Throughout 2023 and 2024, Acciones de Familias Nuevas from Spain engaged educators, tutors, and young participants in transformative training sessions and virtual exchanges across continents. These initiatives emphasized the six interconnected dimensions of human development—physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and historical (family/environment)—while fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. Here are the key milestones of this journey. 

Training the trainers 

A virtual exchange and training session for future tutor couples of the Up2Me program was held on June 24 and 25, 2023. The event gathered 64 participants, including European and African specialists, for an enriching weekend of learning and interaction. Conducted in French and Italian with simultaneous translation, the session aimed to prepare educators to deliver the Up2Me program to children and adolescents in diverse cultural contexts. 

The training emphasized the importance of intercultural exchange, with participants sharing insights from their respective regions. One participant remarked: “The content was rich and vital for our youth. The program equips us with practical tools for working with adolescents and inspires me to reach more children at all levels.” 

Connecting cultures for the first time 

Young participants from Europe and Africa met virtually for the first time on February 18, 2024. Over 40 young people and their tutors came together to share experiences and reflections. 

The discussions revealed the universal impact of the Up2Me program, transcending cultural and social differences. Despite the wide diversity in age, culture, and social background, the experience shared by participants highlighted many common points. One young participant reflected, “This experience helped me understand myself better and connect with others in a meaningful way.” 

Listening to the youth: strengthening relationships 

A second virtual exchange on October 19, 2024, allowed for deeper connections among participants. This meeting brought together 48 participants from partner countries and 11 guests from other African nations. The diverse group included children under 18, young adults, and their trainers, totaling 59 individuals. The event was conducted in five languages—English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian—to accommodate various linguistic backgrounds. 

Participants were encouraged to reflect on their experiences through guiding questions, such as identifying impactful songs or phrases from the Up2Me course and sharing how the program has influenced their lives. The insights gathered highlighted the program’s relevance and participants’ enthusiasm to recommend it to their peers. 

Our commitment to building bridges between Europe and Africa through education and dialogue continues—explore the milestones of the AFR.E.S.H. program here. 

L'articolo Up2Me expands formation across continents with AFR.E.S.H program proviene da New Humanity.

In a world marked by war, crises, and polarization, dialogue and cooperation remain the only paths to peace. With this conviction, New Humanity NGO joined the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Global Forum that convened its Group of Friends at Cascais, Portugal, from November 25th to 27th. Under the theme “United in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future — Reflecting on Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity,” the event brought together diverse stakeholders—including religious leaders, academics, youth, media, and civil society representatives. High-profile attendees included António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal, the king Felipe from Spain, several current foreign ministers and previous prime ministers of European countries.

New Humanity NGO of the Focolare Movement and member of UNAOC’s Multifaith Advisory Council highlighted the organization’s commitment to fostering a just and united society, where faiths are spaces of encounter and collaboration. Rooted in decades of grassroots initiatives, New Humanity bridges local action with international diplomacy to tackle global challenges and promote peace. This participation underscored the importance of multilateral efforts to restore trust and reshape a future of harmony and collaboration among international institutions, religious organizations and the private sector.

Our commitment

During the Global Forum, Ana Clara Giovani and André Correia, youth representatives of the Focolare Movement, along with Maddalena Maltese, the main representative of the New Humanity NGO in New York, presented the document “Together to Care – For Our Human Family and Our Common Home.” This document represents a commitment by the Youth for a United World (Y4UW) to the Pact for the Future, approved by the United Nations last September.

Al Genfest 2024, un raduno di 4.000 giovani provenienti da tutto il mondo tenutosi in Brasile, sono stati lanciati otto hub di innovazione per promuovere l’unità della famiglia umana e prendersi cura della nostra casa comune. Le otto Comunità Mondo Unito hanno consolidato e sviluppato proposte e progetti ispirati alla spiritualità dell’unità del Movimento dei Focolari, in linea con i principi della Dichiarazione delle Nazioni Unite sui Diritti Umani e del Patto per il Futuro dell’ONU. Queste iniziative si concentrano su aree quali lo sviluppo sostenibile, l’azione per il clima, la promozione della pace e dei diritti umani, il dialogo interculturale, la coesione sociale e l’empowerment dei giovani.

