TC Play & Resolve

TC Play & Resolve

From April 5th to 13th, we had the opportunity to participate in an international training course called PLAY & RESOLVE: Gamified Solutions for Peacebuilding, which took place in the picturesque Bulgarian town of Bansko, known primarily as a popular ski resort.

Together with 30 participants from 10 different countries, we formed a group dedicated to exploring the possibilities of using games in peacebuilding. The first day was dedicated to getting-to-know-you activities that helped break the ice and create a friendly and open atmosphere. The following days were packed with interactive presentations and practical workshops. We learned about useful tools that youth workers can use in their practice, and we deepened our knowledge of how games can be used to develop important skills and values. A significant part of the program consisted of discussions about the importance of peace and different approaches to building it. It turned out that although we often use the word "peace," everyone can perceive it a little differently.

During the course, we had the opportunity to test games created by the participants themselves, which allowed us to discover new perspectives, reflect on our own attitudes, and also learn something about ourselves. The end of the week was dedicated to creating our own games focused on the theme of peace. We were surprised by how much could be created in a short time thanks to teamwork. The project also included a team that prepared documentation of the entire course, a record including activities and games that can serve as a practical guide for youth workers and organizers of similar projects.

For both of us, as members of the Slovak team, this was our first experience with a training course within the Erasmus+ program, but certainly not our last. We are taking away a lot of inspiration, new knowledge, and friendships, and we look forward to further opportunities where we can continue to grow and share what we have learned.