Thank you, Spencer!

Recently, the Youth Cooperation Center of Dilijan NGO hosted a farewell event for American Peace Corps volunteer Spencer Chrein, which was held in a warm, moving, and grateful atmosphere. The event brought together the center’s youth, children, colleagues, and all those who had come to know, love, and appreciate Spencer over the past two years.

Spencer arrived in Dilijan two years ago as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer. In a short time, he became an active participant in the community’s youth life, with his initiative, openness, responsibility, and ability to create genuine connections with people. His presence at the center was not just about volunteer work; it was also a living example of intercultural dialogue, mutual learning, friendship, and trust.

During these two years, Spencer organized and led a number of interesting, educational, and engaging clubs and meetings for young people. Among them were “Discover America”, “Conversational English” , “Guitar Club” , “Future Leaders” , “Camping Club” and other initiatives. Each meeting was an opportunity for young people not only to gain new knowledge, but also to communicate, ask questions, express their own opinions, become more confident, and develop new skills.

One of the important aspects of Spencer’s work was that he was able to create an informal, free, and supportive environment where young people felt heard, accepted, and encouraged. The clubs he led often turned into a platform for active discussions, teamwork, creative thinking, and new ideas. For many young people, Spencer became not only a teacher or club leader, but also a friend, advisor, and inspiration.

Volunteering is an important value in the community because it unites people around a common goal and creates a culture of mutual assistance, participation and responsibility. Spencer’s example shows that volunteering is not just about giving time: it is a willingness to share knowledge, listen to others, learn from the community and contribute to positive change. His activity was a living example of how one volunteer can have an impact on the thinking, motivation and community activity of young people.

For the “Youth Cooperation Center of Dilijan” NGO, promoting volunteerism and creating new opportunities for young people have always been important directions. The organization continuously works to create non-formal educational, intercultural, leadership, participation and self-development opportunities for young people in Dilijan and neighboring communities. Over the years, the center has become a place where young people can learn, test new ideas, meet representatives of different cultures, develop skills and play an active role in community life.

Spencer’s two-year work once again emphasized the important connection between international volunteering and local youth work. Through him, young people had the opportunity to get acquainted with another culture, improve their English communication skills, develop leadership abilities and think more openly about their future and community development.

During the farewell event, the participants thanked Spencer for his dedicated work, warm attitude, constant willingness and important contribution to the youth life of Dilijan. Memories, good wishes and sincere words were heard, testifying to the warm connection that had been formed between Spencer and the youth of the center.

In his speech, Spencer emphasized that the years spent in Dilijan and the cooperation with YCCD were a unique and important experience for him:

I am incredibly grateful to have been placed in Dilijan with YCCD, and I truly couldn’t imagine serving anywhere else. My coworkers and students made this experience so wonderful, and I am extremely proud of everything they have accomplished during the two years I’ve lived here. I hope my time in Dilijan will continue to have a positive impact on the community long after I leave, just as Dilijan will continue to shape me for the rest of my life.

Although Spencer’s volunteer mission is coming to an end, his legacy will live on in Dilijan. His initiatives, the relationships he built, the meetings he held, and the unforgettable moments he shared with young people will continue to inspire many.

The Youth Cooperation Center Dilijan NGO would like to express its deepest gratitude to Spencer Chrein for his two years of dedicated work, friendship, human warmth, and valuable contribution to the development of the youth of Dilijan.

Thank you, Spencer. You will always be an important part of the YCCD family.