1. What was the most valuable thing you learned during the training course, and how do you plan to use it in your work with young people?
I found some game ideas by other participants inspiring, such as an adapted version of Monopoly and a board game called “Peace Please.” While they were still in early stages, they showed potential and might serve as a starting point for future projects.
Additionally, it was helpful to test my own prototype with the group – a role play simulating a conclave. It gave me a better sense of how the mechanics function in practice and where adjustments are needed. That experience will be useful if I decide to refine the idea further and integrate it into a workshop or educational setting in the future.
2. How did the use of escape rooms and board games change your perspective on peacebuilding and conflict resolution education?
To be honest, I wouldn’t say that the tools developed during the training fundamentally changed my perspective. The timeframe for working on these tools was limited to around two days, so the games we created were rather basic prototypes.
What I did take away, however, was a reminder that playful formats can open doors to serious topics – if they’re well designed. To truly shift perspectives or create meaningful educational impact, I think more time and iteration would be required to refine these approaches and tailor them to specific learning goals.
3. Can you describe a moment during the training that had a strong impact on you, either personally or professionally?
What stood out to me was the overall style and atmosphere of the seminar. It differed quite a bit from what I’m used to in similar contexts, especially regarding facilitation and group dynamics. That contrast gave me some food for thought on how methods and expectations can vary across different countries in the EU. Even if I wouldn’t describe it as a strong impact in the emotional sense, it did raise some relevant questions about pedagogical approaches and intercultural communication.
4. Have you already started applying any of the tools or methods from the training in your local context? If yes, what was the response?
No, not yet. As I mentioned earlier, most of the tools developed during the training were still in early prototype form, and would need further development before they could be used meaningfully in a local context. That said, I did take note of a few mechanics and formats that I might experiment with in future workshops, especially the idea of using fictional roles and simplified simulations to spark reflection and discussion among participants.
5. What would you like to see as a follow-up to this training – additional resources, networking opportunities, or something else?
Personally, I don’t feel a strong need for a follow-up. However, if there were to be one, it might be useful to offer a platform for participants to continue developing and testing their prototypes – perhaps in smaller, more focused working groups. That kind of iterative support might help turn some of the early-stage ideas into tools that could actually be used in peace education or youth work. But in terms of networking or more input sessions, I think the existing training already covered the basics.
