Conflict: An opportunity for learning!

Programme: Erasmus+

Key Action: Learning Mobility of Individuals

Action Type: Youth mobility

Project number: 2018-2-DE04-KA105-016811

Duration: 2018 – 2019

Project description

Where there are people, there are differences; where there are differences, there may be a conflict. As long as people feel, think and respond differently, the potential for conflict will exist. Conflict is a complex and integral part of human existence, it is also a crucial and natural catalyst for social change. The consequences of conflict can be negative or positive depending on how it is approached.

In various parts of Europe and neighbouring countries young people face challenges related to globalisation, multicultural societies, social exclusion and transition to adulthood. These challenges often result in tension, misunderstanding, conflict and even violence. At the same time, many live in regions or communities going through or recovering from conflict.

In youth work conflict is an inevitable topic, both as a transversal theme and as a specific area of work. Youth workers have to adapt to changing realities, issues and concerns faced by young people.

The "Conflict: An opportunity for learning!” training course is a result of collaboration of youth workers from 12 EU and neighborhood countries. We believe that working on conflict and conflict transformation is a competence area that can and should be developed, since youth work plays an important role in preventing the negative consequences of conflict.

The project aimed to increase competences of youth workers and youth leaders for constructively addressing conflicts through non-formal education methods, taking into account the specifics of working with young people.

The project objectives were:

• to explore the concept of conflict and its various dimensions, particularly in the context of youth work;
• to examine different schools of thought, approaches, practices and methods, applicable to youth work, for dealing with conflict in a constructive and nonviolent way;
• to encourage reflection on our own behaviour in conflict situations and understand what factors influence it;
• to explore some of the consequences that different types of conflict can have on young people;
• to examine the role of youth work in conflict resolution and conflict transformation;
• to provide youth workers and youth leaders with knowledge, skills and attitudes that will help them better address conflict situations that arise in their youth work and promote a culture of peace;
• to offer non-formal learning activities that provide opportunities to practice skills and knowledge for addressing conflict;
• to promote the core EU values of respect for human rights, non-violence, social cohesion and diversity as well as cooperation under the Erasmus+ programme.

Lead Partner:

Arabisch Deutsches Center für Dialog e. V. (WASLA) - Germany

Project partners:

1. Meliora NGO - Armenia
2. Cultural Association Nostos Pissouriou - Cyprus
3. Oyoun Masr Association for Cultural and Social Development - Egypt
4. United Societies Of Balkans Astiki Etaireia - Greece
5. World Youth Alliance Middle East - Lebanon
6. Oyoun Masr Association - Netherlands
7. Independence youth union - Palestine
8. Youth of Europe - Poland
9. AEGEE-Moskva - Russian Federation
10. Kuresel Aktiviteler Dernegi - Turkey
11. Initiative Youth Network - Ukraine