01.09.2022 - 01.03.2024

2022-1-EE01-KA210-YOU-000084387

Peaceful minds

Erasmus+, Strategic partnership in youth work

Within the current project we would like to increase capability of participating organisation towards:
- work with refugees and asylum seekers in order to contribute towards solidarity and cohesive Europe;
- using peacemaking and peace building in work with young people, youth workers and educators through training and practical implementation;
- reducing and decreasing consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian war and refugees crisis through active youth engagement, integration activities, community work and social campaigns.

Within the project we want to create peacemaking educational programmes for youth leaders, workers and educators; youth and community led events to connect and build dialogue between ukrainian refugees and local population and events to support mental health and trauma release.

Project partners:
Mittetulundusühing VitaTiim, Estonia - the applicant
3D Friends, Latvia
KC Priestor, Slovakia

Activities

Monday, November 20

Телесный интеллект в ненасильственном взаимодействии

Ворк-шоп для молодежных работников и преподавателей

Monday, October 9

Я, Мы и Оно: внимательность и устойчивость для современных и активных

Серия онлайн встреч для молодежных работников и преподавателей

Tuesday, August 15

Peace and YOUth

ACTIVITY FOR YOUTH WORKERS

Monday, April 24

Basic trauma education EN

Work-shop for youth workers and educators

Project results

The Peaceful Minds Project has successfully advanced the capabilities of participating organizations, focusing on supporting refugees and asylum seekers to foster a more solidary and cohesive Europe. This initiative has been pivotal in utilizing peacemaking and peace-building techniques to aid young people, youth workers, and educators through comprehensive training and practical implementation.

The project's objectives included mitigating the impacts of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the ensuing refugee crisis through active youth involvement, integration activities, community work, and social campaigns. To achieve these goals, the Peaceful Minds Project established peacemaking educational programs for youth leaders, workers, and educators. It also facilitated youth and community-led events to promote dialogue between Ukrainian refugees and the local populations, alongside events aimed at supporting mental health and trauma relief.

Throughout the duration of the project, a robust learning program was implemented, which encompassed peacemaking, a trauma-informed approach, and wellbeing. Additional educational materials produced include a book featuring stories from Ukrainian youth, a set of cards designed to foster reflection on peacemaking, and a brochure detailing the project's outcomes and methodologies in Slovak.

UA-YOUTH: Empowering stories of ukrainian youth

Stories of young people from Ukraine were collected as part of the "UA-youth: Empowering stories" and "Peaceful minds" projects. The aim of these projects is to acquaint Estonian youth with the lives and realities of their peers in Ukraine.

Peacemaking cards

During the sessions, these cards were displayed on the walls of the venue. Participants were invited to walk around and engage with the cards in a gallery walk style. This setup allowed them to contemplate each statement in a personal and thoughtful manner, providing them the space to internalize the messages and reflect on their meanings in the context of their experiences and beliefs.

After the individual reflection period, participants gathered in small groups—each consisting of approximately 4 to 5 members—to discuss their thoughts and insights. These group discussions were structured to encourage sharing of personal reflections, which facilitated a collective exploration of peacemaking.

KC Priestor

The brochure created for the Peaceful Minds Project is a comprehensive output that serves as both an informative resource and a promotional tool. Developed in Slovak, it targets local audiences, providing them with an overview of the project's goals, strategies, and successes. This includes sections on the educational programs tailored for youth leaders, workers, and educators, as well as community-led initiatives designed to foster dialogue and understanding between Ukrainian refugees and local populations.

Another materials impacted by the project

Activity: The Hero's journey

The main aim of the activity was to raise awareness about Ukrainian youth realities. Participants were separated in small groups up to 5 people. Each group received a story and analyzed it by following the Hero's Journey circle. The activity was followed by discussion about how youth workers may use information for needs of and possible obstacles that young people with refugee backgrounds face.

Possible to use with stories from UA-YOUTH material

Trauma-sensitive youth work

Trauma-sensitive youth work aims at restoring and supporting the self-regulation of young people. It recognizes the signs of trauma and acknowledges the impact of trauma. It means working with understanding and softness and provides a safe environment and structure that allows and enables young people to feel safe again and take regulation into their own hands.

This chapter provides the basic concept and tools to get started with trauma-sensitive youth work.

Uus pagulaskriis ja noorsootöö: ülemaailmsed väljakutsed ja globaalne solidaarsus

Article for youth work magazine MIHUS (in Estonian)

Feedback from participants

I've learned an immense amount from the Peaceful Minds Project that I now apply both professionally and personally. The training in mindful and embodiment practices has been transformative, equipping me to effectively handle stress and trauma. This has also allowed me to create a healthier, more supportive environment that fosters nonviolent communication and resilient relationships. Furthermore, I've developed skills in building and managing group work with a keen awareness of each participant's emotional state, enhancing our group dynamics and efficiency. The introduction of new art practices and techniques has enriched our group activities, bringing creativity and deeper connection to our work. Most importantly, I've become more aware of my body's reactions and how to interpret these signals, which helps me daily. In my work with young people and children, these skills are invaluable as I form new groups based on principles of non-violent communication, respect, and collaboration, guiding them to be more attuned to their own feelings, body signals, and needs

Through my participation in the Peaceful Minds Project, I have gained invaluable insights into behavior management, centering techniques, and trauma awareness. I learned about four distinct forms of behavior and discovered how effective the centering technique is for personal management of stress and trauma. This technique resonated so well with me that I am committed to making it a daily habit.

I observed varied reactions among my peers to these practices. While some found the techniques suitable and beneficial, others faced challenges in adopting them. However, each person managed to find something applicable and valuable for their needs.

I plan to integrate these techniques into my everyday routine and employ them in stressful situations. The knowledge I've acquired is universally beneficial and can be applied not just in personal settings but also professionally, in work and educational environments. This training has truly equipped me with tools that can enhance both my and others' well-being

Participating in this training was a truly transformative experience for me. I learned a multitude of valuable skills and gained precious knowledge that reshaped my perspective on working with youth. First and foremost, this training allowed me to have a better understanding of the rights of young people and the ways to expand and protect them. I now feel more confident in my ability to assist youth in advocating for their rights and opportunities. Creating a safe and inclusive environment was a significant aspect of the training. I learned to recognize and respect differences and how to build an environment where every individual feels included and protected. Empathy and resilience have become an integral part of my personal and professional life. I learned to listen better and provide support to young people while also effectively coping with my own challenges. The training also helped me address and heal from the traumas I have experienced. I found ways to heal and overcome my own traumas, which has made me stronger and better equipped to help others.

Working in crisis psychology, I am primarily focused on cognitive approaches, so it was both new and fascinating to explore the connection between the body and mind during the Peaceful Minds Project. The emphasis on the importance of integrating bodily awareness with mental strategies was particularly enlightening for me. Learning about how the body and mind interact and influence each other has broadened my perspective and enriched my professional toolkit. These techniques, especially those that involve stabilizing a person in a crisis state, can be actively applied in my work. Understanding and using these body-oriented approaches will undoubtedly enhance my ability to support individuals in crisis more holistically.

Project supported

Contact

Julia Dem

project manager

Phone: + 375 559 217 87
E-mail: julia@vitatiim.ee