Job Shadowing in Armenia: Game-Based Learning and Safe Spaces for Peacebuilding

2026-08-09 17:39

From 1–7 July 2026, Armenian Progressive Youth NGO (APY) hosted a job shadowing activity in Alapars, Charentsavan, Armenia, as part of the “InnovatorsLab: Gen Z's Game-Based Peace Building” project. The activity brought together representatives from partner organisations in Bulgaria, Romania, Türkiye and Georgia.

Organised alongside the international training course “Together 4 Peace: A Practical Training on Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding for Youth Workers,” the job shadowing offered participants an opportunity to experience APY’s approaches to peacebuilding, non-formal education, safe youth spaces and game-based learning. Particular attention was given to how escape room methodologies and other interactive tools can be adapted to engage Gen Z in dialogue, conflict transformation and community participation.

Throughout the week, participants combined observation with active participation. They explored the model of Alternative Youth Centers and their role as safe spaces for young people, particularly in rural communities. A Treasure Hunt in Alapars demonstrated how place-based and game-based learning can turn the local community itself into a learning environment.

A study visit to Yerevan provided further insight into community-based youth work and the role of youth spaces in supporting participation, dialogue and inclusion. A dedicated session on Escape Room Methodology for Peace Education explored how clues, narratives, teamwork, time pressure and problem-solving can be transformed into meaningful peacebuilding activities. Participants then reflected on how these approaches could be adapted to the different PeaceLabs developed within the project.

The programme also addressed communication, stereotypes, prejudice, active listening, conflict analysis and consensus-building. Through simulations, discussions and experiential exercises, participants explored ways of addressing sensitive issues while creating safe environments for dialogue and reflection.

An important element of the experience was learning about APY’s work with young people from rural and less-supported communities. The Alternative Youth Centers provide spaces where young people with limited access to educational, cultural and civic opportunities can meet, learn and become more actively involved in their communities. This offered visiting participants a practical example of how locally rooted youth work can contribute to inclusion and empowerment.

One of the main conclusions from the week was that game-based learning can be a powerful peacebuilding tool when it goes beyond entertainment. Teamwork, problem-solving and emotional engagement need to be combined with thoughtful facilitation and reflection that connects the game experience with real social issues and peacebuilding concepts.

Overall, the job shadowing strengthened participants’ skills in facilitation, conflict-sensitive communication, reflection, interactive activity design and intercultural exchange. It also reinforced cooperation between project partners and provided new ideas for adapting game-based and escape room methodologies within their own PeaceLabs and local communities.