YMCA in Kosovo Blog

I’m Anila Mati, 15 years old from Gjakova. For the past few years I’ve been part of the YMCA in Kosovo. I heard about YMCA from my friends and I was curious to be part of it. At first I started in the Leadership program with the Community module which is the first level, now I’m on the last level which is the 5th one. I’ve also attended the Y Woman program, “Podium”, “Upshift” (UNICEF projects) and now I’m a peer trainer in the Leadership project. Anila with friends during Y Women training I’ve created unforgettable memories and that’s why I can’t even decide which one is my favorite. Recently I’ve been very interested in the “Mental Health” program and I can’t wait to join that next! In general YMCA helped me a lot in different ways. I became more socialized with new people which I’m very close with now, I did volunteer work, I became a leader etc. Now I’m very open to try new things such as different programs in YMCA and meet new people. YMCA is like my second home because i...

I am Edona Vitija, 18 years old and I am part of the YMCA in Kosovo for almost a year now. For the time that I spent here, I have experienced extraordinary moments, I have learned so many important things that made me change myself, and my friends to become better. I have also met so many amazing new people and we have learned a lot from each of them. Edona Vitija Last summer, I had the opportunity to participate in the Gender Junik Camp, where the main topics that we discussed were about violence, stereotypes, prejudices, and feminism. It was one of the best trips in my life. We had so much fun and it helped us to release stress by practising yoga and mindfulness. Edona in Junik Camp Another great experience started later that year, when we opened the first Leadership group in Prishtina. We just finished the Community Module, and started on the level. I can’t wait to finish the sessions and be able to open my own group where I can lead. I just hope I will be as good a...

I always wanted a place to hang out with friends, exchange our opinions or ideas for any topic. This wish of mine came true when I joined the community Leadership project in Junik. I immediately informed all my close friends and we applied together. We just could not wait for the sessions to start. Eron with his friends during activities Even though we all knew each other, we were all just waiting for that one person to start talking. To be honest, I was terrified at first. We all knew that it was the beginning of something great. The session started with a good cup of coffee. After that we started discussing about a specific topic, which was great because we get to debate and learn new things from others. The last but not least part of the session is our favorite part of the day, games. We used to just have fun with games, but after each game we learn something new here, a point or moral or way of looking at things. The Community Leadership training has 3 levels, I just finis...

My name is Qlirim Tofaj and I live in Junik. I am 18 years old and I have finished Natural Science in the Gymnasium “ Kuvendi  Junikut” in Junik. I  have been involved in the organisation for one year  In this organization I have started with Community Leadership program where among other things I have learned about stereotypes, prejudices, democracy, volunteering, etc.  Qlirim with his certificate During my time in the the Leadership Program training I have learned a lot of new things and I have felt really motivated, I have gained a lot of self confidence and I have gained more skills to express myself. I like a lot of things here, firstly the staff is very good and well prepared, good attitude and work discipline are never missed. The priority of this organization is education and development of young people and is one of the main things that motivates me the most to be part of this organization. Qlirim and his friend during the train ...

My experience at the YMCA My name is Jetmir Tofaj, I am 17 years old, this year I will be graduated from high school “Tafil Kasumaj” in Deçan and I live in Junik. I have been part of George Williams Youth Association in Kosovo in the Community Leadership program. It was a very valuable experience for me, during this time we have spent amazing moments together. Jetmir and his friend during activities  I think that GWY is a very productive organization where the methods used there are attractive to interact with young people. In the Community Leadership program we have learned for different topics which are very useful that promotes youth moral values, topics that helped us to overcome fear from public speaking, to not have prejudice, to develop our leadership potential, to know the importance of doing volunteer work in the community where we live and many more. Jetmir and other participants in a meeting with the Mayor in the Junik Centre The time that we s...