These projects and proposals form the core of the document presented in Cascais. It opens with a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, acknowledging his tireless efforts to champion peace and sustainable development. Among the key proposals are the establishment of a High-Level Youth Forum to integrate youth perspectives into global decision-making, and preparations for the UN’s 80th anniversary and COP 30, showcasing youth-led solutions for urban sustainability and climate justice.

Presented to Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for UNAOC, and Felipe Paullier, High Representative for Youth Affairs, the document received enthusiastic support. Both leaders recognized New Humanity’s long-standing contributions and expressed interest in further analyzing the proposals. This engagement underscored the pivotal role of youth in shaping policies for a just and sustainable future, strengthening the connection between grassroots actions and international diplomacy.

Next Steps

To expand the reach and effectiveness of this work, United World Ambassadors, a youth network, will play a pivotal role in connecting grassroots initiatives to international frameworks like the United Nations, ensuring that local actions resonate globally.

New Humanity remains committed to bridging grassroots initiatives with high-level organizations, advancing its mission to promote fraternity, dialogue, and sustainable development. The connections established during the UNAOC Global Forum will be instrumental in strengthening the impact of our projects and amplifying the voices of youth worldwide.

To download the document, in English, click on the image

First published at focolare.org

L'articolo New Humanity NGO elevates GenFest proposals at UNAOC Global Forum proviene da New Humanity.

It was a joyful hour of meeting together, almost an oasis within the context of the tension and conflicts experienced here every day. The program featured a presentation by the Focolare, and included a message from the current Focolare president, Margaret Karram, who encouraged each one present “to be a person who builds bridges, opens new paths, removes walls and opens people up to hope!” [Here is the full message]

The project was then presented by students from the 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th grades (the first year will start with 7th grade students). The program offers a pathway that develops gradually over three school years to ensure that each student will achieve a deep understanding of the concepts presented and internalize the content. Three themes will be addressed over the course of the year.

Each theme will be accompanied by “actions” featured on the “Cube of Peace”, a cube that features phrases on each side which suggest ways to build peaceful relationships. Here are the themes for this first year, 2024-2025 (and the associated Cube of Peace actions):

• Understanding oneself, self-esteem and personal development (“Treat others as you would like to be treated)
• Training in conflict management; working as a team (“Forgive those who hurt you”)
• Intergenerational and peer dialogue (“Discover the good in others”)

Gen Rosso and Gen Verde musical bands, which were prevented from being present due to the current situation, sent a video greeting, encouraging everyone to become leaders in promoting hope and fraternity. [Here is the video of their greeting].

The event was a real celebration thanks to each school’s artistic contributions, including presentations by a student band, a choir and a cultural dance. It was a mosaic of colors and sounds that made everyone experience a seed of a “united world,” a world of brotherhood and peace.

See also: https://cmcterrasanta-eu.s3.amazonaws.com/2024/93bcddc1-7742-4223-bd76-dd86e5f8e05f.mp4?_=1

L'articolo October 24, 2024 – Launching “TogetherWEconnect” in the Holy Land proviene da New Humanity.

The training program emphasized the theme “Togetherness: Building Teams and Leaders for a New Africa”, designed to reinforce leadership attitudes and civic participation through a blend of local training activities and international exchange. Lecturers, facilitators, and participants from European countries expanded the participants’ perspectives from both continents on common challenges and diverse cultural viewpoints regarding the topics discussed. 

Enhancing Peer-to-Peer Learning 

In response to participant feedback from the Summer School in 2023, the 2024 program focused on increasing opportunities for exchange among participants. The structure included fewer lectures and more collaborative sessions, allowing attendees to share their insights and best practices on leadership. Discussions were facilitated in English, French, and Portuguese, accommodating the diverse linguistic backgrounds of participants. 

