Where to now?

As we sit in the YMCA in Gjakova as a group on the second to last day before this particular journey comes to an end, I am blown away. A rollercoaster of emotions. The centre here in Gjakova is nothing special; there are no climbing walls, no fancy equipment. In essence it is a couple of rooms with tables and chairs, projector and laptop with a few blackboards on the walls. YMCA in Kosovo reaches 400 young people every week. YMCA in Kosovo is doing some incredible things under difficult circumstances, all the young people have been affected by the war here. Such a young country with a young population bursting with potential.

So as I look around the room at the participants, I am amazed at the transformation I can see. That’s not touching on the transformation that I can’t see… just imagine! Some of these participants in the first week struggled to stand up in front of their peers and present; they are now volunteering to go first! Others have grown in confidence and faith in their own potential to make their ideas a reality. All have made networks and friends that will help and support them to make these ideas take shape.

From meeting the UK Ambassador, the Minister for Youth, Culture and Sport to young people the YMCA accesses. Watching the group deliver their own sessions to 40 young people in Peja (which is what we have been working towards) to watching them interact with some young people in Fushe Kosovo and interacting with some of YMCA Kosovo’s superstar volunteers/young leaders. Finding a balance between the cultural experiences, experiential learning and the training has not been easy and at times emotionally challenging for all involved.

Naomi stood up in front of the UK Ambassador for Kosovo and said that from this project she has learnt “if I don’t do it, who will”, Naomi is right, who will. The Amassador was impressed by this (and in fact appeared on his facebook!). I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Naomi and the whole group. They are not the future, they are now!

Andy (President of YMCA Ireland and part of the planning team) has spoken a lot this week about the YMCA is a place where we create spaces. Looking round the room, it feels like we have not only created a safe space for these young people to grow, transform and think about impacting on their community, there is a safe space here where they have created meaningful friendships.

I, for one, can’t wait to see what is in store for every single one of these individuals.