UWC Red Cross Nordic recently hosted the second Experiential Peacebuilding Training, bringing together educators from seven UWC colleges for a week of learning, reflection and outdoor activities.
The training was organised in collaboration with the Outward Bound Center for Peacebuilding and facilitated by Flavio Bollag, Feera Jouwsma and Pete Allison. Through workshops, practical exercises and discussions, participants explored conflict theory, communication and leadership, as well as how peacebuilding can start with ourselves and grow through our relationships, communities and connection with the environment.
Workshop participant
The week also took participants outdoors, with cross-country skiing and overnight camping in the Norwegian winter landscape, supported by the outdoor experts from our sister company, UWC Connect.
For Abby Sussman, Wilderness and Outdoor Adventure Manager at UWC USA, the training connected strongly with the UWC mission:
“The OB PB workshop really felt like it was made for UWC. The content aligns so well with what we do and what we say and hope to do as a movement. It's super valuable to have the time to brainstorm and learn with others from across campuses. I feel a sense of purpose in my role and my programming that I didn't have before the course. 100% recommended.”
Peacebuilding game
Olaya García, Youth Social Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator & Sustainability Coordinator at UWC Maastricht, also highlighted the value of coming together with colleagues from across the movement:
“After a week at UWC RCN attending the Outward Bound Experiential Peacebuilding Training I feel re-energised in my commitment to the UWC work. It has been an incredible opportunity to be here sharing with colleagues from the UWC movement and the Outward Bound team. I am bringing back a suitcase full of unforgettable memories, important conversations, inspiring discussion. Overall, my biggest take-away has been the realisation of the catalyst role that Outdoor Education can play. I'm excited about the future opportunities for collaboration and co-creation that this training is already opening up.”
Skiing with the participants
The training gave educators time to step away from their everyday work, learn from each other and think about how experiential learning can support peacebuilding in their own communities. We hope to make the training an annual event, continuing to bring people from across the UWC movement together at RCN to learn, share and develop new approaches to peacebuilding.
