Since its inception in 2012 and with two cohorts (2012-2014, 2014-2019) of participants that passed through it, the Roots Peace Work Institute (PWI) sought to enroll young leaders of different backgrounds from across Europe, young people who were and are a voice and not an echo – eager to learn, to try, to grow… Like raw diamonds to shine after the grind.
And we believe that most of these 46 Alumni managed to develop both personally and professionally as they journeyed through PWI.
Today we share with you the story of Anastasia Tsygankova, an experienced young activist from Russia.
Anastasia has been living in Ivanovo, Russia since she was born. She loves studying, probably that’s why she has got several diplomas.
Anastasia graduated from two faculties at Ivanovo State University: Economics and Language (English). In 2009 she became an Accountant/ auditor and Interpreter in the professional field (Economics). Almost at the same time, she was studying Psychology and Psychotherapy. Psychology is still the field of her great interest and somehow she keeps learning.
Anastasia joined Roots in 2013 in Yerevan. Since 2015 she has been working at YMCA Russia as an Office Manager (part-time) and at her local YMCA as a Program Coordinator (part-time).
“My YMCA story started with International Camp. Campers and counselors were from Germany, Spain, and Russia. Any international event for me is about peace, understanding, the special ability to look at the world through someone’s eyes, Communication, and the Opportunity to SEE a person and not a country, culture, traditions or a history”
“I am extremely thankful to Roots for those beautiful people who I met on my journey. They are so different, but each of them taught me something – e.g. how to laugh out loud, how not to get angry with someone or how to see both sides of a coin. Roots helped me to see the diversity of the world and because of that its beauty”, said Anastasia.
When we asked Anastasia to describe Roots in three words, her answer was: “New broad horizon.”
She loves talking about unforgettable moments she lived in Roots: “Lots of memories broke out to me. Having a Tea Party in Yerevan and wonderful laugh together with Zura; sitting together and singing songs to a guitar; looking into each other’s eyes in pairs; playing games at night; working on River of Life and many more. Just great moments of my life. It is so precious to me…”
“I would absolutely recommend the program to others. It provides a safe space for young people to discuss, listen, share, show and talk. It helps to see People and not conflict, their real-life stories and realize that we are much closer than we think.”
Since 2007 and ever growing, from the South to the North, from the East to the West of Europe – the Roots has always been there for those striving to make this world a better and safer place, a peaceful home for all. We go where the need is, responding quickly to the emerging issues with the legacy and mandate, capacity and adaptability gained for all these years.
By donating to the Roots, you invest in youth opinion leaders from all corners of Europe – varied by age, ethnicity, religion, race or wealth, but united with one strong conviction – Peace is the only way!
