In September 2023, a unique Erasmus+ training program took place in Yerevan, Armenia. The project, titled “Youth in Action: Fostering Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution and Employability Skills,” brought together youth workers from across Europe and nearby regions. The goal of the training was to provide tools and knowledge for promoting peace, building professional skills, and encouraging intercultural understanding. This program gave participants a chance to learn from each other, grow together, and discover how youth work can bring positive change in local communities. It created an environment where both learning and collaboration became part of a shared journey of empowerment.
For a youth worker from Armenia, taking part in this project was especially meaningful. Representing the local NGO Copernicus Yerevan, the participant had already seen the difficult situations that young people face in the country. Many of them struggle with unemployment, lack of motivation, or limited access to quality education and community spaces. Although Armenia has a rich cultural history and strong traditions, many young people often feel disconnected from decision-making processes and uncertain about their future. In smaller towns and villages, the problems are even more visible, with fewer resources and fewer chances for young people to explore their potential. In the time before the project, the social atmosphere was tense. The economic situation remained fragile, and political uncertainties made it harder for young people to find peace within themselves and their communities.
The training in Yerevan offered something new. Even though it was hosted in the youth worker’s own country, the international environment created a fresh perspective. Meeting participants from different countries helped build a sense of global connection. The sessions focused on how to handle conflict, support youth in their personal development, and create spaces for peaceful dialogue. One of the most eye-opening parts of the training was a workshop on empathy and active listening. It showed how small changes in how people talk and listen can lead to deeper understanding and reduce tensions. This was not only theoretical; it was something that could be felt and experienced directly in group discussions, role plays, and joint activities.
Another powerful part of the training was visiting local Armenian initiatives. One example was a youth center that helped teenagers improve their communication and teamwork skills through drama and storytelling. Another group used nature-based activities to help young people build confidence and manage stress. These examples showed how peacebuilding can be part of everyday youth work, not just during times of crisis. The youth worker also learned how intercultural exchange could help break down stereotypes and encourage creative solutions. Working side-by-side with others from different backgrounds created a feeling of unity, despite differences in language, nationality, or opinion.
After the training ended, the youth worker from Copernicus Yerevan felt inspired to take the lessons further. Back in the community, a new local project called “Peace Corners” was launched. This initiative focused on small community spaces where young people could gather, talk about their experiences, and share their ideas for improving life around them. The goal was to create safe and welcoming environments where dialogue, respect, and personal growth were at the center. The idea for “Peace Corners” came directly from the training in Yerevan and was shaped by the methods, values, and practices that were shared there.
The first “Peace Corner” was set up in a local library room that was previously unused. With some support from Copernicus Yerevan and help from motivated volunteers, the space was cleaned, decorated, and opened to youth from different parts of the city. Weekly meetings were organized, focusing on soft skills, teamwork, and peaceful communication. Some sessions used tools like creative writing, group games, or problem-solving tasks to help participants develop their abilities and gain confidence. Guest speakers, including former training participants, were invited to share their experiences and offer advice.
The results of the project became visible quite quickly. Young people who attended the “Peace Corners” started forming friendships, speaking more openly, and proposing their own ideas. A few participants created a youth-led media blog to share stories about peace and mental health. Others suggested organizing outdoor activities in neighborhoods where tensions sometimes rise. Parents and local teachers expressed their support and asked how they could also be part of this growing movement. One of the most inspiring moments came when a participant who had previously been quiet and unsure of himself led a full session on nonviolent communication, using techniques learned during the Erasmus+ training.
Over time, the “Peace Corners” began to shape a new sense of youth empowerment in the area. The project gave young people the feeling that their voices mattered and that they had the power to make things better—not just for themselves but for others as well. Local authorities started to notice the changes too and began asking how youth centers in other regions could apply similar models. The project also helped strengthen the role of Copernicus Yerevan as an organization that builds bridges between learning and action, between local and global.
Reflecting on the entire experience, it is clear that the Erasmus+ project was more than a training—it was a turning point. It opened doors to new ideas, encouraged cooperation beyond borders, and showed how peace can grow from the ground up when youth are trusted and supported. In a world where many young people feel lost or unheard, such opportunities are more important than ever. The Armenian youth worker who joined the training returned with not only new knowledge but also with hope, motivation, and a plan for action.
Looking into the future, the path of youth empowerment continues. Projects like “Peace Corners” are only the beginning. With more training, more dialogue, and more belief in the potential of young people, stronger and more inclusive communities can grow across Armenia and beyond. The work is not always easy, and progress may be slow, but every small step counts. When youth have the chance to lead, to speak, and to create, they become the builders of peace and the authors of a brighter future.