Volunteers have always been the cornerstone of YMCA Georgia activities since its foundation date. They perform a great deal of workload and are instrumental in sustaining the mission and progress trajectory of the organization for all these years.

So it is especially gratifying to be able to give back and appreciate their contribution. And YMCA Europe Generation Next project has been a perfect opportunity for YMCA Georgia to further develop the capacity and know-how of its volunteer base, at the same time granting some of them enrolled in academic institutions with annual scholarship funding for the investment of time and energy in organizational activities.

For the second year running, YMCA Georgia “Camp Orange” has been the venue where the recipients of Generation Next scholarships got their just reward for all the work and commitment they have given to the organization and the community in general – and in particular through year-round engagement in “Blooming Branches – Multinational Georgia” project that YMCA Georgia implemented in cooperation with YMCA of the USA and YMCA Europe “Roots for Peace” project. Truly a symbol of  partnership and support by itself, the goal of the project was very relevant in the regional context too – bringing together 35 young people of ethnic Georgian, Azerbaijani and Armenian origin (major ethnic groups residing in the country) and promoting the values of tolerance, understanding and coexistence.

Having the Generation Next project coordinator, Vardan Hambardzumyan there personally to hand the certificates has certainly added to the occasion. Good luck to our Next Generation of leaders as they embark on a journey to build asociety based on principles we all believe in – and we are happy to be taking this journey together with them!