In February 2025, a group of passionate youth workers gathered in Yerevan, Armenia for an Erasmus+ training course titled “The Art of Dialogue as a Tool for Youth Workers.” The project brought together young professionals from across Europe and neighboring regions to explore how dialogue, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution could become key tools in youth work. The aim of the training was clear—to empower youth workers with practical methods for creating safe spaces, encouraging empathy, and supporting youth in communities affected by conflict or division. It was more than just a learning event; it became a moment of deep transformation and renewed purpose for those involved.
For the participant from the Armenian State University of Economics, the training came at a moment when Armenia was facing serious social and emotional challenges. In the years leading up to 2025, the country had experienced both internal and external tensions. The impact of regional conflict, political instability, and economic hardship had affected many young people. Many youth in Armenia had grown up witnessing tension, hearing stories of war, or facing daily social divisions. In schools, communities, and even families, there were unspoken lines and unhealed wounds. Youth workers in Armenia carried a heavy responsibility—not just to educate or support, but to help young people feel heard, safe, and connected.
Before attending the training, the Armenian participant had seen how young people often lacked the tools to talk about difficult subjects. Some avoided conflict completely. Others reacted emotionally, without space for understanding. There was a need for something more. Something that could teach both calm and courage. Something that could help young people become leaders in peace, not just witnesses to history. That is why “The Art of Dialogue” felt like a meaningful and urgent opportunity.
The training in Yerevan created a safe and inspiring space where youth workers could learn by doing. The group shared stories of their work, their communities, and their own struggles. It was moving to hear how young people in different countries were trying to overcome hate, build bridges, and create positive change. These stories made the Armenian participant realize that even though challenges are different across countries, the human need for connection is the same.
One of the most powerful moments in the training was a roleplay exercise on active listening. Participants had to sit in pairs and listen to each other without interrupting, judging, or offering solutions. For many, including the Armenian youth worker, this was a new experience. It showed how often people focus on speaking, but forget to listen. The exercise created a new understanding: peace begins not with answers, but with presence.
During the five days of training, participants explored tools for conflict mediation, nonviolent communication, group facilitation, and storytelling. They also visited local initiatives in Yerevan that work with vulnerable youth and use art, discussion, and dialogue as healing tools. These visits were especially inspiring for the Armenian participant, who realized that small community projects can have deep impact.
After the training, the youth worker returned to their university and local community with fresh energy and new ideas. With support from the Armenian State University of Economics, a new initiative called “Youth Circles for Dialogue” was created. The project aimed to bring together students from different backgrounds and regions in Armenia to discuss topics such as identity, peace, culture, and future goals. The method was simple, based on what was learned in the Erasmus+ training—circle dialogue, where each person has time to speak, reflect, and respond. The first sessions took place in classrooms and community spaces around Yerevan. Students were invited to talk not about politics or problems, but about their experiences, fears, and hopes. At first, many were shy. Some were unsure what to say. But slowly, the circles became places of real conversation.
The Armenian youth worker used techniques from the training to guide these dialogues with empathy and clarity. Participants learned how to express disagreement without aggression, how to listen actively, and how to support each other even when they didn’t share the same opinion. One of the most touching sessions was when a student shared how their family had been affected by past conflict. Instead of silence or discomfort, the group responded with quiet respect and support. In that moment, it was clear that the training had planted something real.
The impact of the “Youth Circles for Dialogue” went beyond the participants. University teachers began to notice a change in classroom energy. Students who joined the circles became more engaged, more respectful, and more confident in sharing their ideas. Some students said they felt more prepared to work in teams, handle conflict, or even lead discussions. A few even started similar dialogue groups in their home towns or local NGOs. The project also brought attention from local media and community organizations. The Armenian State University of Economics was invited to share the experience at a national youth conference, where the youth worker spoke about the power of small conversations in creating big change.
Over time, the project became a model for other institutions. The idea was simple, but strong: if young people are trusted with space and guidance, they will grow into peaceful and active citizens. The Erasmus+ training had not only offered knowledge, but had sparked a wave of action that was deeply needed in Armenia. For the youth worker who joined the training in February 2025, the experience in Yerevan was not just educational—it was personal. It reminded them that peace is not something that happens at the top, in governments or big speeches. It happens in circles, in small rooms, between people who choose to listen. It happens when youth feel they belong, when they are allowed to speak and be heard.
As the world continues to face challenges, the importance of such training grows. The story of the “Youth Circles for Dialogue” shows that international exchange can bring local transformation. It shows that even in places affected by conflict or silence, new voices can rise. And it shows that every youth worker, no matter their starting point, has the power to plant seeds of peace.
Looking into the future, the hope is that more young people in Armenia and beyond will take part in such trainings. That dialogue will not be seen as just a skill, but a value. That empathy, understanding, and shared responsibility will guide the next generation of leaders, teachers, and change-makers. The youth worker from Armenia now dreams of creating a national platform for dialogue among students from universities across the country. The vision is to build a generation of youth who not only speak, but also listen—with open minds and open hearts. Through this, a more united, peaceful, and empowered Armenia can grow. And it all begins with dialogue.