Youth Development

We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. Because of the YMCA, more young people in neighborhoods around the nation are taking a greater interest in learning and making smarter life choices. At the Y, children and youth learn values and positive behaviors, and can explore their unique talents and interests, helping them realize their potential. That makes for confident youth today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.

Education, Leadership and Youth Employment

All children and youth have great potential. At the YMCA Kosovo, a leading nonprofit strengthening community through youth development, we work every day to help them set and achieve their personal and educational goals. Through our leadership and academic enrichment programs such as Afterschool Program in Gjakova, non formal education for Roma youth in Mitrovica and Ferizaj, advisory services and youth employment programs the YMCA Kosovo makes sure that every young Kosovar has an opportunity to envision and pursue a positive future, and to take an active role in strengthening his or her community.

YMCA Kosovo works with hundreds of young people across Kosovo every week many of whom struggle to achieve their best at school and have little confidence or aspiration for their future. One of the very important elements of YMCA programme, that can build aspiration and channel the potential of those young people, is through training and employability work. Beside the educational support programs YMCA provides various types of internships, coops within Kosovo and outside of the country through European Volunteering Service or International Camp Counselor Program with US

Social Arts Program

Art is a powerful form of non-verbal communication and it is a direct channel to reach both people's hearts and minds. It is for this reason that social dance theatres have proven an extremely effective tool for engaging youth in a process of personal and social transformation. In the social Artistic Program, youth are learning – during weekly training sessions, but also camps, workshops and other events – dance/theatre pieces about critical social issues that affect them and their communities. In parallel they are going through a curriculum that educates them in these issues and provides them with precious background information that prepares them to face them and build new and constructive solutions. As the participants grow in their understanding, they also perform on a regular basis and thus further spread the education they receive to their peers and communities.

Sports

The YMCA is the starting point for many youth to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy habits they'll carry with them throughout their lives. And the benefits are far greater than just physical health. Whether it's gaining the confidence that comes from learning to swim or building the positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork, participating in sports at the Y is about building the whole child, from the inside out. YMCA Kosovo offers the following sport activities: Martial Arts (Karate and Judo); Soccer; Basketball; Skiing; Swimming; and Outdoor sports (Mountaineering, climbing, hiking, alpinism, and speleology)

Camp

All camps at the YMCA Kosovo share one thing: they're about discovery. Youth and children have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, learn about tolerance, promote intercultural dialogue and make lasting friendships and memories.

Festivals

YMCA Youth Festivals are among the greatest fun at the YMCA. Every year YMCA festivals are organized in Kosovo as well as different countries in Europe and worldwide where Kosovo youth have opportunity to participate.

Youth Travel

Youth Travel is organizing educational travel tours packages including transports, accommodations, visits and language training for students in different US, European and World destinations. Each and every tour is personalized for particular group and is designed to be fun and educational. Whether your interest is History, Music, Art, Drama, Religion, Language, Sports or another custom itinerary, Youth Travel will assist you every step of the way assuring a quality trip for you.
Nevertheless, YMCA Kosovo is licensed distributor of the youth discount cards ISIC and Euro 26. The ISIC and Euro26 are the essential travel cards designed for youth and students and are only recognized by UNICEF and European Institutions. ISIC/Euro26 provides over 100,000 discounts, advantages and services in 106 countries worldwide.