From August 18–22, 2025, a five-day project titled "Dialogue in Challenges" was held as part of the Likhtar/Ліхтар program. The project was implemented by the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe and funded by the Polish-German Youth Office (PNWM) and RoRopa. The event brought together 25 teachers and youth workers from Ukraine, Poland, and Germany.
For 19 hours of workshops, participants worked together to find strategies to rebuild their inner resources and learn how to support young people during difficult times.
The main goal of the project was to create a safe space where teachers could find support and tools to cope with stress, trauma resulting from war, and the challenges of migration. "Dialogue in Challenges" was not just a set of techniques—it was primarily a focus on building resilience, and developing non-violent communication skills.
Both participants and organizers emphasized that another important result was the creation of an international network of teachers, which will serve as a foundation for future joint youth and educational projects.
The program combined practical psychological workshops with exercises in NVC (non-violent communication), meditation, and art therapy activities. The topics covered included:
- Techniques for regeneration and coping with stress
- Non-violent communication and working with one's own reactions
- How to support students while experiencing difficult realities oneself
The sessions were led by experienced trainers and psychologists: Olga Lychko-Parubocha (psychologist, trainer of international dialogue programs and NVC practices) and Julia Jaworska (psychologist associated with a Ukrainian organization for cognitive-behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy). The project was coordinated by Tetiana Kononenko, coordinator of the Likhtar/Ліхтар program.
Conversations with the participants revealed a recurring theme of regaining strength through simple, daily practices and contact with nature. One of the participants, Oresta, described how in just five days, she managed to:
- find her "floral metaphor"
- take part in a meditation focused on the five senses in contact with nature,
- try psychological workshop exercises,
- discover her strengths.
She also mentioned an evening bonfire, the creation of a "Tree of Happiness" from crystals, and new professional connections that were forged during the meeting—elements that gave her strength for the upcoming school year.
The venue for the event, Krzyżowa, was not chosen by chance. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the history of the estate, and during the workshops, letters from von Moltke were read, which contained messages of hope (these letters were also made available in publications). This historical context, which combines memory and responsibility for dialogue, strengthened the symbolism of the meeting.
One of the unplanned elements of the project was an encounter with Romani culture—a brief but inspiring experience that showed the participants how important it is to be open to diversity and how art, music, or stories can enrich intercultural dialogue.
What was achieved and what's next?
In a short time, the project achieved several measurable outcomes: an increased sense of community among participants, the development of practical self-help strategies and ways to support students, and the establishment of partnerships that organizers intend to develop in future initiatives. The main, long-term goal is to maintain and expand the international teaching network, which will serve as a foundation for future youth and educational projects.
The participants expressed gratitude for the space that allowed them to pause, recharge their internal batteries, and return to work with students with renewed energy. Many of them declared a desire to continue collaborating and participate in future editions.
Organizers:
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Co-funded by:
