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?
The most valuable thing I learned during the “Play & Resolve: Gamified Solutions for Peacebuilding” training course was the incredible potential of gamification as an educational tool. Before attending the course, I had some general knowledge about games in learning environments, but during those nine days, I gained a much deeper understanding of how board games and escape rooms can actively promote empathy, cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution. I was especially struck by how these tools can turn complex, even uncomfortable, topics into approachable and engaging experiences that spark curiosity and emotional connection.
This realization has deeply influenced how I plan to work with young people moving forward. I now see game-based learning not just as a method, but as a philosophy—an invitation to learn through doing, feeling, and collaborating. I am currently working with my team to adapt what we experienced into workshops that are meaningful in our local context. We’re designing games that reflect the social issues our youth face, with the goal of helping them develop not only skills, but also a sense of agency and responsibility in building peace within their own communities.
2. How did the use of escape rooms and board games change your perspective on peacebuilding and conflict resolution education?
The use of escape rooms and board games was a transformative experience for me. It completely shifted my perspective on how peacebuilding and conflict resolution can be taught. I used to think of these subjects as requiring structured discussions or theoretical analysis, which often felt abstract or disconnected from young people’s everyday lives. But through gamification, I realized that we can create immersive scenarios where participants actually experience and practice values like trust, active listening, cooperation, and critical thinking in real time.
What amazed me the most was how naturally games create a safe and dynamic environment where participants can explore sensitive issues without feeling judged. Conflict, inclusion, diversity—these themes emerged not from lectures, but from the flow of the game itself. This playful framework doesn’t simplify the challenges; instead, it allows people to approach them with more openness and creativity. As a youth worker, this approach resonates deeply with my belief that learning should be alive, human-centered, and transformative.
3. Can you describe a moment during the training that had a strong impact on you, either personally or professionally?
One of the most impactful moments for me was when we were asked to design our own educational games from scratch. This exercise was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. My team decided to base our game on a real social issue we were familiar with in our own communities. From the initial brainstorming to the prototyping and testing phase, I felt a deep sense of purpose. It was eye-opening to see how our personal experiences and knowledge could be transformed into a tool for awareness and change.
Personally, this moment made me realize the creative power we all have when we work collaboratively and believe in the process. Professionally, it was a breakthrough. I gained confidence in my ability to use creative mediums for education and social transformation. Seeing others engage with our game and reflect on the issues it presented was one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had in a long time. It reaffirmed why I do the work I do with youth, and inspired me to push further with innovative methods.
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?
Yes, shortly after returning home, we began applying what we learned during the training. Together with my team at 2Europia, we started planning and implementing local workshops where we introduced gamified activities based on the training content. We are currently adapting some of the games we developed during the course, and we’re also in the process of designing new ones tailored specifically to our local youth’s realities.
The response so far has been very encouraging. The young people we’ve worked with have shown great enthusiasm for this type of learning. Many of them told us that the games helped them understand issues like inclusion and conflict resolution in a way that felt relevant and engaging. Some even asked how they could get involved in creating similar initiatives. It’s been incredibly motivating to see that spark of interest and empowerment. It confirms that play is not only a source of fun, but also a meaningful path toward learning and social impact.
5. What would you like to see as a follow-up to this training – additional resources, networking opportunities, or something else?
As a follow-up to this amazing experience, I would love to see more opportunities for continued collaboration and learning. One of the most inspiring aspects of the training was meeting youth workers, educators, and community leaders from across Europe. The diversity of perspectives and experiences enriched our learning enormously, and I believe there is so much potential in staying connected and working together beyond the training.
I would welcome additional resources, especially toolkits or digital platforms that could support us in designing and facilitating gamified educational experiences. But even more than that, I think creating a network or community of practice would be incredibly valuable—a space where we can share new games, successes, challenges, and maybe even co-develop new projects. This training felt like the beginning of something meaningful, and I would love for it to evolve into an ongoing movement where we continue to innovate, inspire, and support one another in building peace through play.
