Bridges of peace
Start date: Oct 1, 2015,
End date: Sep 30, 2017
PROJECT
FINISHED
The conflict is a dimension that, in our society, it is almost always perceived with a strongly negative connotation, especially in this time full of social tensions (and not only social), inside and outside Europe.To foster this distrust are frequently prejudices and lack of mutual understanding that make barriers without basis. We believe that the activities of youth mobility are particularly effective in promoting a culture of acceptance and promotion of the values of diversity and solidarity. Furthermore the web, properly used, can help break down these barriers, choosing the Nonviolent Communication as an approach to become a promoter of integration and rights, valuing cultural differences. In this sense, there is space to live peacefully the conflict that is a normal dimension, connected to the real idea of relationship differences.
In this sense, the specific objectives of the project:
- direct and deep knowledge of the phenomenon of migration;
- to promote awareness about the issue of conflict and its management through non-violent ways;
- provide support to vulnerable groups in the communities by facilitating their integration
- improving communication skills and the ability to use new technologies; particularly with the adoption of a non-violent approach to the themes and stories
- capacity building for development of content and creative reworked version of the material collected;
- enhancing the culture at all levels, integrating traditional methods (library ) and modern (web, web radio, social networks ... )
The general aims are: strengthening of personal skills and self-confidence, promoting active citizenship linked to the European values of respect, dialogue and solidarity, learning and/or improving understanding in both Italian and English language.
The project involves 8 volunteers with interests for multicultural environment and for non-violent management of the conflicts; an added value will be the interest and skills for communication of migration.
The activities will be implemented in Italy and Greece.
At the House of Peace - APG23 ( Italy ), the four volunteers will be involved in Intercultural workshop in the school, in activities with migrants in the area which is affected by the project and in research activities, documentation and awareness on the issue of conflict and migration.
At USB, the four volunteers will be engaged in activities that help to recognize and value the Balkan cultures so as to promote the passing of prejudices and encourage the inclusion of Eastern Europe and the opening to the west . The young people will take care of the organization and expansion of the thematic library and the implementation of a multimedia (e- balkans, consisting in a web radio, online journal and a pilot web TV) .
In the implementation of the activities will be an important role played by the web and multimedia that will be exploited as a vehicle for the promotion of the wealth that comes out from cultural differences, favouring the meeting, stimulating and overcoming stereotypes. Part of the project will feature workshops and meetings that will allow a direct interaction between the volunteers and the cities and regions that will receive them .
The project will bring an increase of the content available on the issues involved in the project and should stimulate interest in the potential of peace education, multiculturalism, alternative information, as well as the opportunities offered by mobility and youth participation.
In the long term the hope is to spread the awareness that a positive management is possible and to value the differences, even when they create some conflicts; in this way it can contribute to make it even more solid ten-year history of peace achieved by the European Union.