In September 2023, a meaningful Erasmus+ training brought together young changemakers from across different countries to Yerevan, Armenia. The project, titled “Youth in Action: Fostering Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution and Employability Skills,” aimed to equip youth workers with the knowledge and tools needed to respond to today’s pressing social, economic, and political challenges. With a strong focus on peacebuilding, employability, and cross-cultural exchange, the project created a safe and inspiring space where learning became a shared journey. It was more than just a training—it was a platform where human connection and professional growth met to spark ideas for real and lasting change.
The participation of a youth worker from Egypt, representing the Mediterranean Youth Foundation for Development, brought valuable insight into the unique challenges faced by many communities in the region. In the months before the training, Egypt continued to experience high youth unemployment, growing disconnection between generations, and frequent misunderstandings across social and cultural groups. Many young people lacked access to inclusive spaces where their voices could be heard and their ideas taken seriously. There was also a visible need for stronger peacebuilding education at both community and institutional levels, especially among youth in rural areas or those affected by economic insecurity. Against this background, the training in Armenia felt like a much-needed opportunity to reconnect, learn from others, and find solutions that could be applied back home.
Arriving in Yerevan, the youth worker immediately noticed the welcoming and open spirit of the group. Participants from different countries were ready to listen, share, and grow together. The training sessions covered topics like conflict resolution strategies, intercultural communication, and the role of empathy in peacebuilding. One of the most eye-opening activities was a simulation on negotiation and mediation, where participants had to take on roles from opposing communities and work through their differences to find common ground. It was a powerful reminder that peace begins with understanding, and that empathy is often the first step toward real dialogue.
The experience was made even richer by the local context. Visits to Armenian NGOs and community centers showed how youth-led initiatives could rebuild trust in areas once affected by tension or political division. One inspiring moment was learning about a local youth group that used storytelling and theatre to help young people express their feelings after experiencing conflict. This approach, using creativity as a tool for healing, left a deep impression and sparked ideas for possible actions in Egypt. Informal moments, like late-night discussions with participants from across Europe and neighboring regions, helped to break down stereotypes and build friendships that will last beyond the project.
After returning to Egypt, the youth worker began working on a small but ambitious initiative called “Voices of Peace.” The project was designed for young people from diverse cultural, economic, and regional backgrounds and aimed to teach peacebuilding through dialogue, creative expression, and peer education. Inspired by the training in Armenia, the sessions included role-plays, group storytelling, and open discussions on conflict and cooperation. The idea was not to give youth all the answers, but to help them discover their own power to change their surroundings through peaceful action.
The impact of this initiative became visible within a few months. Young participants, many of whom had never taken part in such workshops before, began to show more confidence and openness. Some formed their own small discussion groups in schools and local centers. Others brought what they learned into their families and social circles. Teachers and parents noticed the changes too: better communication, more tolerance, and a stronger sense of responsibility among the youth. The local partner organizations also saw the value of such programs and expressed interest in integrating peace education into their regular youth activities.
This journey, from training to action, shows how international exchange can lead to real, local change. It highlights the importance of giving young people not only the tools but also the space to grow as peacebuilders. When youth workers are supported and inspired, they can return home with new energy and ideas that can truly shift communities toward greater understanding and unity.
Looking ahead, the work is far from finished. But the experience in Armenia proved that with the right support, young people are ready to lead the way toward more inclusive, peaceful, and empowered societies. As more opportunities like this are created, a generation of youth will rise—not just as beneficiaries of change, but as its driving force. Peace is not just an idea; it is a practice that begins with people, and especially with youth who are willing to listen, learn, and act.