18.11.2024. » 14:07 | ACDC

Series of Youth Camps on Language and Culture comes to a successful end in Prevalla

The Youth Camp series, organized by ACDC in partnership with Iniciativa Qytetare Skenderaj (IQS), has successfully concluded its fourth and final event in Prevallë/Prevallac from November 15 to 17, 2024, at Hotel Sharri, following a set of dynamic weekend events across Kosovo. The camps are part of the “Youth Empowered through Inclusive Schools and Societies (YESS)” project, funded by the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund and implemented by UNICEF and IOM Kosovo, with the support of the UN Kosovo Team.

Over the past two months, young people aged 13 to 18 from diverse communities across Kosovo have come together to promote social cohesion and enhance their communication and language skills through engaging and interactive activities.

A Journey Across Kosovo

The journey began with the first youth camp in Pejë/Peć, which laid the foundation for mutual understanding, featuring interactive VOCUP language workshops, team-building exercises, and a cultural visit to the Patriarchate of Peć, where participants explored Serbian Orthodox heritage.

The second camp, held in Graçanica, expanded on language activities by incorporating first aid training, equipping participants with emergency response skills. A visit to the Ulpiana Archaeological Site provided a unique opportunity for the youth to discover the cultural heritage of the area.

In the culturally rich town of Prizren, activities further focused on addressing community challenges through problem-solving and collaborative workshops. The visit to Prizren's old town allowed participants to experience the city’s rich culture, while group activities and language workshops promoted teamwork and cooperation.

The final youth camp in Prevallë/Prevallac brought together participants from all the previous camps to reflect on the knowledge and achievements they had gained throughout the series. Through interactive language sessions, group discussions, and creative activities, participants further developed their communication skills and fostered deeper mutual understanding.

The camps were designed not only to teach language skills but also to foster essential values such as cooperation and cultural sensitivity. From exploring the Patriarchate of Peć and the Ulpiana Archaeological Site to engaging in community-based problem-solving workshops, each camp emphasized the importance of cultural awareness, collaboration, and leadership development. A key feature of all camps was promoting intercultural understanding and collaboration, further enriched by the involvement of youth from different ethnicities and backgrounds.

About the YESS Project

The Youth Empowered through Inclusive Schools and Societies (YESS) project, funded by the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund and implemented by UNICEF and IOM Kosovo, aims to strengthen social cohesion, tolerance, and diversity within Kosovo’s communities.