In September 2023, youth workers from all across Europe came together in Yerevan, Armenia, for the Erasmus+ training course “Youth in Action: Fostering Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution and Employability Skills.” This international project brought together people with a shared goal: to gain new tools, ideas, and connections to better support young people in their communities. Focused on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and career development, the program responded to many of the problems youth face today—uncertainty, division, and limited opportunities. Through this training, participants developed not only practical skills, but also a deeper understanding of how to bring young people closer together across cultural, social, and economic borders. For one youth worker from Luxembourg, representing the NGO Foreign Students of Luxembourg, this experience became the start of a powerful local transformation focused on peacebuilding and inclusion.
Luxembourg is a small but diverse country. Many people from different cultures live together, including large communities of foreign students and young workers from all over Europe and beyond. While this diversity creates a rich and colorful society, it can also lead to misunderstandings and social distance between groups. Young people, especially those who have recently arrived in the country, sometimes find it hard to integrate into local life. Language barriers, cultural differences, and limited access to decision-making spaces can leave them feeling isolated or left behind. In the time before the training, the youth worker noticed more young people expressing frustration or feeling disconnected from their communities. Even though they had talent and motivation, they lacked opportunities to take part in social change or to feel like their voices mattered. These challenges made the topic of peacebuilding in Luxembourg especially important, as it was clear that something needed to be done to bring young people together and make space for open dialogue.
The experience in Yerevan brought a breath of fresh air. The training was not just a place to listen—it was a place to speak, to share, and to connect. For the participant from Luxembourg, one of the most powerful moments came during a session on storytelling and empathy. Youth workers from different countries shared real-life experiences of conflict, exclusion, and hope. These stories made the theory come alive. It became clear that peacebuilding is not only for politicians or formal negotiations. It is something that happens in everyday spaces—schools, youth centers, parks, and even cafés. The training also introduced practical tools like non-violent communication, emotional intelligence activities, and team-building exercises. These tools were simple but powerful, and they helped build trust quickly among participants from different cultures.
Another highlight of the training was the visit to local Armenian organizations working with youth in vulnerable communities. One group was supporting young people in conflict-affected areas to find employment and emotional support through creative projects. Another worked with women and girls to promote leadership and community participation. These visits showed what is possible when small teams commit to big change. They inspired the youth worker from Luxembourg to think about similar possibilities back home. The international setting of the training also created strong friendships and professional connections. Many evenings were spent sharing meals, cultural traditions, and dreams for the future. These connections reminded everyone that peace is something we can build together, no matter where we come from.
After returning to Luxembourg, the energy from Yerevan stayed strong. The youth worker felt the need to act quickly and use the momentum to start something meaningful. This is how the project “Voices for Peace” was born. With support from Foreign Students of Luxembourg, the initiative began as a series of youth-led discussion circles. These circles invited both local and foreign youth to come together once a week to explore topics like identity, inclusion, everyday conflict, and shared values. Each session combined dialogue with creativity—some included art, others involved music or storytelling. The goal was to build a bridge between different youth communities and help them understand one another better. Many of the methods and ideas came directly from the training in Armenia, but were adapted to fit the local context.
The impact of “Voices for Peace” was both emotional and practical. Young people who had never met before became close friends. A few participants who rarely spoke in group settings found the courage to lead discussions by the end of the program. Some said it was the first time they felt truly heard and accepted in Luxembourg. The project also helped raise awareness about the challenges that foreign students face and gave them a platform to speak directly with local community leaders. Over time, some schools and youth centers expressed interest in hosting similar dialogue sessions. One session even invited local politicians to listen to young people’s experiences and ideas for better inclusion policies. This showed how small projects can lead to bigger conversations and how youth voices can contribute to real change.
The long-term vision of the project is still growing. What started as a short series of circles is now developing into a regular program, with new groups joining each season. The team behind “Voices for Peace” is working on a toolkit that other youth workers in Luxembourg can use to lead their own peacebuilding sessions. There are also plans to connect the project with similar initiatives in other European countries, building an international network of youth voices for peace. For the youth worker who started it all, the project is a reminder that training programs like the one in Armenia do not end when participants go home—they continue to grow in the work they inspire.
Looking back, the experience in Yerevan was a turning point. It gave not only knowledge, but also motivation and courage. Young people everywhere are facing new challenges in a fast-changing world, but they also carry the energy and ideas that society needs most. Through programs like Erasmus+, they learn to work together, listen to each other, and take action for a better world. In Luxembourg, thanks to one inspired youth worker and the support of Foreign Students of Luxembourg, the seeds of peace have been planted—and they are already beginning to bloom.