In a bid to foster regional cooperation and peacebuilding efforts in the Western Balkans, the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) recently organized a training session as part of the RISE Project. With the support of the Agence Française de Developpement and the European Union, the session implemented focused on the impact of youth mobility on reconciliation, with an aim to enhance the skills of project leaders in the 6 RISE VET providers across the region.
Reconciliation was a central theme of the training session, emphasized as a continuous and sustainable process that involves rebuilding connections and relationships between individuals and communities. Participants were educated on the multilayered and multioptional nature of reconciliation, which requires efforts to address inherited divisive narratives, combat stereotypes, enhance social media literacy, and encourage the involvement of youth in decision-making processes.
RYCO’s approach to reconciliation education focuses on equipping younger generations with essential skills such as critical thinking, distinguishing facts from opinions, considering diverse perspectives, and upholding human rights. By empowering youth to reflect on historical narratives, recognize different actors’ roles and choices, and shape a better future, RYCO aims to contribute to lasting peace and stability in the Western Balkans.
However, the training session also highlighted some key challenges that need to be addressed, including the prevalence of divisive narratives and stereotypes, the proliferation of fake news on social media, political sensitivities, the lack of youth involvement in decision-making, and a high level of distrust towards public institutions.
