PEACE IN ACTION: Training Course
May 1-8, 2026 📍Kemer, Türkiye
This Training Course brought together young people from different countries to explore peacebuilding through non-formal education, shared experiences, and meaningful human connection. Throughout the project, participants took part in interactive workshops, creative activities, and practical exercises focused on communication, empathy, cooperation, and intercultural understanding.
A large part of the program focused on nonviolent communication, active listening, mediation, and conflict resolution. Through role plays, discussions, and experiential learning, participants were encouraged not only to better understand others, but also to reflect on our own ways of communicating, reacting, and building relationships. The workshops created space for honest conversations, mutual support, and learning through real human interaction rather than theory alone.
The project also explored peacebuilding through less traditional approaches such as art, storytelling, sport, yoga, and meditation. Participants discovered how creativity, movement, and self-expression can become powerful tools for dialogue, inclusion, emotional awareness, and connection. These activities showed that peace is not only something discussed in conferences or politics — it can also grow through small everyday moments, shared experiences, and the ability to create safe and respectful spaces for others.
An important aspect of the project was the active involvement of participants themselves. Working in international teams, we designed and facilitated our own workshops inspired by the methods and ideas introduced during the project. This gave us the opportunity to use our creativity, step outside our comfort zones, and transform newly gained knowledge into practice.
Beyond the educational part, the project naturally became a space for friendships, cultural exchange, and unforgettable moments. Conversations continued long after workshops ended, cultural evenings brought music, traditions, dancing, and laughter from different countries, and participants gradually built connections that went far beyond the formal program itself. What started as a group of strangers slowly turned into a supportive international community.
The exchange reminded participants that peacebuilding does not always begin on a global or political level. Very often, it begins quietly — in the way people listen to one another, approach differences, respond to conflict, and create understanding in everyday life. Sometimes, even small moments of empathy, openness, and genuine connection can have a much bigger impact than we realize.
Day 1
We kicked off with beach icebreakers and team-building, followed by creative sessions where we designed our project flags and rules. After a relaxing break by the sea, we explored the legacies of peace icons through a treasure hunt and celebrated our diverse cultures with a group dance workshop. We wrapped up the day with a souvenir exchange and "speed dating" to build lasting connections.
Day 2
The morning focused on Non-Violent Communication, where we practiced its four-step model in small groups and explored how different identities shape our perspectives.
In the afternoon, we tackled conflict resolution through mediation role-plays. We used a Conflict Mapping Circle to look past surface complaints and uncover deeper needs like respect and cooperation.
The night ended with a vibrant Cultural Night hosted by Türkiye, Lithuania, and Poland, filled with traditional food, games, and celebrations.
Day 3
Day started with Artivism workshop. We gathered random objects from around us and repurposed them into cool art pieces with deeper meanings. During the break, a few of us did outdoor yoga in the sun.
Later on, we put together short theater scenes about what it feels like to stand out or be different. This led into a really meaningful circle session, where we created a safe space to share our own personal stories about the experiences that shaped who we are today.
We wrapped up the night with an awesome Intercultural Evening hosted by Hungary, Italy, and Spain.
Day 4
We started the morning with tons of energy, splitting into teams for some fun sports and a bit of friendly competition. Afterward, we chilled out with yoga and meditation session to clear our heads.
In the afternoon, we switched over to creator mode. We teamed up to script and shoot short, creative videos for a digital peace campaign, using what we've learned this week.
We wrapped up the whole day with an awesome cultural night hosted by Slovakia and Czechia, filled with great food, music, and good vibes
Day 5
Our morning was packed with four 30-minute workshops led by participants. We focused on building empathy, practicing how to debate issues constructively and diving into a deep discussion about violence.
After all that heavy thinking, we spent the afternoon on a boat trip. It was the perfect way to unwind, clear our heads, and just hang out and bond in a super relaxed setting.
Day 6
On our last day, we looked back at everything we learned about sharing peace and handling conflict. We also made sure to enjoy our final hours together, just chilling by the pool, swimming, and playing volleyball at the beach.
In the afternoon, we had our very last reflection to talk about what this whole experience gave us. It was the perfect time to say a huge thank you to the facilitators, organizers, and everyone else for making this an absolutely unforgettable week!
