Tsakhkadzor, Armenia
01 August 2011 – 07 August 2011

Photos you can find here.
There are experiences that last for a lifetime. Among them, indeed, was the training course “Volunteerism and Disadvantaged Groups in Europe” hosted by WIYU (World Independent Youth Union) NGO that took place in Tsakhkadzor, Armenia. When on August 01, 2011 all of us gathered in one of the most picturesque cities of Armenia, it was both very interesting and at the same time a little bit unusual to meet so many different people from various social and cultural backgrounds.

But, nevertheless, it was not long after we got to know each other and became good friends. The 7 day lasting training gave us a great opportunity not only to get acquainted with different cultures and traditions, but also explore very important and urgent topics.
The numerous workshops and presentations were extremely important and useful as they gave us the opportunity to discover the reasons and situation of volunteerism in different countries, to analyze in reflection groups the possible solutions to integrate young people with fewer opportunities into the process of creation and implementation of local and international volunteer projects.
What we appreciate the most in this course is the fact that we were provided not only with strong theoretical background, but also very valuable practical knowledge. During the NGO market, we had the chance to present our own organizations and implemented projects, thus exchanging skills and experience related to the implementation of different local and international projects in the field of volunteerism. Besides this, very knowledgeable and friendly trainers provided us with considerable practical knowledge on volunteer projects in general and EVS in particular.
And finally, during the training course an important space of cooperation was created, as we could reflect on our own project ideas, assemble them and elaborate the possible ways of their implementation. Thus, we gained maximum knowledge and skills during this course and we were ready and full of enthusiasm to help and work with disadvantaged people.
Apart from this we had other memorable experiences, namely the creative workshop. During this, we were to promote the idea of volunteerism and EVS by making creative T-shirts. We were given black and white T-shirts that were going to become the creation of our imagination and creative tools of promotion of volunteerism and EVS in our communities.
The most important thing is the fact that we realized that we are able to change this world and make it a better place for us and our future generations. We realized that we could be “A little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world” as Mother Teresa puts it.
One of the interesting parts of the training course was the “Intercultural Evening” when the participants from Sweden, Italy, Spain, Lithuania, Armenia, Georgia, Egypt and Belarus were given an opportunity to introduce their country and cuisine.
Another interesting day was spent in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan. The participants walked through Yerevan and visited a lot of places of interest. The evening was unforgettable as we were fascinated by the beauty of the singing fountains in the Republic Square.
When on August 08, 2011 we were to part we couldn’t believe the memorable experience was over. The moment we said good-bye was the most difficult one, as we had become good friends and it was as if we had known each other for years. Nevertheless, we hope we will be in touch and maybe we will meet some day, who knows?
ANUSH MKRTCHYAN

 

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