Public Spaces for Peace Places

Introduction

“The ‘Public Spaces for Peace Places’ (PS4PP) project is a cross-national, research, and educational program funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ KA220-YOU program, spanning three years (2024-2026). Partners include Fryshuset from Sweden, Rauhankasvatusinstituutti from Finland as the project leader, and Evolving Cycles from Greece. This initiative aims to support young people aged 13-30 in Chania, particularly those with fewer opportunities, by providing them with the tools and skills to participatory research, plan, design, and present inclusive proposals for small-scale ephemeral interventions in public spaces in collaboration with local stakeholders and neighborhood. The project is structured into two implementation cycles. Each cycle begins with the training of 8 youth facilitators by mentors. Following this training, the youth facilitators lead a series of workshops within their youth groups, supported by mentors throughout the process. The cycle concludes with participants exhibiting their proof of concepts in public events. 

Project Phases

The project will unfold in two implementation cycles over three years (2024-2026), including a series of workshops aimed at building trust, needs mapping, participatory design, and developing proposals for designated public spaces by local youth groups. The process is guided by youth facilitators and mentors, in collaboration with municipalities, architects, urban planning experts, and various local and international stakeholders. The aim is to reimagine and revitalize urban public spaces through the eyes of young people. Each implementation cycle include:

1. Training Youth Facilitators: Series of workshops, locally and internationally on topics of group facilitation and participatory design processes organised by youth mentors. 
2. Youth Groups Workshops: Conducting a series of workshops for local youth groups, facilitated by newly trained youth facilitators with the support of youth mentors
3. Proof of Concepts: Developing and presenting proposals by the youth groups in public events for the revitalization of public spaces.

Expected Outcomes

• The project focuses on key themes such as inclusion, creative expression, safety, peace, participatory processes, youth empowerment and active citizenship. Expected outcomes include:
• The creation of a ‘Peace Places Methodology’ to serve as a guide for youth facilitators.
• Establishing a collaboration and support network with local decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Training and supporting 48 youth facilitators across participating countries.
• Engaging more than 300 young people in participatory workshops, including active involvement of marginalized youth groups.
• Developing over 100 proposals for public spaces by youth groups.
• Presenting these proposals at national and international events.
• Producing a documentary that captures the project’s impact and changes in local communities.
• Creating and supporting an international community of young people dedicated to promoting peace through local initiatives.

Join Us as a Youth Facilitator

Are you a young person who believes in inclusion for all in public spaces and the potential for collective transformation? We are looking for passionate young individuals to join us as youth facilitators in the PS4PP project. As a youth facilitator, you will receive training, support, and the opportunity to lead workshops that equip other young people in Chania with the tools to reimagine how public spaces in their city could be. Read the infopack and fill out the application form.