Who We Are

YMCA in Kosova is a youth organization formed of volunteers that seek to share the ideal of building a human community of justice with love, peace and reconciliation for the fullness of life for all creation. 

”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.”   Message from YMCA Kosova leaders  

Mission

YMCA Kosova promotes positive values and builds spirit, mind and body through social, health and sports programs for children and youth.

 Vision

 YMCA Kosova builds strong kids, families, and communities that celebrate diversity, and offer opportunity to all.

Executive Director, Murat Bajrami

Message from the Executive Director, Murat Bajrami

I have always been passionate about making positive changes in young persons’ lives.  The YMCA comes to Kosova as a viable answer to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for a Nation who lost its identity a long time ago. I see the YMCA as practical and spiritual way for turning human energy into joy and laughter, and to channel thoughts and actions away from suffering and pain.

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, Kosova 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. 

My leaders and I have worked successfully for many years in challenging environments under tight budget constraints and limited timeframes, which has given us the ability to organize work clearly, effectively, and efficiently to meet the needs of diverse communities.

I am honored to be a part of the YMCA. I am proud to serve as the first Director of YMCA Kosova 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 years an enormous success.