The name of the project was STRENGTHENING YMCA WORK IN BALKAN COUNTRIES AND IN LITHUANIA. The final evaluation of one of two sub-projects took place in August 2015 in Vilnius.
As a beneficiary of the project The Lithuanian YMCA made quite a relevant progress in terms of activities, governance and public relations. However, not the increase of the number of activities but defining a programme profile, was the most significant achievement. This will help in further development according to disigned strategies. It showed that there are 3 most outstanding programme fields, in which YMCA Lithuania can specialize and be a valuable partner for other national or local associations.
Gospel music in Lithuania is a field dominated by the YMCA. It is a high quality programme which attracts both people already involved at the YMCA and others not involved at all. YMCA Gospel Festivals or workshops, which are traditionally held in Vilnius in autumn, gather hundreds of people. And concerts given in churches by the YMCA Gospel Choir provide a special atmosphere to regular worships. These are only some reasons why the Gospel programme should be given special attention. Promotion of this unique programme also means the promotion of the YMCA as an association – today only in Lithuania, but in the future will hopefully go cross borders.
Camping and Scouting is another consistent programme area that profile the Lithuanian movement. Committed leaders develop the tradition of scouting and camping for more than 15 years. In May five leaders participated in the training for camp instructors in The Netherlands, where the international Camp Training Team were working on common camping standards for YMCA camp instructors in Europe.
An element with crucial meaning is the very close cooperation between Y’s Men and YMCA. The leadership of the Lithuanian Y’s Men’s Club in Lithuania cooperates closely with Y’s Men in Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Poland and Sweden. This matches perfectly a strategic line of YMCA Europe, which is strengthening the natural and traditional relationship between YMCA and Y’s Men on all levels.
After three years of implementation the plan for strengthening the Lithuanian YMCA, the movement focused on these three elements that should be fostered. They are like flames that must be not only kept but also made shine brighter and brighter!
