The project aimed to: Work with refugees and asylum seekers to contribute towards a more solidary and cohesive Europe. Utilize peacemaking and peacebuilding strategies in our work with young people, youth workers, and educators through both training and practical implementation. Reduce and decrease the consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the resulting refugee crisis through active youth engagement, integration activities and community work. Within the project, we wanted to create peacemaking educational programs for youth leaders, workers, and educators. We also aimed to organize youth and community-led events to facilitate dialogue between Ukrainian refugees and the local population and to support mental health and trauma recovery. These initiatives were designed to address both the immediate and long-term challenges faced by refugees and host communities, fostering an environment of understanding and resilience.
The Peaceful Minds Project was initiated to address the severe humanitarian and social challenges resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine in March 2022, which triggered Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II. As millions fled Ukraine, with over ten million people displaced, neighboring countries like Estonia, Latvia, and Slovakia faced an unprecedented influx of refugees, many of whom were minors. Recognizing the immediate need for comprehensive support, the project aimed to bolster the capabilities of organizations working with refugees and asylum seekers. The core motivation was to foster solidarity and cohesion across Europe, providing essential support to those directly impacted by the war. The project focused on promoting peacemaking and peacebuilding, particularly through educational programs for youth workers and educators. These initiatives were designed to reduce the conflict's negative consequences, facilitate integration, and encourage community involvement. Additionally, by creating platforms for dialogue between Ukrainian refugees and local populations, and focusing on mental health and trauma recovery, the project sought to address both the immediate and long-term effects of displacement.