June 5th was an event day after a long break in the YMCA Artsakh calendar. It was the first meeting after the war in Artsakh in the fall of 2020.

About 30 young people from different cities and villages came together for the event that had two purposes:

• to meet each other and share the feelings after the war, as well as to make the participants feel that we are next to each other during these difficult days;
• to create a platform for the camp in July and discuss the preparations for it.

The young people  that gathered in the village of Patara, where the camps are regularly organized, enjoyed a day away from all the problems. Everyone was happy to meet, old friends again had the opportunity to interact and encourage each other to look with a hope towards the future.

During the event, the YMCA Artsakh leaders informed the participants about their future plans, in particular about the upcoming camp and discussed a number of issues.

A core team of those wishing to participate in the camp’s organizational work was also formed. It will be an opportunity for some young people to acquire leadership skills and to transform from a participant to an organizer.

The situation in Artsakh has changed after the war, that is why the needs of young people have become different too. The leaders of the YMCA Artsakh conducted a survey to find out what topics should be included in the camp agenda or, for example, which sports games would be more interesting.

According to that survey, young people’s favourite topics are:

• conflict transformation,
• media literacy,
• storytelling.
• video editing skills.

In addition, 80% of respondents answered in the affirmative mode to the question of whether it is necessary to include the services of a psychologist in the team and individual work.

Also some young people think that now, after the war, the organization of the camp is even more important and urgent than before the war, because the young people drastically need support to overcome the difficulties they face.

After a long discussion, the participants had lunch together and enjoyed time in a good atmosphere. Then it was time to say goodbye, hoping to meet again in the camp soon.

The event was organized through the YMCA Europe Leadership Academy mini-grant program, which gives young people the opportunity to implement relevant initiatives in their communities.

As it goes to the forthcoming trauma-healing summer camp,  the YMCA Europe has provided € 10,000 to YMCA Artsakh within the Roots Local Capacities for Peace facility. The event organized on June 5 is the logical beginning and the start of the preparatory works of this project called “Camp for Peace”.

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!