Message from the Executive Director

I have always been passionate about making positive changes in young persons lives.  Why YMCA? For me, the YMCA is based on truth, love, peace and freedom. Isn’t that the greatness we all search for in life?

It is not easy to start new mission in a country that has suffered so greatly and that has been humiliated from tyranny for so many years. From generation to generation, Kosovo has endured religious, ethnic, political and social conflicts. Our mission was started at a time when conflict was still present in many of our regions. We overcame tremendous obstacles by remaining committed to our territory and passionate about our desire to reform and improve our community. 

I am honored to be a part of the YMCA. I am proud to serve as the first Director of YMCA Kosovo and of the youth leaders that have emerged in my country. I sincerely thank my family, friends, members, partners, volunteers and donors for making our first year an enormous success. 

Murat Bajrami, 
Founder of the YMCA Kosovo

Message from YMCA KOSOVO Leaders

”We are Catholics, Muslims, Orthodox, Protestants with different ethnical and social backgrounds who are gathered to help people our community to grow in spirit, mind, body and social responsibility.        

Our values of Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, and Belief in God and People inspire us to serve and make the world a better place.  

How did we start the Kosovo YMCA? 

The YMCA Kosovo is the youngest National Movement formed 2003 based on an initiative of Murat Bajrami and a few local volunteers. The mission of YMCA Kosovo:  “to grow in spirit, mind and body” is based on Christian principles, but as an ecumenical and lay organization is open to all the creeds.  Through common work within various programs which focus primarily on the needs of young people, we strive to overcome prejudices and poverty, to improve the quality of social life, and to build a common European awareness.

We Started Here in June ‘03

With no initial budget, premise, or equipment, but with the enthusiasm and firm belief that the YMCA organization would make a positive difference in Kosovo, we initiated a variety of activities in just a few months that involved more than 300 multiethnic youth and 40 multiethnic youth leaders. Our initial programs included an Intercultural Preschool, Karate, Soccer, Aerobics, Exchange Programs, Special Olympics, Art, Guardian for Orphans, and Leaders Training.  

Inspired by the worldwide mission of YMCA as a viable answer to the needs of Kosovo, we established a National Office first, programs in Prishtina and Peja next, and activities in Mitrovica, Prizen and Gjilani shortly thereafter. 

Y M C A   K O S O V O   ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

The Assembly of Members consists of 25 members and is the highest governing body of the organization. The Assembly of Members have the ultimate responsibility for the policies and financial affairs of the organization and are responsible for the control and management of the affairs and property of the organization.  The Assembly of Members:   makes Strategic Plan; drafts the code of ethics and other regulations; makes decisions regarding new branches and committees; and selects the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Directors. The Assembly of Members can delegate any of its responsibilities to the CEO, Board of Directors or any other organ or officers of the organization, by the decision of the majority of its members.

Board of Directors consists of 9 members and has responsibility to:  ensure adequate resources; oversee the effective management of resources; determine, monitor and strengthen the organization's programs and services; enhance the organization's public standing; ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability; recruit and orient new board members and assess board performance; support the chief executive and assess his or her performance.

Leaders Club (Executive Committee) consists of 15 key leaders (branch directors and program directors) who:  ensure effective organizational planning; provide program training and development; ensure volunteer and membership development; and implement, monitor and evaluate programs.