OAK PARK, IL – January 12, 2011—A delegation of Republic of Kosovo government officials is being hosted by the West Cook YMCA, 255 South Marion Street, Oak Park, Illinois, for a week’s visit to observe Y programs, visit with its leadership and community officials and tour other West suburban facilities.
The Kosovo delegation is meeting with officials at the Village of Oak Park, Dominican University’s Early Childhood Education program, Hephzibah Children’s Home and two other area YMCAs – PAV YMCA in Berwyn and Prairie Valley YMCA in Elgin. The visitors were the guests of honor at the Oak Park Rotary Club’s luncheon and at a community reception at the Marion Street Cheese Market.
“We’re pleased to provide these Republic of Kosovo government officials with an opportunity to learn first- hand how the YMCA, a worldwide cause- driven charity, operates in 134 countries and serves 20 million people with programs to advance youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” said Jan Pate, president and CEO of the West Cook YMCA.
“Our mission for this visit is to share the Y’s ‘best practices’ and to provide the foundation for these Kosovo government officials to build local community organizations that will inspire and enable the youth of their country, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens,” Pate said.
“The West Cook YMCA is pleased to host these international visitors and share our YMCA mission and principles with the leaders of a new country,” Pate added.
Earlier in her career, Pate served as European liaison for the US Ys while at the International YMCA. In 2005, she worked in Kosovo as Director of Integrated Returns and Community Stabilization for the United Methodist Committee on Relief. She witnessed first-hand the realities of reintegrating the shattered Albanian and Serbian communities and the need for community stabilization and economic and social support.
“Our goal in this mission is to assist these government officials of a new republic that is finding its footing after many years of war and violence, where the majority of its citizens are under 30 years of age, understands the important role that a vibrant business and civic community plays in supporting local non-profit organizations, such as the YMCA,” Pate said.
Pate explained that unlike the U.S. where YMCAs typically offer a wide range of programs to assist members strengthen mind, body and spirit, the Kosovo YMCA movement currently consists of groups of young people working in urban areas to develop a civil society, establish the rule of law, cope with issues of drug and alcohol abuse, prevent sex crimes and human trafficking.
Click here for detailed current profile on Kosovo government, economy https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/kv.html