A notable new feature was the peer-to-peer moments, where participants from different countries, but sharing a common language, engaged in meaningful conversations about their reflections and proposals based on the lectures. Feedback indicated that these moments were highly appreciated and contributed significantly to the learning experience. 

Opening Session and Key Themes 

The event began with a powerful address from Prof. Justus Mbae, former Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and Chairperson of T4NA. He emphasized the crucial role of individual passion, energy, and curiosity in driving meaningful change. Prof. Mbae’s message resonated with participants, motivating them to embrace their potential as agents of transformation. 

Dr. Melchior Nsavyimana, the project manager of T4NA, expressed his gratitude for the commitment shown by all involved in making the training a reality. His acknowledgment of the collaborative efforts among participants from various regions underscored the essence of teamwork in achieving common goals. 

The first day featured a reflective session led by Professor Declan O’Byrne, Rector of Sophia Institute University, who engaged participants in discussing the challenges and opportunities of leadership in today’s world. This segment proved impactful, as participants reflected on their own leadership journeys and the wisdom required to navigate complex environments. 

Throughout the week, various crucial themes were explored, including: 

1. Collaboration and Complex Issues: A session on “Hard Problems & Contextual Factors,” moderated by Annette Pelkmans, Professor of International Economics at Sophia University Institute, highlighted the importance of collective action in solving complex challenges. The introduction of the “6 by 1 methodology” provided a structured framework for participants to navigate these difficulties, encouraging them to reflect on the challenges of fraternity, love, and globalization. 
2. Conflict Management: Raphaël Takougang, a lawyer at the Cameroon Bar Association, led discussions on conflict transformation and peacebuilding, reinforcing the idea that everyone plays a role in fostering peace through daily actions and commitments. 
3. Gender Inequality: Geneviève Sanze highlighted the vital role of women in socio-economic development, stressing the importance of recognizing unpaid labor and advocating for balanced partnerships between men and women. Her insights on mutual societies and initiatives focused on women’s development underscored the potential for creating more equitable communities.

In addition to thematic discussions, time was allocated for national group exchanges, allowing participants to delve deeper into the content and develop action plans tailored to their local contexts. These collaborative sessions fostered a sense of community and mutual support, essential elements for effective leadership. 

A Collaborative Closure 

As the training concluded, Melchior Nsavyimana, Project Manager of Together for a New Africa, encouraged participants to become active citizens and implement the lessons learned in their communities. The event wrapped up by reaffirming the significance of collaborative leadership in building a stronger, more equitable, and united Africa. 

The T4NA Summer School 2024 not only equipped young leaders with essential skills and knowledge but also created a vibrant network of individuals committed to driving positive change. As they return to their communities, these leaders carry with them a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to fostering unity and collaboration across the continent. 

To access all the materials and lectures from the Summer School, visit AFR.E.S.H. Project. 

For more information on the Together for a New Africa project, visit the website. 

L'articolo Togetherness in Action: Strengthening Leadership at the T4NA Summer School proviene da New Humanity.

Focus of the event was the presentation of recommendations for the European Union from the DialogUE project – “Diverse Identities Allied, Open, to Generate a United Europe” on issues crucial to the current European and world situation, summarized in the “DialogUE Kit” brochure.

“You can see with the naked eye that something happens when people of peace talk,” said MEP Catarina Martins of the European Left, who opened the meeting in a hall of the European Parliament. “And this is just such a moment. Dialogue is a powerful tool for peace.”

The project stems from the decades-long commitment of New Humanity, an expression of the Focolare Movement, which has significantly promoted good practices in interreligious and intercultural dialogue. The approach fosters mutual respect and trust, essential elements for fruitful dialogue and collaborative efforts.

Francisco Canzani, general counselor for the Culture and Study area of the Focolare Movement emphasized in his speech that dialogue is built from three elements: attitudes, tools, and method. On the latter, the method of differentiated consensus and qualified dissent, which originated within the platform between Christians and Marxists DIALOP, is now a source of inspiration and practice for other dialogue groups.

