Peace Education in Times of Crises

<< Background >>The motivation for this project arose from recent geopolitical shifts, particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has reshaped Europe’s security dynamics. A Eurobarometer study (May 2022) found that 70% of EU citizens support military aid to Ukraine, reflecting widespread concern. Countries like Finland, Estonia, and Poland face increased security threats due to their proximity to the conflict.However, the war has also deepened social divisions, increased fear and amplified disinformation. Russian-speaking minorities often feel marginalized, heightening risks of exclusion and radicalization. The Radicalisation Awareness Network (April 2022) warned that such conditions create openings for extremist recruitment.Peace Education (PE), the process of teaching about the risks of violence and strategies for peace, has become increasingly vital. PE fosters reconciliation, conflict resolution, and societal resilience while promoting EU values such as solidarity, tolerance, and human rights. Yet, youth workers and educators often lack the tools to deliver effective PE. This project responded by enhancing their capacities through cross-border knowledge exchange and the collaborative development of PE content and trainings.<< Objectives >>Objectives: What did you want to achieve by implementing the project?* 1245/1250The project aimed to achieve several key objectives aligned with the identified societal needs and priorities:GO1. Share best practices and methodologies related to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, anti-discrimination, and the prevention of societal polarization and extremism among partner organizations.GO2. Increase awareness and skills related to Peace Education (PE) and Global Education (GE) among youth workers, equipping them to prevent societal divisions and extremist tendencies.GO3. Establish both national and transnational networks of youth workers engaged in PE and GE, fostering collaboration and peer learning.GO4. Improve the quality of youth work in partner countries by providing professional development opportunities, and for Estonia and Poland, support the recognition of appropriate qualification standards for youth workers.GO5. Facilitate collaboration between teachers and youth workers by aligning educational resources and fostering joint initiatives at national and international levels.<< Implementation >>To realize our objectives, we carried out the following key activities:1. Learning and training activities for partner organizations: Staff and trainers from partner organizations received specialized training on PE tools, methodologies, and relevant approaches from Global Education (GE).2. Delivery of PE trainings and learning circles: A blended learning course, combining online modules with face-to-face meetings, was implemented in partner countries to train youth workers in PE methodologies.3. Skilled and motivated participants were identified and trained to effectively deliver PE training for youth workers in a dialogic and engaging manner.4. Establishment of educational networks: Teachers and youth workers were brought together to form collaborative networks that enable knowledge exchange and joint initiatives addressing critical societal issues affecting young people.5. National-level dissemination events were organized in each partner country to share the project's outcomes, promote PE and GE, and engage relevant stakeholders.<< Results >>1. Developed the online course “Peace Education in Times of Crises”, available in English, Estonian, Finnish, and Polish: https://maailmakool.ee/peaceedu/. 2. Produced educational videos explaining key PE concepts and goals and collected youth voices to reflect on peace, violence, and their lived experiences: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GmpUHQtSn4&list=PLUxVs4_vHL3O9ZYUfNL2n17NYxl0v93lk3. Created innovative PE resources for non-formal education, including the activity plan set “Let’s Talk About Peace”, accessible here: https://maailmakool.ee/materjalid/100122/rahuhariduse-tunnikavade-kogumik/. 4. Designed a postcard series titled “Power of Empathy” to promote emotional understanding and dialogue: https://maailmakool.ee/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/postkaardikomplekt_empaatia_joud_web_07_08_24.pdf5. Developed and delivered a PE training curriculum for youth workers across partner countries: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dJ0XR0oOBH_P6SHIu6SCiP-LfhFGw_go/view?usp=sharing6. Purchased and made available books or other educational materials to partner organizations and youth workers, enhancing access to quality PE tools and knowledge.