My colleagues (Ayshe, Ida, Öykü) and I have recently participated in the Erasmus+ programme “RESOLVE: Peace Camps Dialogue Event” which took place in London in May 2022. During the four-day programme, we had the chance to gain more knowledge about conflict assessment tools, conflict management styles and key peacebuilding concepts. We also had the opportunity to meet peace activist and public speaker Jo Berry and discuss with her about peace and conflict transformation.
Moreover, visiting Europe House and St. Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace was also a valuable experience for us, as we learned more about the European Union and enhanced our conflict resolution skills. Attending the programme equipped us with skills and tools which are not taught in other traditional settings (e.g., class), but are vital to enable social change towards more equitable, socially just and peaceful societies. Through participating in the programme, we gained a better insight into key topics around peace and reconciliation and hope to use this knowledge in Cyprus.
The programme has also given us the opportunity to reflect on current grassroots peacebuilding efforts in Cyprus and elsewhere and has undoubtedly inspired us to continue contributing towards efforts for sustainable peace in Cyprus. We had so much fun and we express our special thanks of gratitude to the organisers (Asfar) and the partner organisation (Home for Cooperation) in Cyprus for giving us the opportunity to attend.