Our week in Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal, can be described as a journey into communication, understanding, and personal growth. Through the Erasmus+ Training Course “CORE – Communication, Mediation & Conflict Resolution in Youth Work”, we had the opportunity to deeply explore how we communicate, how we listen, and how we manage conflicts in both our personal and professional lives.
Throughout the program, we focused on different types and styles of communication, discovering how easily misunderstandings can arise and how important it is to be aware of the way we express ourselves. One of the most valuable approaches we explored was mediation, where we learned to look beyond words and focus on facts, feelings, and needs. This process helped us better understand others’ perspectives and respond in a more empathetic and constructive way.
Through interactive sessions, role-playing, and simulations, we practiced active listening, emotional awareness, and conflict resolution. Step by step, we became more confident in our ability to communicate effectively, understand people on a deeper level, and handle challenging situations in a calm and respectful way. By the end of the training, we could clearly see how much we had improved, not only as youth workers but also as individuals.
Throughout the week, the program followed a structured learning flow. We started with team-building and introductory activities that helped us create a safe and open environment. As the days progressed, we moved into deeper topics such as communication styles, emotional awareness, and conflict resolution. The final days focused on mediation practice, simulations, and reflection, allowing us to apply everything we had learned and connect it with our personal and professional realities.
A special highlight of the week was the 25th of April, Portugal’s national holiday. On that day, we had the chance to take our activities outside into the city, experiencing the local atmosphere and connecting our learning with the real world around us. It was a unique moment that combined culture, history, and learning in a very meaningful way.
The intercultural night was another unforgettable part of the experience. Through music, food, dances, and traditions, we shared our cultures and created strong bonds with participants from different countries. These moments brought us closer together and reminded us of the beauty of diversity and cooperation.
We would also like to sincerely thank our trainers, who were both exceptional. Their energy, professionalism, and ability to create a safe and engaging learning environment made the whole experience even more impactful. They guided us throughout the process, encouraged participation, and supported us every step of the way.
Overall, this training course was an incredibly valuable experience. We learned a lot, we grew, and we left with new tools, new perspectives, and a stronger ability to communicate, understand others, and manage conflicts effectively. We return home not only with knowledge, but with a new mindset — ready to communicate better, understand deeper, and create positive change.
Αλέξανδρος & Ιωάννα
Civil Education and Training Platform – Hellas 