YMCA in Kosovo Blog

I’m Valentina and I am a youth worker at the  YMCA in my city- Peja and this is my story… ValentinaMurati I was always a very hard-working person and very empathic I always loved helping people that is why I chose Social Work as my study field and from a very young age I got the chance to participate in different NGO’s as a volunteer so my love for being able to help people change started from a very young age and still grows. After being a semester abroad and then coming back here without any idea what to do after my graduation, and for me as an very active person it was really hard. I got stuck between a lot of applications, always searching for the right one. One of my friends who was a volunteer in this NGO called YMCA  shared some posts about what they do and I started thinking what would I do if I was there too?  And  there it was! A job application, while I was reading it, I thought  I would love to be part of this family so I’m really going t...

My name's Olta Nallbani. I'm 16 years old and I'm from Gjakova. I’m currently participating in the 21st Century Skills Program organized at Innovation HUB Gjakova. I learned about the project through social media and I have immediately applied online for both the Environment and Skills for work projects. Olta Nalbani Both programs are very entertaining, because they are conducted through very creative activities that are fun and engaging, while at the same time socializing. At the Environment Program themes are focused on climate change crisis, where apart from learning about statistics and climate change around the globe, we are encouraged to walk, bicycle, save water, clean the environment and take community actions. Olta with her frinds at Innovation HUB Gjakova While at the Skills for Jobs, we have been introduced to soft skills that are necessary to know in the 21st century. So far in this project we learned about how to write an official email, how to ...

My name is Alda Muhaxhiri. I’m 16 years old and a student of gymnasium “Hajdar Dushi” in Gjakova. Alda at Innovation HUB Gjakova I was a  participant in the UPSHIFT event which lasted 3 days but I can say that throughout these 3 days I’ve had the most amazing experience and had spent the most beautiful days with the amazing staff and the smart, supportive people that were with me. Alda and her group working in their project Our project idea was to make a student’s application for universities of theBalkans, but there were people who also came up with amazing ideas such as; technological school library or the Cultural Heritage. I can’t really choose which project was the best because they all had their importance. I have learnt and explored my experience on this group project which includes a number of elements such as analysing articles and writing annotated essays of different articles. I also had access to learning tools like online resources, textbook material...

I am Shpat Kozgori, co-founder of the Advertising Agency LEVEL, based in Prishtina. Shpat Kozgori The opportunity to become a mentor became real by CSR Network of whom I am grateful for this opportunity. I was a mentor for "PODIUM: Advocacy for Change Workshop" organized and implemented by YMCA with the support of UNICEF. The three-day program was at the Innovation HUB Gjakova, and was a great experience for me to mentor those wonderful teenagers. Shpat monitoring his group in PODIUM Workshop The best moment for me was seeing the girls on the team sharing their ideas together and working as a real squad for a positive change in the community! Shpat with his group during certificate day  I also like to note the positivity in the YMCA and the atmosphere of the working team there, they did an outstanding job.

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 Zana Shala a young girl from Gjakova. I have been taking part in the Environment Program at the Innovation HUB,  Gjakova since February 2019. Zana Shala The program is quite compelling as it teaches young people about the destruction of the  environment all over the world. I decided to roll up to the program as soon as I saw the call; and  I have immediately applied online. Zana with her group The sessions are attractive and amusing as they run with groups though quizzes and group  challenges, where we are tested on how much we know about the environment, climate change,  environmental resources and global warming. Besides group work, all activities are further  developed through debates and discussions.  So far, I have learned a lot about: Climate Change, why does it happen? who causes it? how to  prevent it? what are the greenhouse gases? and many other topics.  I come to know that climate change is happening now and i...

I am Arbios Byci 15 years old from Gjakova. I am part of the project "Cultural Heritage" that derived out of UPSHIFT: Social Impact Workshop. Arbios Byci Our group has come to conclusion that Gjakova citizens and its visitors, have limited or no access of information about cultural heritage, so we decided to develop a website that contains information about cities cultural sights. The website will help people to find all cultural places that Gjakova has to offer. We were informed about this opportunity when YMCA staff came to our school and informed us about it. Arbios with his group working in their project The three days of the UPSHIFT workshop were fantastic and we had a great time. Activities were very attractive, of which, I found quite challenging and attractive combination of activity called “Three Why’s” and “The Problem Tree” an activity that enabled us to find solution to our raised problem. Besides having a great time with peers and mentors, I have ...

My name is Melisa Glogjani, I am a 10th grade student at “Hajdar Dushi” Gymnasium, in Gjakova. As for the UPSHIFT project I was introduced by YMCA staff, organized and delivered in our school. I was attracted immediately and noticed that it is a good opportunity to gain knowledge and to contribute to my community. Melisa with her group UPSHIFT  was one of my best experiences so far, since I learned so many new things there. Starting from team work, sharing ideas and experiences with peers from different schools, and developing ideas into projects. During the UPSHIFT workshop I have learned what it is like to conduct a presentation in front of many people, which I have gained confidence that I didn’t have before. Melisa whith her group working in the project Our project was about IT importance and usefulness in our daily life. Therefore, we developed a project in order to equip youngsters of Gjakova Municipality with IT skills. Melisa with her group during U...

I am Anila Mati,  15 years old from Gjakova. I am part of the winning group from the UPSHIFT project that was organized at Innovation HUB Gjakova.  I was lucky to attend an information session at my school where YMCA staff introduced the UPSHIFT program. After this session, together with four friends of mine we decided to apply with the idea of tackling the lack of information about emergency situations amongst children and youth. Our project aims to increase the knowledge on how to properly react in emergency situations as well as where to address the issues once faced with. Anila with her group  UPSHIFT –  is a three-day workshop and was a new experience for all of us. It was interesting to see how a broad idea was step by step developed into a project, where with the help of our mentor we have been guided through different techniques that enabled us to set the idea into concrete actions. The UPSHIFT program has been conducted in a friendly atmosphere wh...