Youth in Action

The Stringorchestra from Halmstad, Sweden visiting State Youth Orchestra Armenia May 11-19 2012

The project is mainly funded by Youth in Action a EU programme for youths, but also some local funding (for example Bergerska stiftelsen, Swedbank, Folke Bernadottes stiftelse) has supported the orchestra. The initiative comes from a member of the orchestra whose origin is Armenian. Responsible for the project is the active parent association (Stråkensemblens föräldraförening) and the project is supported by Kulturverket and the Culture School in Halmstad.

It is a fine example of how a democracy can work. Anybody with an idea can form an association, strive for a certain goal be it cultural, political, philosophical, sports, charitable, educational (for example Chamber Music Association of Halmstad, Jazz in Halmstad, The Albanian Cultural Association, The Film Club, The Table Tennis Club, Amnesty International, The Red Cross, The Lecture Association etc) and acquire governmental support. The aim is to give citizens a possibility to engage in their society, voice their  opinions, create a scene for activities, ideas, culture that they feel are important.

The Swedish Armenian youth exchange aims are for example international understanding, inclusion, informal learning. Armenia is on the waiting list for EU, but needs to adjust to European standards to be accepted into EU, so all contacts with European countries are helpful. Sweden on the other hand has something to learn from a country with a completely different history and rich culture.

The youths of the both orchestras hit it off immediately! They are engaged in several activities, not only rehearsing and playing concerts, but are spending their free time together. The Swedish musicians were grateful for the very warm welcome the Armenian musicians gave them, making them feeling at home.

In Yerevan there are other ongoing EU projects.