The initiative is supported by the EU-UNDP Project "Support to Local Development in the Republic of Belarus" that is funding 86 local initiatives across Belarus, promotes partnership and cooperation between authorities, NGOs, business and local people.
Thanks to 14,5 thousands euro granted by the UNDP it was possible to reconstruct 3 rooms in an old school at the picturesque place of village Ponemontsy, situated on the river Neman bank. So, today a unique educational and cultural center appeared on this ground in Lida district. 50 teenagers from all over the region have already visited a weekly youth camp, the pilot event of the Centre.
During the Camp youth experienced different forms of non-formal education: training, open lectures, quests, quizzes, "brain fighting", peer education, etc. The participants have learned about effective communication, art of self-presentation, HIV prevention, critical thinking, human rights and equality, Belarusian National dances, games, songs and traditions.
In future this will be a great place for everyone: festivals, sports events, workshops and public lectures for local communities will be run there. The Center needs further funding in order to make sleeping rooms, bathrooms, an assembly hall and a sport ground but anyway, this is already a big step for YMCA Belarus for making its dream true: to have their own constantly functioning YMCA Youth Center!
