LOCAL WORKSHOPS
Youth for Peace in the Mediterranean Sea – Local Workshop Summary
Rabat, April 27, 2025–2026
As part of the “Youth for Peace in the Mediterranean Sea” project, four local workshops were held in Rabat. The sessions brought together 17 participants mostly law students, youth workers, NGO members, and active volunteers. Each workshop explored different angles of peacebuilding, justice, diplomacy, and health equity. The goal was not only to raise awareness but to help participants develop the skills and mindset needed to act for change in their communities.
Workshop 1: Understanding Conflict Resolution
📅 April 27, 2026 | Module 1
That session focused on conflict as something we all experience — in friendships, in families, at work, or in community spaces. Instead of treating conflict as a negative thing, participants explored how it can actually be used to create better communication, mutual understanding, and even growth. The group discussed what causes conflict and how personal conflict styles affect the way we respond. Participants shared their own experiences, reflected on what triggers them, and practiced techniques to deal with difficult situations more calmly and constructively.
The most powerful part of the workshop was the role-play activity. Each person had a chance to step into a real-life conflict situation and test out new strategies. This allowed them to apply what they learned in the session in a way that felt practical and real.
The group was extremely engaged. Conversations were honest, and people opened up. The only real challenge was managing the time because discussions ran deep. To improve future sessions, it was suggested to break the workshop into two shorter parts and include a quick self-assessment quiz to help participants identify their conflict styles early on.
Workshop 2: Justice Puzzle
📅 April 27, 2025 | Module 2
That workshop introduced the participants to the core concepts of social justice: fairness, equality, equity, and human rights. The atmosphere was lively and thoughtful. It started with a creative puzzle activity where participants had to match key justice terms. It sparked conversations about how these words show up in schools, neighborhoods, and society in general.
After that, the participants split into groups and discussed real examples of injustice. Each group chose one issue to focus on and came up with ideas for a small campaign. Some created posters, others sketched social media ideas, and one group performed a short role-play.
The workshop gave everyone space to reflect on what justice means to them personally and what small steps can lead to big change. The level of participation was very high, although a few groups struggled at first to find common ground during teamwork. Many participants said they felt empowered and inspired to start something similar in their own communities.
To improve future versions of this workshop, it was suggested to include a short warm-up on justice concepts at the beginning and to offer visual templates to guide the campaign-building process. A short reflection after the puzzle game would also help participants link theory to personal experience more clearly.
Workshop 3: Med Voices United
📅 April 27, 2025 | Module 3
Was a creative simulation of diplomacy. Participants acted as representatives of different countries and NGOs. The goal was to negotiate practical solutions to shared problems like climate change, economic instability, or migration. Each group received a fictional role and had to present their views in a parliamentary-style debate.
Some participants fully embraced their roles and enjoyed the challenge of building alliances and working toward a resolution. Others needed more time and support to feel confident. Still, by the end of the session, the group had co-written a resolution that reflected both governmental and NGO perspectives.
It helped participants understand the complexity of global decision-making and gave them a taste of what real diplomacy requires listening, compromise, and the ability to defend your values while working toward common goals.
The main challenge was uneven participation, so it was recommended to create smaller groups next time to help quieter individuals engage more comfortably. Adding printed role cards with key priorities and simple instructions would also make the activity easier to follow. A quick introduction to negotiation techniques could prepare participants to step into their roles more confidently.
Workshop 4: Integral Health
📅 April 27, 2025 | Module 4
This workshop focused on how health is deeply connected to social justice. It challenged participants to think about why some people have better access to healthcare than others, and how factors like income, gender, education, and geography play a role.
The session opened with a fun icebreaker to help participants relax and connect. From there, they brainstormed what health inequality looks like in real life. Through role-play exercises, participants stepped into the shoes of people facing barriers to healthcare like a single mother, a rural farmer, or a migrant youth. This helped build empathy and gave space for meaningful reflection.
What made this session stand out was the energy and openness of the group. People shared personal insights and showed a strong interest in taking action. The workshop ended with each participant writing down one small step they could take to promote health equity in their community something real and doable.
There were no major challenges during this session. To make it even stronger in the future, it was recommended to use short, real-world case studies and include short emotional exercises like “imagine-if” storytelling to deepen the connection. Ending the session with a personal action plan also gave participants a sense of direction beyond the workshop.
Final Reflections
All four workshops offered something different, but they were tied together by a clear message: peace, justice, and equity start with awareness, and they grow through action. The sessions didn’t just deliver knowledge they helped participants gain confidence, sharpen critical thinking, and feel part of a wider movement. The workshops were not lectures. They were real learning experiences based on group discussion, personal stories, creativity, and teamwork. Each session left a strong impact, and participants walked away with something they could apply in their lives, their work, and their communities.