Make a Difference by Teaching Peace

"The training has had a big impact on me. The materials and the activities of the teachers’ toolkit will help teachers and students to consolidate the peacebuilding and reconciliation process in the region.

Thanks to the training, I realized how important it is to talk about certain ''unpopular topics'' to students. We just need to find the right approach for them to understand the message of peace and reconciliation that we need in our region.

"The insights and skills gained, together with the newly developed network among Western Balkans’ teachers, can enrich methodologies of educating youth on peacebuilding and transitional equity. As such themes are constantly both past- and forward-looking, I strongly believe they will serve our society’s attempts to ensure accountability, serve justice and achieve reconciliation.

"This training gave me an opportunity to expand my knowledge on reconciliation and peacebuilding. It made me realize that the role of teachers is very important in working with youth. Skills gained during this period will be implemented in my future work as teacher and in various projects with youth

"The training gave me the opportunity to work with colleagues from the region and made me reflect on how important peacebuilding is. It is our duty as teachers to educate young people with values and morals, and one of them is peacebuilding.

"The training has had a significant impact on me and it has provided me with a deeper understanding of indivisible elements of the complexity of human relations. The knowledge and skills gained will be implemented into my teaching practices and future projects involving youth.

"Together we are stronger. Bound and empowered by common ideas we have the opportunity and support to work on peacebuilding through projects with a common goal: building personal ties among youth who want progress, truth and understanding.

"My experience has strengthened my self-confidence in working with students and teachers when it comes to such sensitive topics as peacebuilding"

"It was very inspiring to be part of this training. The main benefits are broadening horizons and pointing out new opportunities in peacebuilding and reconciliation that we can apply in working with young people."

"This training has confirmed that our work makes a difference. One child, one teacher, one pen, that’s all we need, and a smile. I am in awe of the fact that RYCO and UNICEF have chosen us, as teachers, to continue the work of so many great people before us."

"During the training I have become aware that women and men that are equipped with peacebuilding competencies can work together by offering their skills to build peace and change negative perceptions."

"This training broadened my horizons. I will certainly use the experience and knowledge gained through it in working with young people"

"This training improved my sensibility and strengthened my capacity to work on peacebuilding. I intend to intertwine poetry, music, creative theatrical practices and the idea of peace in the region. Young people are not only our future, but also the precious present of our lives.

If there is a good will, enthusiasm and safe space, there will be solutions for every problem and every situation. We all need to focus on the future

"The relevance of this training is not just in providing knowledge and skills on peacebuilding but also on applying sensitive topics when we teach young people"

"This was a good opportunity for teachers to get involved in raising awareness about intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding, constructive remembrance and reconciliation. It was also an opportunity for teachers themselves to see how the past affects them and how to overcome it"

"The interaction and cooperation during the training made me understand that barriers, misunderstandings and grievances are irrelevant and I hope we can pass this spirit of cooperation and understanding to the others. Be guided by peace, through dialogue."