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 neighboring countries young people face challenges related to globalization, 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. What kind of activities should we offer in volatile communities? What are the basic principles of non-formal learning in such contexts?

The training course “Conflict: An opportunity for learning!” is a result of the 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. Our project aims at increasing 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 training course took place in Berlin, Germany, 9 till 16 December 2018. It brought together 28 youth workers and youth leaders from Armenia, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Palestine, Poland, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine.

Participants included youth leaders and youth activists committed to nonviolent conflict transformation and conflict resolution in youth work, youth organizations, and larger communities. We welcomed applications from a diverse group of youth workers, e.g. working specifically on peace and conflict as well as on other issues affecting young people such as violence, hate speech, discrimination, and social exclusion; professional and volunteers; with various levels of prior international experience; using different methodologies in their youth activities.

The program based on non-formal education methods and its key principles of interaction, cooperation, holistic approach, and intercultural learning. It also promoted the values of human rights, active tolerance, respect for human dignity, nonviolence, peaceful resolution of conflicts and solidarity. The proposed activities aimed at exploring the complex nature of conflict and its various aspects, encouraging competence development in the field of nonviolent conflict transformation and conflict resolution.

As a result of this training course, youth works and youth leaders particularly developed their social and civic competence as well as interpersonal and intercultural skills. The project promoted the culture of peace and foster mutual understanding between young people living in conflict-affected regions or in volatile and disadvantaged areas. It also contributed to the recognition of youth work as a constructive response to conflict and violence.

This project organized by Wasla. It’s a non-profit organization based in Berlin, Germany, seeking to promote dialogue and peace via cooperation between Arab and German civil society organizations; established by Arab-German youth initiatives, NGOs, workers, and activists who are working in the field of youth empowerment and sustainable development.