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The Young Men Christian
Association (www.ymca.int)
was founded in England in 1844 with Christian principles and
mission to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
The YMCA is the World largest
and oldest non-profit organization. In YMCA was founded
International Red Cross, invented Basketball, Volleyball, Racquetball and
established first indoor pools and child care programs. YMCAs
have provided war relief since the Civil War, aiding millions of
soldiers at home and abroad. YMCA helped people in World War I,
and II, and every conflict region around the world…
The
European
Alliance of
YMCAs (www.ymcaeurope.com),
with its headquarters in Prague, is the umbrella organization
for all national movements in Europe and is one of the continents in the World Alliance Of YMCA.
Respecting and valuing the independence and diversity of all
Member Movements, the EAY actively facilitates a process of
integration of all National YMCA's into a European YMCA
network of Movements which offers Christian community, exchange
of ideas and mutual service among National Movements.
How did we start the Kosova YMCA?
The YMCA Kosova is the
youngest National Movement formed 2003 based on an initiative of
Murat Bajrami and a few local volunteers. The mission of YMCA
Kosova: “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 2002
With no initial budget, premise,
or equipment, but with the enthusiasm and firm belief that the
YMCA organization would make a positive difference in Kosova, 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 Kosova, we
established a National Office first, programs in Prishtina and
Peja next, and activities in Mitrovica, Prizen and Gjilani
shortly thereafter.
Since the
June 14 2003, the YMCA in Kosova is working as National
Organization in European and World YMCAs family.
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