Dear friends of Community Development NGO, Youth Exchanges without Borders, and all participants,
From July 25 to August 2, 2025, Community
Development NGO from Armenia and the association Youth Exchanges without Borders from Switzerland are jointly organizing a bilateral youth exchange in Hermon, Armenia, with a total of 20 participants.
During this exchange in the South Caucasus, young adults from Switzerland, aged 18 to 30, meet their peers from Armenia. In a series of workshops, they explore various aspects of globalization, its impact on local communities, and the opportunities it offers young people.
To prepare and implement the exchange, digital and in-person formats are combined. In the weeks leading up to the meeting in Armenia, several video conferences were held, allowing the participants to jointly prepare the activities planned on site.
Today, Sunday, July 27, 2025, the time had finally come: the on-site phase of the exchange began. The participants arrived at the camp house in Hermon in the early afternoon. After celebrating Vardavar festival, a round of icebreaking games, the program continued with further welcome activities to get to know each other and set the stage for the week ahead.
We look forward to an enriching week filled with engaging discussions and meaningful encounters. We will keep you — our dear friends, partners, and families — regularly updated with newsletters from the South Caucasus.
Vardavar festival
Vardavar is a traditional Armenian festival celebrated 14 weeks after Easter, usually in July. People of all ages splash water on each other in streets, parks and squares. The custom has pagan roots linked to Astghik, goddess of water and love, and later merged with Christian traditions. Vardavar symbolizes purification, joy and blessing, making it one of Armenia’s most beloved and lively summer events.