As a part of the worldwide biggest non-governmental organisation in the area of youth work (YMCA - Young Men's Christian Association), Cevi Zürich (Swiss YMCA) is in close international contact with several partner organisations, amongst others with the YMCA Armenia. This relationship is built up on a Local-to-Local-partnership with the YMCA Spitak, which is one out of six YMCA groups in Armenia and is focused on children-and youth work.
The YMCA Sptiaks's activities are continously expanded and include i.a. childcre (pre-school kindergarten), English-and computer courses, puppet theatre, "Ten Sing" (a youth choir project), sports, and also a scouting program.
In order to expand and develop its activities, YMCA Spitak was in need for a new center, which Cevi Zürich helped to plan and realize, until it was finally ready to be opened with great joy in Mai 2010. The "Home for Future" gives YMCA Spitak the oppurtunity to run its business efficiently, despite the difficult social situation, and therefore serve the whole community in the region of Spitak for the best. Public authorities, community members, and YMCA Spitak see the new building as a symbol and meeting point for the young generation in Spitak, and thus an open community center in the heart of the city.
Spitak Town suffered hardly in the 1988 earthquake, as it was the closest town to the epicentre. The wounds of this disaster aren’t healed until now. The economical situation very critical and most of the inhabitants are unemployed. There are no perspectives. Especially children and the young are affected, as there are just very few playgrounds or infrastructure for different activities. YMCA of Spitak is serving the whole community, bringing a new hope to the coming generations.
Zurich YMCA is supporting the YMCA of Spitak with different projects as youth exchange, training camps in and studyvisits to Switzerland, and with different Armenian events in Switzerland.
The biggest project was finished by the end of 2009: The “Home for Future”! A new building has replaced the old hut, in which the YMCA of Spitak ran his programs with a huge lack of space. The “Home for Future”, located in the centre of the town, has become a Child- and Youthcentre, which will give the coming generations new perspectives and a new Hope. In January 2010, the activities of the YMCA Spitak started in their new building. With your support we continue to support YMCA Spitak in strengthening children and youth!