Play4Peace Camp in Kosovo
From July 1 to 6 a team of 8 people from our YMCA attended a Play4Peace youth project in Peja, Kosovo along with 20 other young people and youth workers from Serbia, Kosovo and Italy united for peace-building through sports. This project included a 5-day program where through various sports activities and workshops, participants gained a deep understanding of the critical role of youth in peace-building and reconciliation efforts. Play4Peace was an interactive event with discussions, home groups, personal reflections, activities and games that can be applied in any organization. In addition to the educational activities, the participants had an opportunity to visit 3 cities, where they were divided into teams involved in numerous team-building activities such as Escape Room, Photo Challenge, and intercultural evening. In addition, are a few testimonies of some of our participants: FilipI have only a positive opinion about the project. The expectations I had were high, so I’m glad that after all that, they were met. While I was there, I learned a lot about what peace is as a concept, and how to convey it in my environment. I am truly grateful for the chance to participate. AndreaAs for the first time on a project, I had a lot of fun. I learned many things and games and met many new people. And I am especially happy that I got closer and better acquainted with everyone from my group, and that I had some unpleasant moments, but at the same time funny situations that made my experience even more beautiful. TeodoraIn the past week, the YMCA provided us with a project and fellowship that we as participants did not expect. This project for me was a great challenge and study of myself and the people who were around me. The activities that were assigned to us during the sessions, left a lasting impression that I believe we will apply in our everyday lives in the future. Meeting new cultures, and friends, their open-mindedness and honesty left a strong impression on me. “Play4Peace” is a project that made us open up emotionally to new things, to know how to respect each other and what friendship means. There are no wrong answers, there is only the study of new challenges and adventures that await each individual. I highly recommend all those who are keen on learning new things to become a part of the YMCA youth team. DimitriјI have only positive impressions about the project in Kosovo. My expectations were exceeded. The project allowed us to meet and work together with young people from Kosovo, Serbia, and Italy. Together we discussed topics about peace and through sports activities. LoraThe project in Kosovo in which I participated left a great impression on me as I was delighted by their hospitality, their professional approach to the given obligation, the way of realizing the project, as well as conveying the main message to each of the participants. The activities that were implemented should be applied in everyday life because they have a positive impact on each one of us in gaining new knowledge about other cultures, their history and forming new friendships that I believe will be lasting, learning what peace is and how to play for peace. If you get a chance to participate in such a project, sign up without thinking and prepare for an unforgettable experience that will be permanently engraved in your hearts and memories. LukаI have very good impressions of my first youth exchange, and I can say that it exceeded my expectations. When I first heard about this exchange I wanted to go to experience something new in a new country go to a new place and meet new friends. While participating I was very happy because the project was related to sports. I am very grateful to the YMCA for the idea of getting to know the youth from Kosovo, Serbia, and Italy through sports, teamwork, through joint participation. I met many good friends from other countries with whom I still communicate, from whom I learned a lot about their countries, their culture, their religion, etc. I recommend the activities to anyone because they are related to a healthy life and can contribute to improving ourselves mentally. Younger individuals will benefit the most because they are developing and need a good example of how to grow, and develop, just have confidence, not be afraid to express themselves, and know that you can find friends from another country.
Roots Peace Work Institute Reunion in The Holy Land
By Viktor Iliev It’s been quite a while since my last participation in some of the Peace Work Institute sessions. As a 2015-year alumnus, I was invited to join this event to reflect on the previous period in terms of tools, methods and experiences. The venue for the event was the Holy Land which also provided additional learning context. Of course, I accepted the invitation and attended the event. 28 participants, more than 10 countries, 3 different cohorts and 1 week together. It was a privilege to work with Peace Education experts such as Wolfgang Heinrich & Ankica Dragan who have been involved in this program from the very beginning providing the know-how. This time it was the Roots Context Analysis with a particular focus on the impact and relevance of Peace Work Institute Scheme and run through the prism of Reunion participants. We have been blessed being welcomed and hosted with exceptional hospitality and care in each day and place by our friends from Bethlehem, Jericho and Jerusalem, representing both the East Jerusalem and Jerusalem International YMCAs. With not much positive narrative in the media for this region, I felt inspired to see and hear what the YMCA does for its beneficiaries in a very challenging context – generating skills, opportunities and hope for the entire community for almost a century. And all of it despite a wide range of limitations and restrictions – because the people in the YMCA believe in what they do. Maybe the best part of this event was meeting local people and hearing their stories. In many aspects I feel shocked and empathized with the challenges, conditions and lifestyle of the Palestinian people finding some common realities and history with our local people in my homeland. I felt grateful to be able to hear the stories of the other side of the coin. I feel privileged to attend the site visits: Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jerusalem, Nativity Church, River Jordan, Mount of Temptation, Al Aqsa Mosque, Holy Sepulchre Church and a myriad of sacred places. Following the footsteps of Jesus Christ and reflecting upon his life, journey, and sacrifice. Deeply humbling and impactful – giving so much meaning and motivation for what we do and how we live.