In 2023 and 2024, the project involved 4 dialogue groups in 3 main areas: Communication, Ecology and Social Policy. The dialogue groups were:

• Among Christian citizens through the Together4Europe platform.
• Between Christians and Muslims through the Focolare Movement’s Center for Interreligious Dialogue.
• Between Christians and people who do not identify with a religious belief, through the DIALOP platform for cross-religious dialogue
• Between Western and Eastern European citizens through the Multipolar Dialogue Group.

The project mainly facilitated the dissemination of the meaning and methodologies necessary for effective dialogue. It also brought together international experts on these three key challenges, who helped participants understand the main EU documents on these topics and explore the different dimensions of each theme.

The groups worked together to identify shared principles and common proposals. Their work led to recommendations that were submitted to the European Parliament.

The DialogUE project — was promoted by a consortium of 14 civil society organizations from 9 EU member countries.

Among the main results achieved by the project: 12 international meetings and a training for facilitators and experts; the direct involvement of 1,200 citizens and more than 10,000 indirectly; and the creation of the “Dialogue Kit,” intended for educators, NGOs, and policymakers to promote dialogue and social cohesion. These meetings resulted in shared recommendations for EU decision makers to promote more inclusive and sustainable policies.

In the afternoon of October 16, a discussion group hosted by KU Leuven (University of Leuven) in Brussels was held, during which participants analyzed some good practices that emerged from the project and discussed how to further disseminate these initiatives through the ‘Dialogue Kit.

For information about the project: https://www.new-humanity.org/en/project/dialogue/

To review the event click here:

Fisrt published by focolare.org.

L'articolo Final Conference of the DialogUE Project presents and discusses recommendations created by 4 dialogue groups in the European Parliament proviene da New Humanity.

This event will be a moment of reflection and sharing, where we will discuss the outcomes of the meaningful dialogues we have facilitated. Join us to celebrate our achievements and the connections made throughout this journey.

Register now to participate in the evening session: https://forms.office.com/e/DbXiW5EZR2

We look forward to seeing you there! 

Get to know more about the project here!

L'articolo DialogUE Project Final Event proviene da New Humanity.

Sign Up Now! Register here. 

Starting in September 2024, the Online Training Course: “Project Design and Strategic Planning” invites youth and professionals to participate in an enriching experience aimed at promoting social inclusion in the Mediterranean region and fostering exchanges between Africa and Europe. This innovative initiative, powered by the M.E.D.I.T.erraNEW and AFR.E.S.H projects, seeks to equip participants with essential skills to design impactful and sustainable social projects.

ACCESS THE CALENDAR

Who Can Join?

While the primary participants include staff and volunteers from partner organizations, the training is open to a wider audience, including:

• Staff from the International Focolare Movement Center (MdF)
• Regional project development offices
• Youth centers and dialogue coordinators
• Educators, young professionals, and staff from other social organizations interested in enhancing their skills.

Training Goals

• Learn how to enhance the sustainability of their organizations and improve youth inclusion.
• Develop a strategic mindset for project design.
• Strengthen their ability to prepare high-quality project proposals.
• Gain skills to act as multipliers, sharing knowledge within their networks.
• Identify additional training needs for future learning opportunities.
• Build capacity for effective networking and collaboration.

Course Structure

• Phase 1 (2 sessions): An introduction to strategic planning and project design, exploring the general concepts and their interconnection.
• Phase 2 (4 sessions): A deep dive into project evaluation, impact assessment, and advocacy, focusing on how to influence local and international institutions.
• Phase 3 (5 sessions): Detailed analysis of individual project phases, providing hands-on learning opportunities.

Language and Accessibility

While the training will primarily be conducted in Italian, modules will be available in English, French, Spanish, Croatian, Portuguese and Arabic. 

Course Logistics

• Schedule: The first two phases will take place in the evenings from 7:15 PM to 9:15 PM (CET), while the third phase will be held in the afternoons from 1:45 PM to 3:45 PM (CET).
• Platform: Sessions will be conducted via Zoom, with materials and recordings available on a shared Drive.

