In September 2023, a group of dedicated youth workers from across Europe and neighboring regions gathered in Yerevan, Armenia for a unique Erasmus+ training called “Youth in Action: Fostering Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution and Employability Skills.” For nine powerful days, the training became a space where different cultures met, ideas were exchanged, and new paths for social change were imagined. The main goal was to give youth workers strong tools and strategies to support young people in areas such as peacebuilding, employability, and cross-cultural understanding. These themes were not just discussed in theory but were explored through practical workshops, local examples, and team-based reflection.
For the participant from Georgia, representing the Civil Forum, this training came at an important time. In the months before the program, many communities in Georgia continued to face serious challenges. High unemployment, especially among young people, created feelings of frustration and hopelessness. At the same time, social divisions were growing stronger, fueled by political tension, limited access to inclusive education, and a lack of opportunities for youth to engage in meaningful dialogue or action. Many young people wanted to contribute to their communities but felt disconnected from decision-making processes and unprepared to lead change.
Arriving in Yerevan felt like stepping into a new world. From the first day, the atmosphere was filled with curiosity and kindness. People from different countries shared their personal stories, struggles, and hopes. One of the most eye-opening moments came during a group activity on conflict transformation. Each person had to explain how conflict showed up in their local context and what peace meant to them. Hearing such a wide range of experiences helped to understand how deeply connected people are across borders, even when their challenges seem different.
The training was filled with powerful learning. The youth worker from Georgia learned new tools for active listening, creative problem solving, and inclusive facilitation. A session on nonviolent communication showed how empathy can turn even the hardest conversation into an opportunity for growth. Visits to local Armenian organizations showed real examples of how youth-led projects helped communities heal after conflict. One group used digital storytelling to bring together young people from different backgrounds and let them share their personal truths. Another group helped youth build their CVs, learn interview skills, and find strength in their own abilities. These examples showed that peacebuilding and youth empowerment can happen at the same time, and often must happen together.
Returning home to Georgia, the youth worker felt inspired and ready to act. Soon after the training, a local initiative called “Youth Vision Circles” was started. It was a simple but powerful idea: a series of open meetings where young people from different parts of the community could meet, learn from each other, and talk about the changes they wanted to see. The idea for the project came directly from the group reflections in Armenia, especially those focused on how important it is to give youth a voice and a space to be heard. With the support of the Civil Forum, the first few circles were launched in a local community center and slowly started growing.
The results were encouraging. Young people began to express ideas with more confidence. Some proposed small community projects, like cleaning local parks or organizing peer-led workshops on mental health and education. Others became interested in local policies and how they could take part in civic life. What stood out most was how quickly the feeling of disconnection began to change. Where before there was silence or frustration, now there was conversation and collaboration. Local teachers and parents noticed the energy, and some even joined the circles to support youth efforts. One participant, who had never taken part in any youth program before, later said that the circle helped him see that his voice mattered.
The long-term impact of “Youth Vision Circles” is only beginning to take shape. Discussions are now being held about expanding the idea to other towns in Georgia, especially those where youth face even more barriers. The Civil Forum is preparing a toolkit based on the training experience and local project, so that other youth workers can use the methods and adapt them to their own context. There are also plans to include online sessions, making the project more inclusive for young people with fewer opportunities or those living in remote areas.
This journey—from training in Armenia to new action in Georgia—shows that change can begin with just one experience, one conversation, or one idea. It also proves that when youth are empowered with the right tools and support, they become not just the future but the present force of transformation. The training in Yerevan did not give all the answers, but it offered something more important: the confidence to ask new questions and the community to find solutions together.
Looking ahead, the work continues. The world is changing quickly, and young people are often the first to feel its pressure. But they are also the first to imagine better ways forward. With more projects like this one, youth workers can help unlock this potential and create spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and ready to lead. True empowerment is not just about skills—it is about belonging, purpose, and hope. And in that sense, every small step, every youth circle, and every shared story becomes part of a bigger peace.