive feedback from all of them. It gave me additional motivation and confidence. I would definitely present again. Every new experience of this type helps me improve and feel more confident in myself, both now and in the future. I see it as a chance to grow and pass on my knowledge to others. When it comes to working with elementary school students, I would gladly accept. I believe that working with younger students is extremely important, because they are in a period when they learn the most and form themselves as individuals. I would like to help them learn how to deal with violence and create positive relationships with the people around them. Through this experience, I realized even more that I find myself in psychology that I want to develop in the future. I want to continue working with young people, to inspire them and to help them deal with the challenges that life brings. Predrag, Technical School Gjorgi Naumov I am Predrag, I am 15 years old and study at a technical secondary school. I was giving a presentation in front of about twenty youths, and we were learning about fighting peer violence. From the presentation I learned a lot about myself, but also about others. I have learned that people who commit violence also have problems, not just those who receive it. Ognen, Technical School Gjorgi Naumov I am Ognen, a student at the technical school in Bitola and I was a peer educator at the School Against Peer Bullying. Before delivering my presentation, I was afraid that I could get confused very easily and not be understood or interested by the audience, but that immediately changed as soon as I started presenting. Since the presentation ended, I felt nice, relieved and fulfilled that I was able to contribute to raising awareness about the peer violence that occurs in today’s society. I would definitely like to present again, both in front of my peers and in front of elementary school students on this topic, because the topic is of great importance to everyone. Nektaria, Gymnasium SABA I am Nektaria, a second-year student at the SABA high school. Before coming to this workshop I was afraid of presenting in front of many people, in front of youth, as well as meeting new ones, but as time went on, with each new workshop we got to know the youth better. When we had to present as peer educators in our schools, things changed and I was very relaxed. During the workshops, I am glad that many students got relaxed and started sharing their experiences, whether they were bullies or victims of violence. I hope that in the future more will join such workshops so that we can positively affect and reduce violence. Teodora, Medical School Jovan Kalauzi I am Teodora, I am studying in medical high school, and I am 16 years old. I think this presentation was very useful and I learned so many new things. I know that this presentation will benefit me in the future, and I know that those who listened to me will learn something more about what peer violence is actually. I had no stage fright at all about the presentation and no one should have stage fright. It’s not scary and if you’re educated about what you’re talking about and then it’s easy to express it to all those who want to listen to you. More about this program you can read here: Peer School Against Peer Violence – YMCA.mk
YMCA World Accelerator Summit: Vision 2030 in Mombasa, Kenya
From 21st to 26th October 2024, I had the incredible privilege of attending the YMCA World Accelerator Summit in Mombasa, Kenya.
