The highly anticipated Roots Flagship program is back! We’re excited to announce the call for applications for a new cohort of the Peace Work Institute (PWI).

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

It will be a one-year-long scheme requiring commitment of minimum two weeks for residential activities, plus several online meetings and specific homework assignments, specifically:

• Online Induction Workshop(s) to the course;
• One-week-long residential training session in Dresden (Germany): October 27 – November 02, 2025.
• Inter-session Online Workshop(s);
• One-week-long residential training session in Tbilisi (Georgia): March 02 – 08, 2026.

The participants will:

• learn and practice the Roots in-house conflict transformation know-how based on Do No Harm approach;
• 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 and beyond.

After graduation, nominated participants will be invited to the Roots Expert Pool Meeting to be held in Malta on September 18 – 21, 2026. All costs covered. The selection will be based on their ongoing and active involvement in grassroots level conflict transformation projects.

The call will be open until September 1st, 2025. Those applicants that require the visa to enter Germany should apply before August 1st, 2025. The PWI Planning Team will carry out the final selection of the participants, so that those enrolled are notified by September 20th, 2025. 

The criteria of selection will be entirely merit-based, regardless of nationality, race, religion and gender. There will not be an age limit, however we expect the majority of participants to be young. 

We’re looking for applicants who are highly motivated to learn about and engage in peace work, can commit to attending the entire program and are prepared to share the acquired knowledge and skills with their respective community. Good command of English language is a requirement.

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

Cost Responsibilities, Fundraising And Subsidies

YMCA Europe will fully cover the following cost related to both the residential sessions:

• Board and lodging.
• International and local travel costs, including visa.
• Program costs, including expertise.

We estimate that each participant will cost the total of 3 000 EUR minimum. However, thanks to donor support secured, the registration fee for this series (both sessions) of PWI is only 500 EUR. This is set for participants from Europe, the registration fee for participants outside Europe will be a matter of a separate agreement. The fee should be paid in advance. 

Our philosophy is that everyone who can pay, should pay. However, we understand that this isn’t always feasible. We actively fundraise to support participants who require further financial assistance, but this is an ongoing and often unpredictable process. If you or your organization shares our belief in the value of the PWI program, we invite you to partner with us through financial support. We are committed to ensuring that no one is excluded from the program due to a lack of resources. Therefore, financial support will always be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, working with each participant and sending organization to find a suitable solution together.

The Team

The PWI was piloted more than a decade ago and is run by dedicated staff members and team of trainers that are very experienced in creating safe spaces and ensuring the program’s continued high standards.

The curriculum is built on a rich foundation of knowledge, drawing from the impressive pool of experts within the Roots project. Wolfgang Heinrich and Ankica Dragin, authors of the Roots Peacework Guidebook will directly deliver key content for this series.

Since its inception, the PWI has successfully completed three series, empowering over 70 alumni from across Europe. Many of these alumni have gone on to achieve significant expertise, to be applied within the current scheme delivery and mentorship.

Good Luck! We are looking forward to having you with us!