On the 24th of May, six youth activists gathered to listen, discuss, and share experiences about peacebuilding, gamification, and Erasmus opportunities. In one and a half hours, Justine shared her latest Erasmus+ experience in Bansko, Bulgaria, as well as other Erasmus projects she had participated in. Justine also presented and elaborated on a detailed slideshow outlining various Erasmus opportunities available for youth. Participants were actively engaged, openly contributing to the discussion and sharing their own experiences and perspectives. The atmosphere fostered mutual learning and encouraged critical reflection on the potential of youth work in fostering peace.
To experience gamified solutions for peacebuilding firsthand, Justine facilitated the interactive game “Peace Please,” followed by a structured discussion on how peacebuilding can be integrated within organisations. This method allowed participants to engage emotionally and intellectually with challenging themes, such as violence and conflict resolution. The game created a safe space for open dialogue, prompting participants to think creatively about practical applications in their own contexts. The session also highlighted how experiential learning methods can enhance engagement and retention of complex social topics. Moreover, participants reflected on the importance of using innovative tools to address sensitive issues in youth work.
At the end of the session, we conducted fifteen minute brainstorming rounds on potential topics that could be developed into games. The conclusions drawn from the event emphasized the value of combining non-formal education, gamification, and personal storytelling to promote peace and active citizenship among young people.
