“Afr.Esh” 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). There are 1,250 young people taking part, and 125 youth workers! The project – co-financed by the European Commission – aims to promote 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 , involving the different dimensions of personal development: emotional, relational, civic, political and entrepreneurial skills.
First meeting of 2024: off to a great start!
The first meeting of 2024 took place on May 11th , online, full of activities and interventions. Delegates from Italy, Spain, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Belgium and Kenya participated. Representatives from Slovenia and Luxembourg were also invited. Joseph managed the technical aspects, while Elisa and Simon Peter led 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 AFRESH), 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). Afterwards, the participants were involved in discussions both in separate rooms and in a plenary meeting. The day ended with a sharing session that involved everyone present.
Second meeting of 2024: art and sport as instruments of peace
The second Afr.Esh meeting took place on May 25th. The theme chosen as the linchpin of the meeting was “art and sport as privileged tools for building peace between the two continents”. A total of 63 representatives from different countries, both European and African, participated. Carlos, the founder of Living Peace International, told everyone how art can truly be an instrument of peace. A Ugandan art teacher then wanted to share what he had learned in his ten years of experience. The participants were then divided into groups for a moment of discussion and reflection on the theme at the center 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 – the one on June 8 – was held around the theme of “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 several groups to deepen the discussions, and then all came together for a moment of common reflection. This series of meetings in 2024 of the Afr.Esh project was a practical demonstration of how important intercultural cooperation and training are for building peace , and how equally important it is to exchange and share one’s experiences.
