YMCA in Kosovo Blog

My name is Diellza Muriqi. I come from Peja and I am currently studying at UWC Adriatic in Italy. I joined the YMCA in 2015 when it came to my city and opened the leadership program. Teamwork, breaking stereotypes and prejudices, and critical thinking were among the things I learned throughout my experience at the YMCA, and from that point on, I created an inseparable link to this organisation. I finally had the chance to come back to this place, and along with 4 of my international friends who also study at UWC Adriatic, I led a session about gender equality.  The idea lead a gender equality session came as a result of the current situation in Kosovo and the lack of information about this issue. However, in Gjakova we encountered a different reality. It did not take long to notice that we were dealing with students who respect others’ opinions, have a great sense of critical thinking, and have indeed discussed about gender equality before. Stephanie (Canada) and Leone (Belgium)...

When you first think of the word “PEACE” it makes you think and do something about it because everyone wants to change the disaster in the world… And that’s what RFR stands for. The first session was held in Tbilisi, Georgia but I didn’t have the chance to be a part of it because of a visa problem, however my mentor Adi didn’t let me miss anything what happened there and I was also connected with the group all the time. Fiona at the Roots training in Berlin We met all together in the city of  history, Berlin. We were 30 young people from different countries , where each of us has a story to tell. I was impressed how they managed to make every single detail on point. We started every morning with the “message of the day” and I felt so proud that the first message was a speech from Mother Teresa , because she’s a peace symbol and a role model for everyone, and she’s Albanian. Fiona and her tandem group The session “Do No Harm”  from the program really impress...

The more we give, the happier we feel. Jora volunteering in Service Craftsman Enterprise Being a volunteer means that you are offering something – something that is not an obligation. People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For some it offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. Jora volunteering in her local library Jora wrote  a statement for each letter of the word VOLUNTEER during her badge presentation The essential part of every organization, volunteering is the giving of yourself, your time and talents to help others and make a difference in someone else life.  And that is why we feel useful, because being there for people in need means a lot, it gives you an opportunity to provide hope, love and also to get you to know people and try new things. Jora with her...

 I first started in September of 2012. I appreciate two of my friends Martin and Adrian who have been informed about the leadership training and invited me... in fact, I wasn't sure if I should go or not. I was very disappointed from the youth center of Gjakova in which I was registered as a volunteer and I have never been called in any activity because they were really passive in those days. Anjesa at the Youth Ambassador meeting The first day in YMCA was unexpected, I had fun and met new friends. Dorina was our trainer and she tried to leave us good impression about YMCA. We never did training like this in Gjakova, so as the first group we were one step before other young people. We had training once a week, but for us it wasn’t enough, we wanted more. Every day we spent there was really worthy, without mentioning the issues related to the space. Anjesa and Durim in Greece  After two amazing years spent in YMCA, even by having the chance to lead a grou...

The first time I heard about YMCA I honestly thought  it was a waste of time! However  I had nothing to do at that time... I was 15, no activities, nothing out of school and it was only once a week training. I didn’t have a great experience with my group and didn't know anyone so it wasn't a great first experience. But I came. Dren representing YMCA in Kosovo as Change Agents in France  My mom was a big reason for me to come every week, she trusted the leadership and every time I felt anxious she reassured me. It was hard at first but then something changed...it became a thing and I felt comfortable coming every week and then there were days I didn't want to come but I still came. Dren and the other participants joined the Wonderful Days Festival in Denmark Then I  volunteered and become a peer trainer. I didn’t know my partner Drenusha at first, but after we worked together more and more she become a really important person in my personal and Y...

The first time at the YMCA, I didn’t have a clue what it was, what happens and I don’t know what made me to continue the training... it was just a feeling that kept me.  Fiona is a Youth Ambassador There is no where or better yet there is no other place that makes me feel myself. The motivation that I get every time I enter the organization, I feel safe. I know there are people there who protects my rights. Fiona and her participant during Leadership Training I had a lot of problems to express my thoughts, being a ‘"peer trainer" has helped me a lot! I even trained two groups of young people who were successful and completed the three levels of leadership training. Leadership training The first time I meet an international person was at the YMCA, the first time I traveled abroad was with the YMCA, the first time I flew on an airplane was with YMCA, everything I started YMCA helped me make it possible. I found myself here, considering that I...

Everything started with the question "how to spend my free time?’’ One of my friends invited me to be part of an organisation which I didn’t have a clue about.  At first I  thought to myself what will I lose if I go and take a look? Then I started going every week and I started liking it more and more every time, then I couldn't wait to come every Saturday for Leadership training in Peja. Arber from Peja  At first I meet a lot of  new people, whom liked to hear my thoughts. I just felt free to express my ideas without being judged.  I changed the way of thinking at the YMCA and that's the first thing I achieved. I started to see things from different points. Arber at Youth Ambassador Meeting The biggest change that I achieved is when I came back from France. There I met a lot of new cultures from the world which changed me... it made me feel better for myself and my future.  Even if I regret some of my choices I made in life, I’...