How to talk about war

Aim of the training course 

The aim of the training is to develop the competences of youth workers to help them to engage young people in meaningful, informed, and sensitive conversations about wars and armed conflicts. The training neither aims to inform about nor discuss the details and/or history of any specific war.

The training will combine elements of:

• self-reflection (how do youth workers tackle the topic)
• building youth workers’ confidence in facilitating discussions about war and armed conflicts with young people
• exchanging experiences of dealing with difficult conversations with young people on war related topics 
• equipping youth workers with methods and practical tools to help discuss difficult topics with young people
• opportunities in Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps possibilities for youth workers and young people on the topic
• if feasible, a study visit to a Viennese organisation will be incorporated

Methodology of the training course: 

The methodology of the training course is based on the principles and methods of non-formal education and experiential learning. This means, that we will not “just talk”, we will work in small groups, try out methods that will engage the mind, emotions and the body, use reflection, educational games, simulations and peer learning as tools. Dialogue is at the core of the training, based on principles of non-violence and supportive communication. 

Participants profile: 

• Youth workers who deal with difficult discussions with their target groups related to the topic of war/armed conflicts 
• Youth leaders, and others involved in non-formal education or youth engagement who are working directly with young people on daily basis in relation to these topics
• Youth workers who work or who have experience working with young people with refugee and migrant background
• Openness to listen and to share own experiences and opinions, readiness to challenge own attitudes and behaviours  
• Commitment to participate in all elements of the programme
• Ability to work in English (as the working language of the training will be English)
• Age: 18+

This training has the potential to be intense and emotionally challenging. It might bring up difficult experiences from participants. Before registering, evaluate for yourself whether you feel emotionally prepared and sufficiently supported to take part at this moment. Please also keep in mind that it is not a therapeutic setting and is not suitable for processing personal trauma or receiving individual counselling or crisis support.

Duration of the training course

• The residential training will take place in Vienna from 6 to 11 December 2026 (Arrivals and Welcome evening on 6 December, full working days 7–10 December and departure on 11 December 2026 after breakfast)
• 1-hour online kick-off meeting prior to the training course as well as 1-hour online check-in meeting after the training course. The dates and time will still be communicated to the selected participants

Team 

• The training is organised within the Strategic Partnership for Inclusion by OeAD-GmbH (Austrian National Agency, Aleksandra Vedernjak, Sebastian Harrer), Haridus-Ja Noorteamet – HARNO (Estonian National Agency, Mirjam Kodi) and SALTO Eastern Europe and Caucasus Resource Centre (Tomasz Szopa).
• The trainers are Yuliya Ielfimova (trainer and consultant on human rights education, conflict transformation, peacebuilding, trauma-informed youth work, youth worker) and Manina Ott (freelance trainer and organisational developer, focusing on diversity and anti-discrimination, especially within the field of (forced) migration).

Link 

This is the training's third edition. Previous trainings on the same topic took place in Estonia in 2025 and in Poland in 2022. Please find some testimonials about last year's edition here: https://beyondb.eu/peace-work-how-to-talk-about-war/