Costs and Registration

The training is free for staff and volunteers from partner organizations in the M.E.D.I.T.erraNEW and AFR.E.S.H projects. It is also free for participants from non-EU countries. For other European participants not affiliated with partner organizations, there is a nominal fee of €15. Registration and payment details will be provided upon sign-up.

Certification

Participants who attend at least 80% of the sessions will receive a certificate of participation from New Humanity. Additionally, participants under 30 years old will receive a Youthpass certificate, validated by the European Union.

Sign Up Now! Register here. 

Join us in shaping a brighter future for youth across the Mediterranean through the Online Training Course: “Project Design and Strategic Planning”!

L'articolo Introducing the Online Training Course: “Project Design and Strategic Planning” proviene da New Humanity.

The meetings covered three main themes: Dice of Peace; Art and Sport as Privileged Instruments for Building Peace; and Building a Bridge Between Generations and Cultures. The sessions led by Living Peace International, a project focused on peace education from the NGO AMU – Azione per un Mondo Unito, featured effective and creative learning experiences and pedagogical practices.

The first meeting on April 15, 2023, introduced participants to the Dice of Peace and included discussions on personal experiences with the initiative. The following sessions on April 22 and May 13 explored using art and sport for peacebuilding and bridging generational and cultural gaps. The second session involved interactive activities, videos, and discussions on how art and sport promote peace. The final meeting focused on building connections across generations and cultures, featuring breakout room discussions and shared experiences from various countries. Each session concluded with positive feedback, leaving participants with a renewed sense of purpose and connection. 

The diverse participation from various countries in Africa and Europe raised awareness about the importance of peace education and highlighted the global reach and inclusivity of the initiative. This exchange also demonstrated the potential for continental collaboration, inspiring similar efforts and encouraging other organizations to adopt a more global and inclusive approach. AFR.E.S.H Online Exchanges, co-funded by the European Union, successfully bridged geographical and cultural divides, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences among educators dedicated to promoting peace through education. 

L'articolo AFR.E.S.H promotes global peace education through creative learning experiences proviene da New Humanity.

The project – co-financed by the European Commission – aims at cooperation between the two continents to address global challenges such as migration flows, climate change, inequalities, and conflicts. But in a new dimension – horizontal, equal – between Europe and Africa. It takes place through a series of virtual exchanges and through training initiatives for young Africans and Europeans, involving the different dimensions of personal development: emotional, relational, civic, political, and entrepreneurial skills.

FIRST MEETING OF 2024: A GRAND START!

On May 11th, the first – online – meeting of 2024 took place, full of activities and speeches. Delegates from Italy, Spain, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Belgium, and Kenya participated. Representatives from Slovenia and Luxembourg were also invited. Joseph handled the technical aspects, while Elisa and Simon Peter guided the event as speakers.

After an introduction to illustrate both the project itself and Living Peace International (LP is one of the peace education training programs within AFR.E.S.H), three experiences were shared on the use of the Peace Dice in Spain, Kenya, and Uganda. There was also a “time-out” moment (a minute of silence, prayer, or reflection on peace). Following this, participants were involved in discussions in both separate rooms and in plenary session. The day concluded with a sharing session involving all attendees.

SECOND MEETING OF 2024: ART AND SPORT AS TOOLS FOR PEACE

The second AFR.E.S.H. meeting took place on May 25th. The chosen theme was “art and sport as privileged tools for building peace between the two continents.” A total of 63 representatives from various European and African countries participated.

Carlos, the founder of Living Peace International, shared with everyone how art can truly be a tool for peace. An art teacher from Uganda then shared what he had learned in his ten years of experience. Participants were then divided into groups for a moment of discussion and reflection on the theme at the heart of the debate. Each shared their own – unique – story.

THIRD MEETING OF 2024: BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN GENERATIONS, RELIGIONS, AND CULTURES

The third meeting of 2024 – on June 8th – focused on “building bridges between generations, religions, and cultures.” Representatives from Italy, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Spain, and Belgium participated, as well as delegates from Burundi, Benin, Guinea Bissau, and Guinea Conakry. In total, 60 people.

