In late March 2025, a meaningful Erasmus+ training course called “The Art of Dialogue as a Tool for Youth Workers” took place in Yerevan, Armenia. This project brought together youth workers from many countries to learn how dialogue can help young people deal with conflict, division, and misunderstanding. The focus was on building peace—not only in regions affected by war or tension, but also in everyday spaces where young people grow up. Participants explored how to create safe spaces for conversation, promote empathy, and help youth lead reconciliation efforts in their own communities. For one youth worker from Germany, representing the NGO Copernicus Berlin e.V., this was not just a training—it was a life-changing experience that sparked new ideas and a strong desire to act.
Before attending the training, the situation in Germany showed clear challenges. While the country enjoys peace, many youth face hidden conflicts—between cultures, between generations, and even within themselves. In recent years, Germany has seen rising political division, growing social pressure, and fear of the unknown. Refugee communities and local youth sometimes find it hard to connect. Young people often feel misunderstood or alone. Teachers and youth workers try to help, but many do not know how to open the right conversations. Dialogue is not always easy in a fast-paced and often divided society. There is a clear need for new methods to bring people together in peaceful and respectful ways.
The training in Yerevan offered something new. Right from the start, the sessions created an open and trusting space. Participants learned that dialogue is not just about talking—it is about listening, holding space for emotions, and helping others express their views without fear. A big lesson was that real dialogue begins with curiosity, not judgment. One session focused on storytelling. Youth workers practiced telling personal stories about identity, conflict, and hope. These stories were not dramatic or loud. They were simple and real. Through them, everyone saw how shared human experiences can build bridges between very different people.
Another important moment was the visit to a local youth center in Yerevan. There, young volunteers worked with children from families displaced by conflict. The youth center used art, music, and games to help children feel safe and included. What stood out most was how the local youth leaders used dialogue every day. When problems came up, they didn’t rush to correct or punish. Instead, they guided conversations with patience and care. They let young people explain their feelings and work toward their own solutions. This approach showed that even in difficult settings, peacebuilding is possible through connection, respect, and time.
Meeting participants from other countries also gave the German youth worker a new perspective. Many shared stories from areas affected by war, political tension, or cultural division. Despite the heavy topics, there was also a lot of laughter, creativity, and friendship. Through group work and cultural exchange evenings, the group became more than just learners—they became a small example of peaceful coexistence. This showed how important it is to create shared experiences where people can discover what they have in common.
Returning to Berlin, the youth worker felt inspired and responsible. Copernicus Berlin e.V. decided to launch a new youth-led project called “Open Circles.” The idea was simple but powerful: weekly gatherings where young people from different backgrounds could talk about topics that matter to them—identity, belonging, conflict, and hope. The format used skills learned in Yerevan, like active listening, storytelling, and dialogue facilitation. These circles were not led by adults giving advice. Instead, trained youth leaders guided the conversations, giving space for everyone to be heard. Some sessions were held in youth centers. Others took place in parks or cafes to make the atmosphere more relaxed.
To make the program inclusive, invitations were sent out through schools, refugee centers, and local NGOs. Many young people came out of curiosity. Some came because they felt unheard in other spaces. Over time, the circles became a place where trust could grow. One teenager shared how he was afraid to speak up in school because of his accent. Another talked about pressure to fit into different cultures. Others opened up about family tension or online bullying. The power of these conversations was not in fixing everything, but in helping youth feel seen and respected.
The impact of “Open Circles” became visible quickly. Some young people began to speak more openly at school or at home. Others started their own small initiatives—like organizing a dialogue session in their sports club or making a short film about identity. Teachers noticed that students who took part in the circles showed more empathy and cooperation. One teacher said that a boy who was often angry in class became calmer after sharing his story during one of the sessions. These changes may seem small, but they created ripples across the community.
Beyond personal growth, the project also influenced local partnerships. Copernicus Berlin e.V. was invited to give a workshop for teachers about using dialogue in classrooms. A local cultural center asked to host a storytelling event focused on peace. Even a city council member came to one of the sessions and offered to support future projects. The training in Armenia, which once felt far away, now had roots in Berlin.
Looking ahead, the team wants to expand the “Open Circles” concept to more schools and youth groups. They are working on a simple guidebook so that others can use the method. There are also plans to connect youth from Berlin with young people in Armenia through online exchanges, continuing the spirit of intercultural learning and solidarity.
This journey proves that peace does not only belong to governments or big institutions. It belongs to everyone, especially young people. They have the creativity, courage, and energy to imagine new ways of living together. But they need support, space, and skills to do this. The Erasmus+ project in Yerevan gave youth workers the confidence to become that support.
In a world that often feels divided, the power of dialogue is more important than ever. It is not always easy. It takes time, care, and patience. But it is possible. And when it works, it can change lives. One story at a time. One circle at a time. One youth at a time. Through projects like this, a more peaceful, connected, and hopeful world can be built—together.