These initiatives demonstrate how empowered youth can respond constructively to real challenges in their environments and turn moments of tension into opportunities for dialogue, care, and cooperation.
Creating Safe Spaces for Peace and Wellbeing: Youth Mental Health Corner in Fushë Kosovë
At Gjimnazi “Hivzi Sulejmani” in Fushë Kosovë, youth participants who had previously received training in peace mediation, peace education, and facilitation identified a clear need within their school. Students lacked a safe and calm space where they could pause, reflect, and seek support when facing stress, disputes, or emotional pressure.
In response, the youth designed and implemented the Youth Mental Health Corner, a quiet and welcoming space within the school. Equipped with bookshelves, chairs, and armchairs, the corner was intentionally designed to feel safe, confidential, and supportive.
A suggestion box allows students to anonymously share concerns, which are reviewed weekly by the school psychologist. Peace-themed posters and clear information about the psychologist’s availability reinforce the message that seeking help is normal and encouraged.
Beyond mental health support, the corner also serves as a peace space. Youth trained through the project play a facilitative role, supporting dialogue when disputes arise and helping students collaborate on ideas and initiatives that improve school life. In this way, the corner functions as both a wellbeing resource and a practical peacebuilding tool.
The initiative engaged 28 participants, including 16 young men and 12 young women, and was implemented on 23 December 2025. It stands as a strong example of how youth can institutionalize peace practices within everyday school settings.
From Conflict to Dialogue: Responding to Violence through Communication in Gjilan
In Gjilan, youth were confronted with a different reality. Following incidents of violence and tension in their school environment, participants recognized the urgent need to address bullying, harassment, and unhealthy communication patterns before they escalate into more serious conflict.
Rather than reacting with fear or disengagement, the youth chose to act. They designed the initiative “From Conflict to Dialogue: Building Healthy Communication Skills in Youth,” focusing on prevention, awareness, and early intervention. Central to this effort was collaboration with professionals who could help bridge the gap between youth, schools, families, and security actors.
The first activity was a four-hour interactive training delivered by security expert Mr. Muhamed Hyseni at the City Library “Fan Noli” on 10 December 2025. Through discussions, scenario-based learning, and practical exercises, participants explored different forms of bullying, their psychological and social impacts, non-violent communication, and early indicators of risky or harmful behavior. Youth reported increased confidence in identifying warning signs and understanding when and how to engage school authorities, parents, or other relevant actors when facing threats or abuse.
This was followed by a psychological session on 12 December 2025 at the LIZA-R office, led by psychologist Prof. Rahim Azemi. The session focused on emotional and behavioral dimensions of bullying, violent communication, and early signs of extremism. To encourage critical thinking and respectful disagreement, the activity concluded with a youth-led Karl Popper debate, where participants formed PRO and CON teams to discuss key issues raised during the session.
A total of 20 participants took part across both days, with strong female participation. This initiative highlights how youth can transform experiences of violence into structured learning, dialogue, and preventive action rooted in peacebuilding principles.
Where You Are Shapes Who You Are: Environment and Mental Health in Mitrovica
The third initiative, implemented in Mitrovica on 14 December 2025, focused on the intersection between environment and mental health. Titled “Where You Are Shapes Who You Are,” the activity raised awareness of how natural surroundings, living spaces, social environments, and community dynamics influence young people’s emotional wellbeing.
Through interactive discussions and practical tools, youth explored ways to create healthier personal and community environments, recognizing that environmental stressors and social fragmentation can contribute to tension and conflict. The initiative engaged 18 participants, including strong representation of girls and young women from the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities, reinforcing inclusion as a core peacebuilding value.
Youth as Agents of Sustainable Peace
Together, these initiatives reflect a powerful shift. Youth are no longer passive recipients of support, but active agents shaping safer schools, healthier communication, and more peaceful communities. By applying skills gained through training and mentorship, they identified real problems, designed relevant responses, and worked collaboratively with schools, experts, and community actors.
Whether by creating a peace corner, addressing violence through dialogue, or linking environment and mental wellbeing, these youth-led actions demonstrate how local ownership and youth leadership can lay the foundations for sustainable peace.
