Restoring Dialogue in Times of Polarisation: The Experience of the NGO “Progressive and Strong” in an Erasmus+ Project in Finland
From 6 to 8 October 2026, the training course “Peace Education and Dialogue in Youth Work: Approaches for Polarised Times” took place in Helsinki, Finland. Organised by Rauhankasvatusinstituutti ry, the event was part of the Erasmus+ project “Roots & Routes: Reconciliation, Dialogue and Resilience in Youth Work”. Representatives of NGO “Progressive and Strong”, a project partner, took part in the training.
Tetiana Konovalenko
coordinator
of the Fundraising Direction
of the Fundraising Direction
Nataliia Shevchenko
coordinator
of the Online Events Direction
of the Online Events Direction
The programme focused on peace education, trauma-informed approaches and dialogue facilitation in youth work. Twenty-three participants from Ukraine, Estonia, Ireland, Portugal and Finland explored key questions: How can dialogue be fostered in a polarised society? How can conflicts be addressed constructively? And how can safe spaces for mutual understanding be created?
The international composition of the group enriched discussions on dialogue and peace education, bringing together perspectives shaped by different social contexts, professional backgrounds and approaches to youth work. Participants compared existing practices, discussed challenges faced by their communities and identified common ground across their experiences, organisations and countries.
The training helped participants develop a range of important social and professional skills:
- Teamwork: collaborating with people from different countries and professional backgrounds through group activities, shared learning, reflection and co-creation;
- Intercultural communication: exploring dialogue in complex situations, considering diverse perspectives, resolving tensions constructively and discussing sensitive topics;
- Intercultural sensitivity: learning to foster dialogue based on respect and inclusion while creating safer spaces that take different perspectives and experiences into account;
- Dialogue for mutual understanding: exploring how dialogue can help bridge differences and strengthen understanding in times of polarisation.
Modern societies face numerous challenges, including polarised views, information-related pressures, mistrust, social conflicts and difficulties in understanding people from different backgrounds. In this context, constructive dialogue, active listening and the search for shared solutions are particularly important.
Participants explored the differences between constructive and destructive tension, discussed how to respond to escalating conflicts and considered ways to turn difficult conversations into opportunities for learning and mutual understanding.
One of the programme’s key takeaways was that dialogue involves more than simply exchanging opinions. It requires trust, respect for different viewpoints, a willingness to listen to and understand others’ experiences, and the ability to discuss sensitive issues without escalating conflict.
Participants explored the differences between constructive and destructive tension, discussed how to respond to escalating conflicts and considered ways to turn difficult conversations into opportunities for learning and mutual understanding.
One of the programme’s key takeaways was that dialogue involves more than simply exchanging opinions. It requires trust, respect for different viewpoints, a willingness to listen to and understand others’ experiences, and the ability to discuss sensitive issues without escalating conflict.
Exploring Practical Peace Education Tools and the Open Dialogue Spaces Methodology
Participants explored tools and techniques for facilitating constructive discussions on complex topics and transforming conflict. These approaches can also help create safer, more inclusive environments.
The Open Dialogue Spaces methodology provided participants with a practical approach to organising open dialogue spaces. The methodology allowed participants with different experiences and perspectives to interact and engage in meaningful conversations. Participants also explored how this approach could be applied in youth work and other forms of community engagement.
The training combined interactive workshops, group work, practical dialogue exercises, reflection and the collaborative development of educational tools.
Participants explored tools and techniques for facilitating constructive discussions on complex topics and transforming conflict. These approaches can also help create safer, more inclusive environments.
The Open Dialogue Spaces methodology provided participants with a practical approach to organising open dialogue spaces. The methodology allowed participants with different experiences and perspectives to interact and engage in meaningful conversations. Participants also explored how this approach could be applied in youth work and other forms of community engagement.
The training combined interactive workshops, group work, practical dialogue exercises, reflection and the collaborative development of educational tools.
Particular attention was paid to the following areas:
- Peace education and trauma-informed approaches. Participants explored how to create learning and interaction environments that take into account the experiences of people who have lived through crises, violence or other traumatic events.
- Addressing polarisation and tension. Practical sessions helped participants distinguish between constructive and destructive forms of conflict, understand their root causes and identify ways to respond when tensions escalate.
- Creating safer spaces for dialogue. Participants explored the principles of creating environments where people can express their views and discuss complex issues while respecting the dignity and experiences of others.
- Dialogue facilitation. Practical activities focused on developing active listening skills, navigating difficult conversations, working with diverse perspectives and fostering constructive communication.
- Reflection and co-creation of tools. Participants reflected on their experiences, shared good practices and contributed to the development and refinement of methodological materials for future work.
- Peace education and trauma-informed approaches. Participants explored how to create learning and interaction environments that take into account the experiences of people who have lived through crises, violence or other traumatic events.
- Addressing polarisation and tension. Practical sessions helped participants distinguish between constructive and destructive forms of conflict, understand their root causes and identify ways to respond when tensions escalate.
- Creating safer spaces for dialogue. Participants explored the principles of creating environments where people can express their views and discuss complex issues while respecting the dignity and experiences of others.
- Dialogue facilitation. Practical activities focused on developing active listening skills, navigating difficult conversations, working with diverse perspectives and fostering constructive communication.
- Reflection and co-creation of tools. Participants reflected on their experiences, shared good practices and contributed to the development and refinement of methodological materials for future work.
The participation of NGO “Progressive and Strong” in the “Roots & Routes” project marks an important step towards strengthening Ukraine’s youth sector through modern international practices.
The experience gained and the practical skills developed during the training, including the use of the Open Dialogue Spaces methodology and trauma-informed approaches, will help our team create safer spaces for dialogue, support young people through challenging times and foster social cohesion more effectively.
12.10.2026
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