Empowering Peacebuilders: Willy Brandt School's Grant-Winning Initiative

A group of students from the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy's "Conflict Studies and Management" Specialization has secured a grant of € 9,708.00 from the European Solidarity Corps for their project, "Everyday Practical Peacebuilding." Led by Dr. Alejandra Ortiz-Ayala, the project aims to apply conflict resolution expertise to address social issues in Erfurt and Thüringen, fostering connections and combating polarization. The proposal received a remarkable score of 83/100, enabling the students to implement a year-long program of academic and artistic events from August 2023 to July 2024.

The project team, comprising international students with diverse backgrounds and motivations, plans to collaborate with local NGOs and academics to maximize its impact. They also aim to create a sustainable structure to benefit future generations of international students in Erfurt, focusing on inclusivity and community engagement. Residents of Erfurt and Thüringen can anticipate a series of socially-relevant activities aimed at building bridges and preventing division in the community.