Three Stages of AFR.E.S.H: The Path Towards Peace and Global Development

“AFR.E.S.H” stands for “Africa and Europe Same Horizon” and is an extraordinary initiative involving 5 partners from 4 European countries (Italy, Spain, Belgium, and Portugal) and 5 African partners (Burundi, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Ivory Coast). A total of 1,250 young people and 125 youth workers are participating!

The project – co-financed by the European Commission – aims at cooperation between the two continents to address global challenges such as migration flows, climate change, inequalities, and conflicts. But in a new dimension – horizontal, equal – between Europe and Africa. It takes place through a series of virtual exchanges and through training initiatives for young Africans and Europeans, involving the different dimensions of personal development: emotional, relational, civic, political, and entrepreneurial skills.

FIRST MEETING OF 2024: A GRAND START!

On May 11th, the first – online – meeting of 2024 took place, full of activities and speeches. Delegates from Italy, Spain, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Belgium, and Kenya participated. Representatives from Slovenia and Luxembourg were also invited. Joseph handled the technical aspects, while Elisa and Simon Peter guided the event as speakers.

After an introduction to illustrate both the project itself and Living Peace International (LP is one of the peace education training programs within AFR.E.S.H), three experiences were shared on the use of the Peace Dice in Spain, Kenya, and Uganda. There was also a “time-out” moment (a minute of silence, prayer, or reflection on peace). Following this, participants were involved in discussions in both separate rooms and in plenary session. The day concluded with a sharing session involving all attendees.

SECOND MEETING OF 2024: ART AND SPORT AS TOOLS FOR PEACE

The second AFR.E.S.H. meeting took place on May 25th. The chosen theme was “art and sport as privileged tools for building peace between the two continents.” A total of 63 representatives from various European and African countries participated.

Carlos, the founder of Living Peace International, shared with everyone how art can truly be a tool for peace. An art teacher from Uganda then shared what he had learned in his ten years of experience. Participants were then divided into groups for a moment of discussion and reflection on the theme at the heart of the debate. Each shared their own – unique – story.

THIRD MEETING OF 2024: BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN GENERATIONS, RELIGIONS, AND CULTURES

The third meeting of 2024 – on June 8th – focused on “building bridges between generations, religions, and cultures.” Representatives from Italy, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Spain, and Belgium participated, as well as delegates from Burundi, Benin, Guinea Bissau, and Guinea Conakry. In total, 60 people.

Experts from Africa and Europe shared their experiences. Participants were divided into different groups to delve deeper into discussions, then all came together for a moment of common reflection.

This 2024 cycle of meetings for the AFR.E.S.H project demonstrated the practical importance of intercultural cooperation and training for peacebuilding, and equally important, the exchange and sharing of personal experiences.