Experts from Africa and Europe shared their experiences. Participants were divided into different groups to delve deeper into discussions, then all came together for a moment of common reflection.

This 2024 cycle of meetings for the AFR.E.S.H project demonstrated the practical importance of intercultural cooperation and training for peacebuilding, and equally important, the exchange and sharing of personal experiences.

L'articolo Three Stages of AFR.E.S.H: The Path Towards Peace and Global Development proviene da New Humanity.

From May 30 to June 2 in Castel Gandolfo (RM), the second of three job shadowing meetings was held as part of the Erasmus+ project “M.E.D.I.T.erraNEW,” with the participation of educational partners from France, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Egypt, and Lebanon.

The project aims to facilitate a pedagogical exchange between associations from Mediterranean countries working with youths aged 13 to 17, focusing on minors with a migratory background. The goal is to renew and enhance educational programs in a multidisciplinary and integrated manner and to implement them for the benefit of the young people in contact with these organizations. 

During the meeting, work sessions on the presentation and exchange of methodologies opened with the integration of minors with a migratory background. Azione Famiglie Nuove presented the “Fare Sistema Oltre l’Accoglienza” (FSOA) project, a program of social and occupational inclusion. Significant were the testimonies of Steve and Mamhou, respectively an educator at Casa Ismaele in Calabria, and a young person previously accommodated there. They highlighted key aspects such as the importance of welcoming, accepting differences, building support networks in the community, and especially a personalized intervention approach for each foreign minor under their care, with whom an individualized educational pact is carried out. This tool was appreciated by all educators present. The narratives showed how understanding others leads to overcoming prejudices and stereotypes, forming the basis for effective inclusion. Additionally, the effectiveness of the peer-to-peer methodology implemented by already integrated young foreigners towards their peers was highlighted.

Educational programs on peace education and active citizenship were then presented, including the international project “Living Peace” and the methodology “Six Steps for One Goal” (6X1), inspired by Service Learning. These are promoted in schools and other informal educational settings for youth in many countries. The proposed pedagogical tools led to shared work and a commitment to apply these methods in various contexts, with active participation of young people, creating exchange relationships, dialogue, and conflict resolution.

The testimonies of some young peace ambassadors were a moment of great involvement, demonstrating how peace starts from each individual and begins with small daily actions that every young person can take, with amplified impacts in their living context.

The following days were dedicated to intercultural and interreligious dialogue, through sharing methodologies and best practices that value dialogue, respect for others’ beliefs, and building relationships based on the Golden Rule found in major faiths, summarized as “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Facilitated by the context of the international symposium “One Human Family,” which included over 400 participants – Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Baha’is, and representatives of traditional African religions – the role of religions in weaving bonds of fraternity was highlighted. Testimonies from people in different conflict contexts demonstrated that engaging with others transforms many polarizations into supportive human relationships.

Discussions with educators addressed current issues such as the impact of new technologies and artificial intelligence on dialogue with new generations, and economic and environmental sustainability. The ongoing exchange of methodological approaches and between educators from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds has strengthened the intercultural competencies necessary for the interweaving of peoples and cultures in the Mediterranean. It has laid the foundation for more effective educational action for young people, based on an approach that better meets their needs and requirements.

Collaboration, network creation, organizational growth, and the enhancement of intercultural and interreligious dialogue emerged as key elements for creating a spirit of fraternity and peace in the Mediterranean basin.

Discover the project: https://www.new-humanity.org/project/mediterranew/

Lead organization: Centro Internazionale Studenti Giorgio La Pira – Fondazione.

Project partners: New Humanity; Fondazione Igino Giordani; Humanité Nouvelle; United World for Social Services; Cooperativa Gen Rosso; Azione Famiglie Nuove; Udruga Za Ekonomiju Zajednistva; Fonds Focolari Actions Solidarité.

L'articolo Network and Dialogue for the Creation of a Spirit of Unity and Peace in the Mediterranean Basin proviene da New Humanity.