Restoring Dialogue in Times of Polarization: The Experience of the NGO “Progresylni” in an Erasmus+ Project in Finland
From October 6 to 8, 2026, the training course "Peace Education and Dialogue in Youth Work: Approaches for Polarised Times" took place in Helsinki, Finland. Organized by Rauhankasvatusinstituutti ry, the event was part of the Erasmus+ project "Roots & Routes: Reconciliation, Dialogue and Resilience in Youth Work." Representatives from the NGO "Progresylni," a project partner, participated in the event.
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 within youth work. Twenty-three participants from Ukraine, Estonia, Ireland, Portugal, and Finland sought answers to key questions: How can dialogue be built in a polarized society? How can conflicts be addressed? And how can safe spaces for mutual understanding be created?
The group's international composition played a crucial role in deeply exploring the topics of dialogue and peace education through the lens of diverse societal contexts, professional backgrounds, and approaches to youth work. This collaborative learning environment provided opportunities to compare existing practices, discuss challenges faced by various communities, and identify common ground across the participants' experiences, organizations, and countries.
The training programme enabled participants to acquire a range of important social and professional competencies:
- teamwork with representatives from various countries and diverse professional backgrounds through collaborative group activities, shared learning, reflection, and co-creation;
- meaningful intercultural communication by exploring dialogue in complex situations, embracing diverse perspectives, constructively resolving tensions, and communicating around sensitive topics;
- demonstrating intercultural sensitivity through participation in an international learning environment and exploring ways to foster dialogue based on respect, inclusion, and safer spaces, viewed through the lens of diverse perspectives and experiences;
- utilizing dialogue as a tool for mutual understanding in times of polarization.
- teamwork with representatives from various countries and diverse professional backgrounds through collaborative group activities, shared learning, reflection, and co-creation;
- meaningful intercultural communication by exploring dialogue in complex situations, embracing diverse perspectives, constructively resolving tensions, and communicating around sensitive topics;
- demonstrating intercultural sensitivity through participation in an international learning environment and exploring ways to foster dialogue based on respect, inclusion, and safer spaces, viewed through the lens of diverse perspectives and experiences;
- utilizing dialogue as a tool for mutual understanding in times of polarization.
Modern societies face numerous challenges: polarized views, information-related pressures, mistrust, social conflicts, and difficulties in mutual understanding among people with diverse backgrounds. In this context, skills such as constructive dialogue, attentive listening, and the search for shared solutions become particularly important. Participants explored the nature of constructive and destructive tension, discussed ways to respond to escalating conflicts, and sought approaches to transform difficult conversations into opportunities for learning and mutual understanding. A key takeaway of the programme was the realization that dialogue is more than just an exchange of opinions. This process requires trust, respect for diverse viewpoints, a willingness to listen to and understand the experiences of others, and the ability to discuss sensitive issues without escalating conflict.
Mastering practical peace education tools and the Open Dialogue Spaces methodology
Participants mastered tools and techniques that foster constructive discussions on complex topics and conflict transformation, while also helping to create safer, more inclusive environments. Through the Open Dialogue Spaces methodology, participants saw a practical approach to organizing open dialogue spaces – one that creates conditions for interaction among people with diverse experiences and perspectives. They also explored potential applications of this approach in youth work and other areas of community engagement.
The training programme combined interactive workshops, group work, practical dialogue exercises, reflection, and the collaborative creation of educational tools.
Participants mastered tools and techniques that foster constructive discussions on complex topics and conflict transformation, while also helping to create safer, more inclusive environments. Through the Open Dialogue Spaces methodology, participants saw a practical approach to organizing open dialogue spaces – one that creates conditions for interaction among people with diverse experiences and perspectives. They also explored potential applications of this approach in youth work and other areas of community engagement.
The training programme combined interactive workshops, group work, practical dialogue exercises, reflection, and the collaborative creation of educational tools.
Particular attention was paid to the following areas:
- Peace education and trauma-informed approaches. Participants examined how to create learning and interaction environments that take into account the experiences of individuals who have lived through crises, violence, or other traumatic events.
- Addressing polarization and tension. Practical sessions helped participants distinguish between constructive and destructive forms of conflict, understand their root causes, and identify ways to respond to escalation.
- Safer spaces for dialogue. Participants worked on the principles of creating an environment 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 skills in listening, navigating difficult conversations, managing diverse perspectives, and fostering constructive communication.
- Reflection and co-creation of tools. Participants analysed their own experiences, shared best practices, and contributed to the development and refinement of methodological materials for future work.
- Peace education and trauma-informed approaches. Participants examined how to create learning and interaction environments that take into account the experiences of individuals who have lived through crises, violence, or other traumatic events.
- Addressing polarization and tension. Practical sessions helped participants distinguish between constructive and destructive forms of conflict, understand their root causes, and identify ways to respond to escalation.
- Safer spaces for dialogue. Participants worked on the principles of creating an environment 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 skills in listening, navigating difficult conversations, managing diverse perspectives, and fostering constructive communication.
- Reflection and co-creation of tools. Participants analysed their own experiences, shared best practices, and contributed to the development and refinement of methodological materials for future work.
The participation of the NGO "Progresylni" in the "Roots & Routes" project marks a significant step toward strengthening the Ukrainian youth sector with modern international practices. The experience gained, along with the mastery of the "Open Dialogue Spaces" methodology and trauma-sensitive approaches, will enable our team to create safer spaces for dialogue even more effectively, support young people during challenging times, and foster social cohesion.
12.10.2026
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