Belarus PA

Research

1. Understanding Peace & Conflict Resolution

The concept of peace and how it relates to personal well-being

Peace is not just about having no war or violence. It also means living in harmony with yourself and with other people. Peace can be something we feel inside, in our thoughts and feelings. It can also be around us, in our families, schools, communities, and country.

Inner peace and peace in the outside world are closely connected. When we feel calm and balanced inside, we are more likely to treat others with kindness and respect. At the same time, when we live in a peaceful and safe place, it is easier to feel relaxed and happy. A peaceful society helps people feel secure and cared for. In return, people who feel peaceful inside help create a better and more friendly environment for everyone.

Peace is an important part of personal well-being. It affects our mental health, our relationships and our physical health. When people are at peace, they are usually calm and confident, sleep better and have more energy. They are more likely to feel joy and gratitude in everyday life. They can handle stress, they don't get angry as easily, and they find it easier to talk to others in a kind way. On the other hand, when a person feels anxious, afraid, or always in conflict, it can lead to stress, sadness, or even illness.

Different conflict resolution techniques used in communities and youth settings

Conflicts happen everywhere, e.g. at home, at school, between friends, or in communities. But disagreements don't always have to turn into fights or bad feelings. There are good ways to solve problems peacefully, so that people can understand each other and find a solution together.

One way is called peer meditation - a conflict resolution strategy available to schools. In this method, students are trained to take responsibility for their actions by working together to find solutions to conflict. The student mediator listens to both sides and helps them talk calmly. Each person gets a chance to explain how they feel. Then the group works together to find a solution that is fair. The goal is not to say who is right or wrong, but to help everyone feel heard and respected.

Another helpful method is called restorative circles (restorative justice). This is a type of restorative practice that addresses conflicts or problems with interactions that promote healing instead of blame or punishment. Restorative Circles offer a way for team members to come together and discuss the challenges that should be improved. By talking about these issues together, everyone can come up with solutions for how to address them. The goal is to create a safe and open space for mutual understanding and rebuild trust.

Examples of peacebuilding initiatives in Belarus

In recent years, Belarus has gone through significant social and political changes. Events such as increased emigration of citizens and the impact of the war in neighboring Ukraine have all affected the atmosphere in the country. These challenges have highlighted the importance of peacebuilding, both in daily life and within communities.

Even though there are limited opportunities for formal peacebuilding programs, some small-scale and community-based initiatives have continued to promote dialogue, education, and mutual understanding. For example, places like the American Center in Minsk offer free events, workshops, and educational programs for youth and adults. These activities often focus on cultural exchange, developing leadership skills, and encouraging respectful discussion. While not political, these programs help people improve their communication, build confidence, and learn how to cooperate with others.

2. Healthy Lifestyle & Well-being

Living healthy isn't about being perfect. It's about understanding what fuels you, what keeps you calm, and what makes you strong inside out.

Nutritional habits in Cyprus and their comparison with other cultures

In Cyprus, food is life. People there eat a lot of fresh veggies, fruits, olive oil, fish, and grilled meat. Mediterranean vibes all over the place. They believe in simple, natural food — and it works. Low junk food, lots of homemade dishes like souvlaki, halloumi cheese, olives, and fresh bread. Compared to other places (like fast-food cultures in America or heavy dishes in Northern Europe), Cyprus food is way lighter, fresher, and cleaner. It's not just eating, it's a lifestyle: family, friends, slow meals, lots of talks at the table — real peace energy.

The connection between physical, mental, and spiritual health

In Cyprus, people move a lot without even thinking about it — beach walks, mountain hikes, swimming. Movement is a natural part of daily life. Mental health is tied to physical freedom: if your body's good, your mind is good. And spiritual health? It's everywhere: sunsets, churches, nature, community vibes. Taking care of yourself is not selfish there — it's normal.

Traditional sports, yoga, or relaxation techniques

Football (soccer) is huge in Cyprus — but not just for competition, more for fun and bonding.

Traditional dance is another big thing — keeps you fit and keeps your soul alive. As for relaxation, many people practice simple beach yoga, breathing exercises, or just chilling by the sea — connecting with nature. The old-school way: nature is the healer. Like Socrates said, "No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training."

Real talk:

Healthy lifestyle here means living simple, moving naturally, eating fresh, and respecting the connection between your body, mind, and soul.

This is how real peace starts — inside yourself first.

Imagine this is what your vision-board looks like after PEHELI 4AL!

3. Cultural Exchange & Diversity

Intercultural dialogue and how cultural differences shape health perspectives

According to the website of the Council of Europe, "Intercultural dialogue is an open and respectful exchange of views between individuals and groups belonging to different cultures that leads to a deeper understanding of the other's global perception." So basically, it's all about people of different cultures from different countries in any corners of the world communicating and interacting with each other.

It describes how people exchange their experiences for common benefit and to improve cultural diversity in our world. Cultural interactions have always been a plus for people and their systems, bringing economic and political benefits, new kinds of entertainment and many many more.

We'd like to view it as a phenomenon, but if we imagine it as a tool, we need to define objectives and outcomes we await from it. So let's see more in-depth, how it can be useful:

  1. Cultural Exchange brings experiences from other people as an independent spectator. They portray their own visions of the world.
  2. Dialogue may help to achieve consensus by sharing other's cases of reaching compromise instead of violence, so we all can learn on other's mistakes and make everyone's life better.
  3. We can identify similarities and differences in each other, learning how to use our joint forces to develop and bring something new to this world.

It's very important to promote and provide possibilities for intercultural dialogues, some ways this can be achieved are exchanges and travel promotion. Everyone should be interested in that as it provides many benefits to society.

Cultural differences affect many aspects of life, including health. One notable example is, so-called, traditional medicine on Asian and African continents, which live as national legends that sometimes don't have any scientific base, but are still used by people and rely on their belief in it's efficiency. Some cultures may view health holistically, considering physical, mental, and spiritual aspects as interconnected, while others may focus predominantly on physical well-being. These variations influence health practices, preventive measures, and attitudes towards seeking medical care. Other health impacts include culture's home place and lifestyle, for example some are forced to travel longer distances, which includes the amount of exercise one gets each day.

Folk stories and other expressions have been a useful way for groups of people to pass down knowledge for centuries. It's a stable way of delivering basic meaning through art to your descendants and nearby cultures which can also be an example of intercultural dialogue. In Belarus we have many different sayings and stories passed down from a long time ago, they are mostly about lifestyle but some are connected with themes of inner and outer peace.

4. Local Youth Engagement & Community Work

An interview with a local youth organization about their initiatives on peace and well-being

Organization "ABF BELARUS" focuses on promoting democracy not only as a political system but as a set of shared beliefs and values. Through inclusive and voluntary educational initiatives rooted in equality, solidarity, tolerance, and social justice, the organization fosters critical thinking, civic engagement, and a sense of personal responsibility among youth and adults. They weekly manage events like: teenage club, art club ("free forms"), cinema club in Bialystok and Krakow, bunker-game, English language classes. Their activities include:

  1. Inspiring youth to be more civic engaged.
  2. Empowers individuals to deepen their knowledge by teaching others.
  3. Awareness campaigns against violence and discrimination.

Main mission: democratization of Belarus and strengthening of civil society through the methodology of Swedish circles.

Volunteering opportunities related to health and peacebuilding

Various programs available locally, which are also promoted by schools:

  1. Animal protection: assistance with animal care in shelters, fundraising for the maintenance of such shelters.
  2. Peace and well-being: creating youth initiatives and to strengthen social solidarity, such as the "Eduthon" project in September 2024.
  3. Eco- and healthy lifestyle: participating and organizing in park clean-ups and charity runs.
  4. Inclusion: taking part in activities against exclusion, NGOs with integrating people with disabilities into educating and entertaining events

Best practices from local NGOs or schools on promoting a healthy lifestyle

AMLO (Academic Medical Lyceum in Bialystok):

  1. Regular lectures on balanced nutrition, and psychological workshops.
  2. Practices of the "peer-to-peer learning" method, where students prepare presentations on the dangers of bad habits and the importance of peace.
  3. Organizes "Kindness days" when students volunteer to help the kids with disabilities and local shelters.

NGO "A Window to the East":

  1. Helps youth and teenagers to find their first job experience.
  2. Distributes educational materials to make learning language easier for immigrants.
  3. Organizing entertaining events to prevent social alienation after migration.

5. Erasmus+ & European Youth Work

Erasmus+ is the European Union's program that supports education, training, youth, and sport. The Erasmus programme was originally established to promote closer cooperation between universities across Europe. Over time, the programme has expanded into a wider Erasmus+ framework offering various kinds of mobilities for individuals and grant opportunities for organisations.

Erasmus+ covers 3 key actions:

Let's take a closer look at Action 1, which offers educational mobility opportunities to individuals. Whether you're a student, young person, teacher or youth worker, Erasmus+ is the perfect opportunity for you to learn, grow and explore other cultures by taking part in training, exchanges and volunteering projects. Think of it as learning outside the classroom through experiences, people, cultures and new environments.

Student Exchanges

  • For HEI students and professors
  • Spend 1 semester or a full year abroad in an Erasmus+ country.

Youth Exchanges

  • For young people aged 13-30
  • Groups of young people from different countries come together for 5–21 days to share ideas, cultures, and activities.

Training for Youth Workers

  • Erasmus+ supports the professional development of youth workers through training or networking periods abroad.
  • Periods abroad can last from 2 days to 2 months and may consist of training courses, study visits, job shadowing or observation periods at relevant organisations and more.

Volunteering through ESC (European Solidarity Corps)

  • For young people aged 18-30
  • Can last from 2 months up to 12 months
  • Allows you to contribute to the daily work of an organisation that is actively benefiting the local community.

PEHELI 4ALL falls under the Youth Exchange category of programs under Erasmus+. Other youth exchanges in the field of health and well-being are:

  • "Who am I?" project in Czech Republic
  • ART&SOUL – Art as a Tool for Mental Health in Poland
  • Youth Exchange: Colours of Wellbeing in Spain

All projects under the Erasmus+ are sponsored. Travel costs, accommodation, and meals are covered for all participants.

One of the greatest benefits of Youth Exchanges is the opportunity to meet and interact with people from different cultural backgrounds. This experience helps young people to understand other cultures, build friendships across borders and develop respect for diversity. It also gives participants the opportunity to improve their communication skills, especially in foreign languages such as English.

Another important benefit of participating in a Youth Exchange is personal development. Participants often gain confidence, independence and a better understanding of themselves and their abilities. By stepping out of their comfort zone, they become more adaptable and open to new experiences.

Youth Exchanges encourage active participation and creativity. Instead of formal lessons, participants take part in fun, non-formal activities designed to develop skills such as leadership, cooperation and critical thinking.

At the end of an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange, participants receive a Youthpass certificate. Created by participants themselves, the Youthpass is an official document that recognises the learning that took place during the exchange. It allows young people to reflect on what they have learned and how they have grown throughout the experience. The certificate is based on eight key competences, including

  • Multilingual competence;
  • Personal, social and learning to learn competence;
  • Citizenship competence;
  • Entrepreneurship competence;
  • Cultural awareness and expression competence;
  • Digital competence;
  • Mathematical competence and competence in science, technology and engineering;
  • Literacy competence.

Youthpass is not just a certificate; it's a tool for self-reflection and growth. It can also be very useful for future education or job opportunities, as it shows that the participant took part in an international project, acquired valuable soft skills and made a commitment to personal development.

6. Digital Tools & Storytelling

Examples of campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles and peace online

Examples of campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles and peace:

  • HealthyLifestyle4All (by EU Sport): A 2 year campaign that aimed to promote healthy lifestyles for all, across generations and social groups, by linking sport and active lifestyles with health, food and other policies. (https://sport.ec.europa.eu/initiatives/healthylifestyle4all-2021-2023)

  • · #MoveForPeace by International Olympic Committee: encouraged people to share short videos doing physical activities on Olympic Day. (https://www.icsspe.org/content/olympic-day-2022-%E2%80%93-moveforpeace) 

  • The WHO's #HealthyAtHome campaign: tips for staying active, eating well, and staying mentally healthy at home during this period of pandemic. (https://www.who.int/campaigns/connecting-the-world-to-combat-coronavirus/healthyathome)

  • These campaigns were effective because they used strong visuals, simple messages, and positive emotions to reach a wide audience. They included real people's stories, which made the message more relatable and authentic. Bright colors, friendly language, and short video formats helped keep the audience's attention, especially younger viewers. By using hashtags and encouraging participation, the campaigns created a sense of community and motivated people to take action. This approach made complex topics like mental health or peacebuilding easier to understand and connect with emotionally.

    (Example of visual content used in the #HealthyAtHome campaign to communicate health tips in a clear and engaging way)

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