In September 2023, a group of youth workers from different parts of Europe gathered in Yerevan, Armenia, to participate in the Erasmus+ training course “Youth in Action: Fostering Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution and Employability Skills.” This nine-day international program aimed to equip youth workers with the essential competences to support young people in navigating today’s complex global realities. By focusing on peacebuilding, career development, and cross-cultural exchange, the project created a unique opportunity to strengthen community ties and explore new ways of empowering youth. For one youth worker from Germany, representing the organization Copernicus Berlin, the experience became not only an eye-opening training but also the start of a new chapter in their local work on peacebuilding.
In Germany, and especially in cities like Berlin, many young people face growing challenges that affect their social and professional lives. In recent years, rising tensions in diverse communities, unemployment among youth with migrant backgrounds, and a sense of disconnection from civic life have become more visible. Before the training in Armenia, it was already clear that many young people in Berlin were eager to be part of something meaningful—but often lacked the tools, support, or platforms to express themselves or to contribute to building peaceful, inclusive spaces. While Berlin is known for its diversity and cultural richness, it still struggles with issues of social exclusion, discrimination, and limited opportunities for some youth groups. In this context, any new skills or methods that could help bring people together and support youth engagement were seen as highly valuable.
The training course in Yerevan offered a powerful mix of learning, sharing, and inspiration. For the youth worker from Copernicus Berlin, the most eye-opening aspect was the way participants from different countries worked together to explore strategies for peacebuilding and conflict resolution. During group sessions, workshops, and role-plays, the participants learned how to promote empathy, mutual understanding, and non-violent communication. It was not just about theory—the program gave space to real stories, real emotions, and real experiences. Hearing from others about the challenges in their countries, whether related to war, migration, or social injustice, created a deep sense of solidarity. The sessions on employability were also very practical and included CV writing, interview preparation, and job orientation. These tools, while seemingly simple, revealed the power of career development as a form of empowerment.
Equally important was the cross-cultural exchange that took place outside the training room. The group visited local initiatives in Yerevan that promote youth participation, such as youth centers and NGOs working with vulnerable communities. These visits showed how even small actions can bring hope and change to people’s lives. Conversations during evening walks, shared meals, and intercultural nights added warmth and connection to the whole experience. It became clear that peacebuilding starts with listening, with sharing, and with choosing dialogue over division.
Returning home to Berlin, the youth worker felt a renewed sense of purpose. Inspired by the training in Armenia, a new initiative was developed called “Peace Circles Berlin.” This local project aimed to bring together young people from different backgrounds—refugees, migrants, locals, students, and unemployed youth—for monthly dialogue sessions and skill-building workshops. The concept was simple: create a safe space where young people could talk about their daily realities, learn about conflict resolution, and gain confidence in their abilities to create change. The sessions combined storytelling, conflict mapping, emotional intelligence, and employability tools—elements that were first introduced in the training course in Yerevan.
The impact of “Peace Circles Berlin” was felt quickly. Young people who often stayed silent during community events began speaking up. A few participants started their own micro-initiatives in schools and neighborhoods, using peer mediation and dialogue techniques. Some received support with CVs and job interviews, and were later accepted into vocational training or internships. More importantly, they felt heard. They felt that someone believed in their potential. The sessions also attracted local educators, social workers, and community leaders, who saw the value in connecting peace education with career development and youth empowerment. The project started small, but its message was strong: young people can be leaders of peace, if given the chance.
For Copernicus Berlin, this experience has shaped a stronger focus on peacebuilding within its youth programs. It has encouraged more cooperation with local organizations, and it has opened doors for new Erasmus+ partnerships that continue to grow. The training in Yerevan reminded everyone involved that youth work is not just about solving problems—it is about planting seeds of hope, resilience, and creativity.
Looking ahead, the vision remains clear. Youth workers across Europe, including in Germany, are not alone in their mission. Through projects like “Youth in Action,” they become part of a wider movement that believes in inclusion, dialogue, and human dignity. In a time when conflicts and uncertainties are rising, youth work must be a place of light. It must give tools, yes—but also courage, trust, and community. As more young people discover their voices and dreams through such efforts, they become builders of a future that is not only more peaceful, but also more just and beautiful.