Who we are?
YMCA Kyiv is a volunteer lead NGO based out of Kyiv, Ukraine and is a part of a YMCA family with 119 other countries around the world. YMCA Kyiv’s vision is to foster the positive development of children and youth in mind, body and spirit. Through various programs and initiatives, YMCA Kyiv is providing meaningful opportunities for young people no matter their age, nationality, language or religion. YMCA Kyiv is a place that everyone can belong and engage in healthy and lifechanging experiences.
Why now?
Ukraine is a beautiful country with a long history, filled with rich culture and tradition. It is also a country that has encountered many challenges resulting in hardships and difficult times for Ukrainian people. Most recently, the country of Ukraine has been in turmoil due to a crisis that began in 2013 and continues today, effecting over one million people who have been internally displaced due to conflict.
YMCA Kyiv is here to help all children and youth but particularly supports many of those who have been internally displaced. Often these young people are experiencing loss for their community and even family members and are struggling to fit in and find their place in their new home. Tensions are high and emotions run deep, causing a lot of stress and often a sense of helplessness.
Additionally, there is a lack of positive social activities for all young people in the community. Kids are not as involved as they once were and do not always have a safe place to belong, increasing their likelihood of engaging in high risk behaviors. YMCA Kyiv aims to support all children through programs and initiatives that will enhance their self-esteem, build community connections and provide a positive place to be.
Supporting young individuals during this difficult time in their lives is critical to their successful transition into adulthood. Promoting and developing responsible and engaged citizen today will positively effect generations to come and provides hope that Ukraine will again be at peace.
YMCA Peace Camp!
One way that YMCA Kyiv supports children and youth in the community is through an opportunity to attend Peace Camp. Situated in a positive and safe environment, displaced and at risk kids join Peace Camp throughout the summer months. The camp focuses on social integration and the promotion of conflict resolution and peacebuilding in their community.
Through an engaging program, campers will participate in sport, arts & crafts, dancing, drama, scouting and various workshops. Beyond learning about peace, participants will learn about themselves and develop skills such as leadership and communication.
During the 2015 and 2016 summer seasons, YMCA Kyiv’s Peace Camp served over 100 children and youth facing challenges in their lives, providing them with a positive camp experience. This year the goal is to have 70 kids aged 7-14 attend.
YMCA Kyiv will be seeking camp participants that:
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Have been internally displaced due to the conflict in Eastern Ukraine
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Have lost their families due to being displaced
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Do not have access to extracurricular opportunities such as camp
Peace Camp will support the positive development of children and youth who truly need an opportunity to belong and engage in a meaningful way with others, impacting them for the rest of their lives.
Send a kid to camp, donate today!
We cannot do this without the support of donors like you. Invest in making a difference in the life of a child today. Your gift will support a 10-day overnight camp experience for a child or youth who is at risk and/or internally displaced. Donations will also support accommodation, nutritious food and materials for their camp experience. The cost per day per child is $200/child for 10 days.
We greatly appreciate your partnership and belief in YMCA Kyiv
in helping children and youth realize their full potential.
Thank-you for your support.
Contact us today.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
YMCA Kyiv
+380990699142
Read more about us on:
https://www.facebook.com/YMCA-Kyiv-627243427295485/
http://scouts.in.ua/scho-take-ymca/#three
