From the 11 to the 13 of March 2011, 28 adults and young people from different cities participated in the three days basic training course. The purpose of the training course was to introduce, and learn how to use, the Manual to educators and young adults working with children and/or young people.
Participants came from three religious communities: Muslim, Orthodox and Catholic. There were also participants without a religion. They were teachers, youth leaders, students and educators working in NGOs focussing on children’s rights and/or ethic education, youth groups and networks.

The training was facilitated by Laura Molnar from Romania, Vera Leal from Portugal assisted by Nicolas Meslaoui from Belgium. Mahal Da Costa, senior adviser, supported the preparation of the design and planning of the Course. Marta Palma, GNRC Coordinator, was responsible for the overall coodination of the Course.        

The organization of the workshop counted also with the valuable collaboration of Ms. Jasmina Dizdarevic and other people from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mrs. Bozana Ivelić-Katava from the Inter-religious Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina participated in the cultural night and had a very  interesting dialogue with the participants about religious diversities in B&H.

Through discussions and interactive activities participants were able to visualize how the Manual can contribute to nurture values that can lead towards a peaceful living with people from different cultural and religious backgrounds. 

These are some of the participant’s comments:

“This workshop gave me inspiration for new projects. Now, I can better understand other people and put myself in their skin. This was a proof that all young people have the same dreams, no matter one’s religion or nation.”

“Although we are from different places, families, religions and costumes, we have so much in common…. differences enrich us, make us special and unit us, and not divide. This workshop is a great way to make people closer.”

“This workshop left a big trail in my life and it will always have a special place because of new things I learned and new people I met. No matter our differences, we are still so similar. Together we can do a lot, we need to unit ourselves.”