YTNF :: SVITUkraine

November 25-30, 2008 Svyatogorsk, Ukraine
5 days – 5 topics – 5 letters

Conflicts, racism – national and ethnic identity, neighbors in Europe, non-violent conflict resolution, and conclusions. These were the headlines for each of the 5 days of international PEACE seminar, which took place in Svyatogorsk, Ukraine, from November 25 to 30. The seminar has gathered 37 participants from 15 countries.

How media shapes the world, how to monitor racism in the media and to perceive information critically

Europe – map of conflicts, roots and reasons of conflicts

What kind of relationship exist between countries, positive and negative

Non-violence ideology and communication

Identity and culture

Racist tendencies in Europe

These are just some examples of workshops and sessions in the program framework. Behind and beyond official program were discussions during coffee-breaks, lunch and politcafe. During and inside were role games, group work, simulations, exercises, silent discussions and presentations. The little remaining time was filled with intercultural quizzes, sweets, drinks, games, songs and dances, camp fire and sauna.

Where did PEACE brought us:

- there is broad variety of conflicts in the world nowadays, because of political, social, cultural, territorial, resources and other reasons.

- media functions as broken telephone, we should perceive the information critically, analyze and compare.

- defining racism, ethnicity and tolerance; current tendencies of racism and what to do to prevent

- what is our identity, values and differences

- going deeper in cases: Transnistria, Belarus, Armenia (Turkey and Azerbaijan), Georgia (Russia)

As idea of the seminar was born during war in Georgia, and we tried to embrace big variety of topics, some issues remained open, as space and ideas for future work: what is Europe and European values, which borders exist in Europe, how Europe is seen from geographic, political, cultural and philosophic context; growing racism and racist tendencies in Europe. Talking about conflicts and involving people from conflict areas, it is necessary to create safe environment for everyone; and special responsibility is on the shoulders of the prep-team to provide such safe environment.

PEACE seminar became a culmination point of YTNF project. The project, over 3 years, was a framework and platform for volunteers and organizations to work on the topics of human rights, social inclusion and combating racism and xenophobia. It also was a project focusing on civil society development, promoting peace, international cooperation and capacity building of NGOs. So, exchanging experiences and celebrating successes, looking back and sharing frustrations, taking critical look at the past and creative look in the future was also part of PEACE seminar. Working together in international team of volunteers coming from neighboring countries, made us also think together about some developments and conflicts in our societies regarding conflicts, stereotypes, and what we as international volunteer movement can do together to combat it.

PEACE seminar ended as peaceful seminar, with great energy and enthusiasm in the group, high level of integration of everyone, active involvement and initiative, new friends made in different parts of the world, and becoming an appetizer for the future new partnerships and peace work. And drawing new map for the YTNF adventure to continue!