In June 2023, a group of youth workers from different European countries came together in Cefalù, Sicily, to take part in the Erasmus+ training course “Path Toward Reconciliation.” The project focused on how to support young people through difficult experiences like conflict, discrimination, and misunderstanding. The training offered practical tools for youth workers to guide reconciliation processes in their communities. It included workshops on truth-telling, forgiveness, restorative justice, and intercultural dialogue. The atmosphere in Cefalù was open and welcoming, and it gave participants the opportunity to learn deeply—not only from trainers, but also from one another. For the youth worker from Asociación PROJUVEN in Spain, the experience became a powerful lesson about the role of peacebuilding in youth work and the importance of giving young people space to speak, feel, and heal.
In Spain, especially in May 2023, several social issues were affecting young people’s mental well-being and relationships. In many parts of the country, there were growing divisions between youth of different cultural and social backgrounds. Misinformation on social media made stereotypes and prejudices stronger. In some urban areas, economic pressure and family stress made daily life more difficult for youth, and many carried emotional wounds in silence. Schools did not always have time or resources to support emotional education. Conversations about trauma, identity, and healing were rare. At the same time, some communities were still feeling the long-term effects of past political tensions and social injustices. In this context, many young people felt disconnected from each other and from their local institutions. They needed more spaces where they could talk safely, understand others, and express themselves without fear of being judged.
During the training course in Cefalù, the participant from Asociación PROJUVEN learned about different approaches to reconciliation and emotional healing. One of the most eye-opening activities was the storytelling circle. In this space, each person had the chance to tell a personal story related to conflict, fear, or forgiveness. The simple act of listening in silence created a deep connection between people from very different backgrounds. It became clear that reconciliation begins when someone feels truly heard. Another important lesson came from the sessions on restorative justice. These methods focused not on punishment, but on helping people repair harm through dialogue and mutual understanding. The participant also learned how role-playing and theater techniques could help youth explore their emotions and experiences in a creative way. What stood out most was that reconciliation does not need expensive tools—it needs empathy, structure, and patience.
When the participant returned to Spain, they worked with the team at Asociación PROJUVEN to create a local project based on what they had learned. The project was called “Espacio Abierto,” or “Open Space,” and its aim was to bring together young people from different backgrounds to build trust through dialogue. The project started in a local youth center and included weekly sessions where participants could talk about their experiences, feelings, and fears in a guided and respectful way. Each session followed a structure inspired by the training in Sicily: there was a theme, a sharing circle, a creative activity, and a moment of reflection. Some sessions included drawing exercises about identity. Others focused on topics like forgiveness, inclusion, or how to manage conflict in school or at home. The goal was not to give answers, but to open conversations.
The response to “Espacio Abierto” was strong and emotional. Young people from the community joined with interest, even those who were usually quiet or shy. Many said it was the first time they were invited to talk about their feelings in a group. Participants shared personal stories of discrimination, bullying, and family conflict. Listening to each other helped them understand that they were not alone. In one session, two students who had been in conflict at school used the circle to express their frustration, and with support, they began to rebuild their friendship. Teachers and youth workers who observed the sessions said they saw positive changes in group dynamics and behavior. Over time, the participants began to take more responsibility for the sessions, helping with planning and inviting their friends.
The success of “Espacio Abierto” reached beyond the youth center. A local school asked Asociación PROJUVEN to bring the project into classrooms. Parents also became interested in learning how to support reconciliation at home. The youth workers started training volunteers to use the same method in other communities. As a result, the project grew into a small network of local groups practicing active listening and storytelling as tools for peacebuilding. The experience also encouraged the association to include reconciliation activities in future Erasmus+ projects and to share what they learned with other organizations across Europe. The project even inspired a group of youth participants to create a podcast where they discussed themes of identity, respect, and conflict in their own words.
The training in Cefalù reminded the youth worker from Spain that reconciliation is a process, not a single event. It needs time, trust, and repetition. It also showed that youth work is not just about organizing events or teaching skills. It is about helping young people grow into kind, thoughtful, and brave human beings. In the current social climate, where anger and fear often dominate public conversations, creating spaces for understanding is more important than ever. The project “Espacio Abierto” was a response to this need. It brought young people into a space of calm where they could reconnect—with themselves, with others, and with their community.
Looking to the future, Asociación PROJUVEN plans to expand the reconciliation program into rural areas, where youth often feel even more isolated. The team is also working on a toolkit in Spanish and English, with simple exercises and session plans that any youth worker can use. They hope to organize a national gathering for youth peacebuilders to exchange stories and support each other. The long-term dream is to make reconciliation part of youth education, not as something extra, but as something essential.
The experience in Sicily did not end when the plane landed back in Spain. It continues every time a young person finds the courage to speak, every time a listener offers silence and attention, and every time a group chooses to come together instead of moving apart. Peacebuilding begins with these small choices. And thanks to the Erasmus+ project, many more youth workers in Europe are now ready to guide these steps.
Young people have the power to transform their societies. They are full of energy, creativity, and emotion. With the right support, they can lead movements of healing and hope. The journey toward reconciliation is not always easy. But when it begins with respect, honesty, and the willingness to listen, it can bring real and lasting change. In Spain, the youth of “Espacio Abierto” are already showing what this change can look like—one circle, one story, one voice at a time.