In September 2023, an important international Erasmus+ training took place in Yerevan, Armenia. The project, titled “Youth in Action: Fostering Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution and Employability Skills,” gathered youth workers from across Europe to reflect on their role in shaping more peaceful and connected communities. Through practical workshops and intercultural dialogue, the training helped participants gain tools to address the socio-political and economic challenges faced by young people in different countries. The focus was on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and career development—three areas that deeply affect youth today. For a youth worker representing Creative Youth Academy Hungary, this experience offered a powerful new way of thinking and working with young people back home.
In Hungary, many young people experience growing uncertainty in their personal and social lives. Economic difficulties, feelings of social exclusion, and a lack of trust in institutions often lead to frustration and disconnection. In some communities, divisions between ethnic or cultural groups make communication harder. Youth from minority backgrounds sometimes face discrimination or are left out of important conversations. Even though many young Hungarians are creative, open-minded, and full of potential, they do not always feel that their voices are heard. Before taking part in the training, the youth worker noticed that conflicts among young people were becoming more common, often caused by misunderstanding or lack of dialogue. These problems made the topic of peacebuilding not only relevant, but also necessary in the local Hungarian context.
The training course in Yerevan opened many new perspectives. It was not only about learning concepts but about experiencing cooperation across cultures. One of the most powerful moments was when participants from different countries shared personal stories about conflict in their lives or communities. These honest conversations helped everyone understand that, even though countries may differ, the feelings and challenges of young people are often the same. Workshops on empathy, reconciliation, and non-violent communication gave the youth worker practical tools that could be applied back home. What was especially inspiring were the visits to local Armenian organizations working on youth engagement and peace initiatives. These small but active groups showed how change can start in simple ways—by listening, by creating safe spaces, and by empowering young people to speak up.
Back in Hungary, the experience in Armenia led to the creation of a new project called “Peace Talks for Youth.” This initiative, started by Creative Youth Academy Hungary, brought together young people from different parts of the country for a series of dialogue sessions focused on peacebuilding. Inspired by the methods and atmosphere of the training in Yerevan, the program created safe and open spaces for youth to explore issues like identity, conflict, respect, and cooperation. The sessions were designed not as lectures, but as guided conversations with storytelling, group work, and emotional reflection. At the same time, workshops on communication and teamwork helped participants develop important life skills that could support them in school, in their careers, and in personal relationships.
The impact of “Peace Talks for Youth” grew quickly. Young people who joined the sessions said it was the first time they had been able to speak freely about difficult topics without fear of judgment. Some participants who were quiet at the beginning became active contributors by the end. The project also brought together young people from different cultural backgrounds, including Roma youth, recent migrants, and local Hungarian students. This helped reduce prejudice and build real friendships. Teachers and community leaders began to notice a change in the attitudes of the young people involved. Some schools asked if they could bring the program to their classrooms. In one town, a group of participants even started their own local dialogue circle, continuing the work beyond the original project.
The youth worker who started this initiative felt proud, but also responsible. The training in Armenia showed that peace is not just a big word for politicians—it is something that must be lived and practiced every day, especially by the younger generation. It also became clear that peacebuilding and career development go hand in hand. When young people feel safe, respected, and confident, they are more likely to engage in society, to study, to work, and to dream about the future. This connection made the training’s combination of peacebuilding and employability especially powerful and relevant.
Looking to the future, the youth worker hopes that more programs like this will be developed in Hungary and across Europe. The journey from Yerevan to home was not only a physical one—it was also a path of learning, reflection, and transformation. Young people today are not waiting for change to happen. They are ready to be the change. Through meaningful training, international cooperation, and grassroots action, they are building bridges where walls once stood.
The long-term vision is clear: communities where diversity is celebrated, where dialogue replaces conflict, and where every young person feels that they belong. Thanks to the Erasmus+ project and the inspiration from fellow participants, a small step toward that future has already begun.