December 5 — 10, 2024

Demilitarising Mind – Supporting Peace

Peace Education Winter School in Gori, Georgia

Application deadline — October 25th

Languages — English and Russian

Started in 2024, the project “Demilitarizing Mind - Supporting Peace” aims at creating a peace education program for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia.

The main theme of the project is the critique of militaristic ideological orientations and the practices associated with them.

The symbolic framework of the project is the 300th anniversary of the birth of the German philosopher Immanuel Kant, author of the treatise “Zum ewigen Frieden“ (”Perpetual Peace").

Project overview

Started in 2023, the project NoBorderSpace provides a platform to discuss complex and relevant issues such as the history of the relationships, intercultural contacts, imperial and colonial legacies, memory and the politics of history, nationalism, and contemporary conflicts. It also explores methods, approaches, and prospects for their peaceful transformation. Participants from Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia and Belarus joined a series of dialogues held in Baku, Yerevan, Batumi, Tbilisi, as well as the autumn school “International Dialogue for Understanding and Cultural Exchange” in Telavi.

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The Goals of the Winter School

We welcome everyone who is ready to use new knowledge and methods of peace education in their professional or volunteer work. The main criterion is personal motivation; a desire and willingness to contribute to peace. Previous experience in international schools or workshops is not required. We value the participants' experience of active community-building work.

Participants will be involved in the design of a peace education program, an educational resource designed to promote a culture of peace and peaceful coexistence. In addition to critiquing militarism and nationalist ideologies, enemy images, and practices of historicising conflict, we will share experiences in talking about peace and reflect together on what peace should be and how to get there.

We see participation in the school as an opportunity to strengthen and expand the transnational network of peace communities, to spread peace ideas, and to popularise methods of working for sustainable peace.

Requirements to apply

Applicant's residence
Applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Russia, including those living/residing in the South Caucasus or EU countries

Professional experience
School and University teachers, students, social researchers, historians, civil activists and social workers, journalists, educators and artists etc. However, our expectations of applicants’ professional or voluntary activities are not limited to this list and anyone motivated to become a peace educator is welcome to apply.

Applicant's age

No age limit

Terms of participation
● Deadline for the Winter School – October 25, 2024
● The main working languages are English and Russian
● All travel and accommodation costs as well as meals during the event will be covered by the organizers
● As part of the selection process, candidates may be invited to an online conversation

Approach

The Winter School will consist of a series of interactive workshops and lectures designed to develop peace education skills that address the complex issues of armed conflicts, militaristic ideologies and violence.

The main components of the School's work process are the exchange of experiences and mutual learning. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of a peace education program.