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Religions4Peace

2021-2-AT01-KA152-YOU-0000396352021Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: AT|SI|BA|RS|RO · Grant: €34,738
Preventing racism and discriminationPreventing radicalisationInclusion of marginalised young people

Objectives

The project “Religions4Peace” aimed at bringing together young people from different European countries (Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia) and different faiths to learn from each other and practice intercultural and inter-religious dialogue. Many conflicts and arguments worldwide are rooted in a lack of comprehension of religions and cultures. This disables our society to live peacefully and strive for a better future in accordance. It was already the fifth project on the topic, as we recognize this need to empower young people with knowledge and experiences. However, the activities of the project took place shortly after the war in Ukraine started and when the need for understanding each other culture and religion became even greater need. Young participants of the youth exchange confirmed several times how important is to address this topic in Europe. With this project we wanted to offer young people the possibility to learn about different cultures and religions to reduce prejudices and increase a peaceful interreligious dialogue. Through the project, young participants were able to learn more about the importance of dialogue, they got to know different religions and cultures, and in an informal learning process gained different competences and skills. Therefore, the main aim of the project was learning about different cultures and religions, and we addressed this according to the values and objectives of the Erasmus+ program. We aimed to promote respect and tolerance for the European diversity, to break down fears and prejudices, and to equip the participants with the capacity to observe and critically reflect. The participants were members of the Islam, Orthodox and Catholic religions and during the youth exchange, they were able to exchange intensely thoughts and experiences. The participants learned about the differences between their religions, and, above all, what nevertheless unites them. The program included also workshops about other religions, such as Judaism, Sikhism, and the Coptic Orthodox Church. Through that we introduced the young people to (only a part of) the large religious diversity in Europe and taught them to put their own beliefs into perspective.

Project partners (5)