From June 17 to 25, 2024, young people from Hungary, Greece, Germany, Romania, Spain and Turkey gathered in Gánt, Hungary, for the Give Peace a Chance! youth exchange organized by our Hungarian partner, Együttható Egyesület, a program designed to bridge the gaps preventing youth from actively engaging in peace efforts. This project was a call to action for young people to make their voices heard, stand up for peace, and inspire change. 🌍✊
Becoming Part of Anti-War Movements History – Living Library Experience
Participants delved into the history of anti-war movements through an interactive Living Library session, where they took the role of “historical figures” and engaged in personal conversations with individuals representing key moments in peace activism. The session featured four living books, each representing key anti-war movements: Janis Joplin, advocating for peace during the Vietnam War protests; Helen Caldicott, promoting nuclear disarmament movement; Motaz Azaizeh, a Palestinian peace activist in the Israel-Hamas War protests; and Cindy Sheehan, an anti-Iraq War activist who gained prominence after her son’s death in combat. This interactive session allowed participants to gain valuable insights into the movements and the contributions of these figures.
🤝 Understanding Conflict Resolution with the Thomas-Kilmann Model
Recognizing that peace is not just about opposing war but also about effectively managing conflicts, participants explored the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Resolution Model. Through given scenarios, they identified different conflict management styles to apply, which helped them develop practical strategies for negotiation and constructive dialogue.
🎤 Practicing Debate & Public Speaking
Throughout the exchange, participants learned about structured debate methods, such as round table discussions, and Oxford Debate, refining their ability to analyze arguments, think critically, and articulate their views confidently. After several days of preparation, they put their skills to the test by organizing an Oxford Debate in Budapest, experiencing the power of structured discussion in tackling complex issues. Organizing a public debate in English in front of an audience was a valuable experience, helping them strengthen their argumentation, public speaking, and confidence.
🎨 Excursion to Budapest – Art, History & Roma Remembrance 🕊️
One of the most impactful moments of the exchange was the excursion to Budapest, where participants visited an exhibition of Tamás Péli’s artwork at the Rácz Gyöngyi Community Center. István Gábor Molnár, president of the Roma National Self-Government, introduced them to Péli’s legacy in Roma art and cultural movements and shared insights into the history of the Roma genocide during World War II. Following this, the group was warmly welcomed to use the community house to organize an Oxford Debate, further solidifying their debating skills in a historically significant setting.
🕯️ Holocaust Museum Visit – Personal Perspectives on History
To deepen their understanding of historical conflicts, the group visited the Holocaust Museum, where they were guided by a descendant of Holocaust victims. In addition to historical context, he shared deeply personal family stories, offering a powerful perspective on the real-life impact of war, intolerance, and violence. This visit reinforced the importance of remembrance and the role young people must play in advocating for a peaceful future.
Throughout Give Peace a Chance!, young people gained crucial knowledge about historical antiwar movements, developed conflict resolution skills, and strengthened their ability to engage in structured debates. More than just a learning experience, this exchange empowered them to become active peace advocates, ready to promote dialogue and nonviolence in their own communities.