The Peace Work Institute is a one-year-long scheme requiring commitment of minimum two weeks for residential activities, including online meetings and homework assignments, specifically:

• October – November 2021: Online Induction Workshops to the course;
• December 3 – 9, 2021: One-week-long residential training session in Tbilisi (Georgia);
• January – April 2022: Setting up & implementation of local or online micro (tandem) projects by participants and online monitoring meetings;
• May – June 2022: Online Induction Workshops to the Reunion;
• July 2022: One-week-long residential training session – Reunion in Berlin (Germany).

The Peace Work Institute (PWI) is a key component of YMCA Europe Roots for Peace programme, with the aim to empower youth workers and opinion leaders in acting for change in their organisations and communities as multipliers of peace culture and movement.

The participants will:

• gain life-skills in critical thinking and complex problem-solving;
• be empowered and equipped for leadership and social influence;
• make friends, relationships and networking across Europe;
• be supported to plan and implement follow-up local and tandem micro-projects;

The call will be open until October 1, 2021. The PWI Planning Team will carry out the final selection of the participants, so that those enrolled are notified by October 15, 2021. The criteria of selection are entirely merit-based, regardless of nationality, race, religion and gender.

Endorsement and pledged mentoring support from sending organisations will be highly appreciated.

The Team

The PWI was piloted ten years ago, all the way managed by the Roots staff team – Vardan, Marius, Rezi – now very experienced in creating safe spaces and keeping this signature program’s flag always waving high.

The Roots has an impressive pool of experts who contributed to the PWI content delivery. Amongst them Wolfgang Heinrich and Ankica Dragin being the authors of  the , the main t-kit to be the base for the curriculum of this series, directly delivered by the authors.

Since 2021 the PWI has already concluded two series, with 46 alumni from all over Europe. Many of them have reached quality levels in various expertise areas, to be applied within the current scheme delivery and mentorship.

Cost Responsibilities, Fundraising And Subsidies

As a principle, the investment to participate in the PWI program should be the responsibility of the sending organisation or the participant. All who can pay should pay. At the same time, we know this is not possible in all cases and we fundraise to support the costs of the ones who need it.

The fundraising is an ongoing work and always uncertain. Therefore, if you or your organisation believes in this program, we invite you to embark on a journey with us.

Financial support will always be negotiated case by case based on the specific needs of each participant and sending organisation. Participant-by-participant, we will work to find solutions together. YMCA Europe is committed to do its best so that no one will be left out of the program because of the lack of resources.

Application form

For more information please contact us at info[at]ymcaeurope.com