In March 2024, an Erasmus+ training project called “European Values, Active Democracy and Engagement” (EVADE) brought together youth workers from across Europe and neighboring countries to the city of Tbilisi, Georgia. The project responded to major issues happening across Europe, such as political instability, misinformation, and the weakening of democratic trust among young people. The training aimed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of youth workers, helping them guide young people to become more active, aware, and responsible citizens. By promoting European values, human rights, and intercultural dialogue, the EVADE training helped build a network of strong youth leaders working for positive change.
In Czechia, like in many parts of Europe, the importance of democracy is often taken for granted. Many young people do not feel connected to political decisions and often say they don’t understand how democracy works in practice. There is also a growing spread of misinformation, which creates fear and division among communities. Social media, while powerful, sometimes makes things worse by sharing only fast opinions, not facts. Schools in Czechia mostly focus on academic education and do not always teach young people how to solve conflicts or how to talk with others who have different views. In this situation, the work of NGOs like Youth Prague z.s. becomes very important. This organization tries to give young people safe spaces where they can express themselves, learn about their rights, and take part in community life. But before the training in Georgia, it was clear that more tools and methods were needed to teach young people about peacebuilding and active citizenship in a changing world.
The EVADE training was a turning point. It was not just about learning theory but about exchanging real experiences with youth workers from different places. The training used non-formal education methods that were fun, deep, and easy to apply later. For the youth worker from Youth Prague z.s., one of the most meaningful moments came during a workshop about conflict resolution. The participants had to share stories from their local communities where people had different opinions or backgrounds, and they worked together to find peaceful solutions. It was surprising to see how many countries had similar problems, even if the culture and politics were different. Another inspiring experience was visiting a local youth center in Tbilisi where young people and refugees worked together on community art projects. The center used creativity and conversation to help build trust and respect, showing that peacebuilding starts with human connection, not big plans.
When the youth worker returned to Czechia, there was a strong feeling of responsibility and motivation to use the lessons learned. The team at Youth Prague z.s. created a small but meaningful project called “Youth Voices for Peace.” This new initiative was directly inspired by the training in Georgia and focused on building a culture of peace and understanding among teenagers in Prague. The project offered workshops in schools and youth centers where young people learned how to listen, how to handle disagreements respectfully, and how to create peaceful solutions in their everyday lives. The workshops included role-playing activities, storytelling circles, and discussions about local and global conflicts. Most importantly, they helped young people see that peace is not just about politics—it is also about how they speak, act, and support each other every day.
The results of the project were very encouraging. In one school, students who had experienced bullying or exclusion began to talk more openly with each other. Teachers noticed that the group dynamic changed, and students became more cooperative and kind. In a local youth club, some participants decided to organize their own “Peace Day,” inviting classmates and neighbors to join workshops and art activities based on peace and friendship. The local media covered the event, and it helped raise awareness about the importance of peaceful behavior and dialogue among young people. Parents and educators started to ask Youth Prague z.s. to bring the project to other parts of the city.
Beyond the local impact, the project also inspired other youth workers in Czechia to explore peacebuilding in their work. A short handbook with the methods used in “Youth Voices for Peace” was created and shared with other NGOs and youth centers. The youth worker who had joined the EVADE training also gave a talk at a regional youth conference, explaining how international experiences can lead to strong local actions. This helped other organizations see the value of Erasmus+ trainings and the power of collaboration across borders.
Looking to the future, the work started in Georgia and continued in Czechia will not stop. The experience proved that peacebuilding is not a big word for politicians—it is something that begins with young people, in schools, streets, and youth spaces. The hope is to expand “Youth Voices for Peace” to include rural areas and to train young peace ambassadors who will support their peers in creating more respectful, democratic communities. The dream is simple but powerful: a society where differences do not lead to fear, but to dialogue. Where youth understand their role in shaping peaceful and fair societies. Where learning about democracy also means learning how to care for others.
The EVADE project was more than a training. It was a reminder that even in difficult times, youth workers have the tools and the heart to lead change. With patience, empathy, and teamwork, they can support young people to become builders of peace. In Czechia and beyond, the future belongs to youth who believe in dialogue, who choose kindness, and who are ready to create a world where every voice matters.