Kick-off Meeting – Sofia, Bulgaria
23–26 January 2025
The InnovatorsLab project officially began with a Kick-off Meeting in Sofia, bringing together representatives of all five partner organisations from Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Türkiye and Romania.
During the meeting, partners reviewed the project goals, work packages, responsibilities and implementation plan. They also discussed the development of the educational platform, learning modules, Peace and Empathy Cards, Escape Room methodology, GenZ PeaceLabs and dissemination activities.
The meeting created a common understanding among partners and set the foundation for the next stages of the project.
Pilot Testing Activity – Bansko, Bulgaria
7–15 July 2025
The InnovatorsLab Pilot Testing Activity in Bansko brought together young people and youth workers from the five partner countries to test and improve the project’s game-based learning methods.
Participants worked with innovative peacebuilding approaches and explored how interactive tools can make conflict transformation more engaging for Generation Z. A key part of the programme was testing an Escape Room prototype, where participants worked in teams, solved tasks and reflected on how this method could be used in youth work and peace education.
The feedback collected during the activity helped partners further develop and improve the InnovatorsLab educational tools.
Intermediate Meeting – Bucharest, Romania
2–5 October 2025
The InnovatorsLab partners met in Bucharest for the project’s Intermediate Meeting to review progress and coordinate the next stages of implementation.
Partners discussed the e-learning platform, pilot activities, Peace & Empathy Cards, Escape Room methodology, the practical guidebook and the upcoming GenZ PeaceLabs. The meeting also focused on project management, dissemination, future mobilities and the preparation of the final project activities.
The meeting helped partners evaluate the work completed so far and agree on the priorities for the second phase of the project.
Pilot Testing Mobility – Bakuriani, Georgia
27 February–7 March 2026
The InnovatorsLab Pilot Testing Mobility brought together 25 youth workers from the five partner countries in Bakuriani, Georgia.
During the training, participants tested the project’s newly developed peacebuilding tools, including the Empathy Cards and other game-based learning methods. Through practical activities, teamwork and reflection, participants explored how these tools could support conflict transformation and engage Generation Z.
Their feedback contributed to improving the project methods before their wider use and dissemination.
Job Shadowing – Romania
19–25 April 2026
The InnovatorsLab Job Shadowing activity in Romania brought together representatives from the partner organisations to observe and exchange youth work practices in an international setting.
Participants explored non-formal education methods, game-based learning and approaches that can support peacebuilding, dialogue and active participation among young people. The activity also created space for exchanging experiences with local youth workers and reflecting on how the InnovatorsLab methods could be adapted to different communities.
The experience contributed to strengthening cooperation between partners and further developing the project’s practical educational approaches.
Job Shadowing – Tbilisi, Georgia
3–9 May 2026
The InnovatorsLab Job Shadowing activity in Tbilisi brought together youth workers and NGO representatives from partner countries to exchange knowledge and practical experience.
Participants observed and joined workshops, training sessions and practical exercises focused on game-based learning for peacebuilding and conflict transformation. Special attention was given to educational methods such as escape rooms, role-playing games and interactive group activities.
The activity helped participants strengthen their facilitation skills, explore approaches for engaging Generation Z and exchange good practices for working with young people, including those from conflict-affected communities.
Job Shadowing – Bansko, Bulgaria
4–10 May 2026
The InnovatorsLab Job Shadowing activity in Bansko gave participants the opportunity to observe local youth work practices, exchange experience and explore innovative approaches to non-formal education.
During the visit, participants joined training activities, explored methods related to youth work and peacebuilding, and tested an Escape Room activity together with young people. They also visited a local youth centre and took part in a real escape room experience, which helped them better understand how this methodology can be adapted for educational purposes.
The activity encouraged practical learning, exchange of ideas and inspiration for the further development of InnovatorsLab tools.
Job Shadowing – İznik/Bursa, Türkiye
17–23 May 2026
The InnovatorsLab Job Shadowing activity in Türkiye gave participants the opportunity to observe local youth work practices and learn more about different approaches to non-formal education and community engagement.
During the visit, participants joined school and organisation visits, project-related meetings and activities with local young people. The programme also included a visit to Bursa Uludağ University, exploration of İznik and participation in activities connected to 19 May – Youth and Sports Day.
The job shadowing supported the exchange of good practices, strengthened cooperation between partner organisations and gave participants new ideas for working with young people in the framework of InnovatorsLab.
Job Shadowing – Alapars, Armenia
1–7 July 2026
The InnovatorsLab Job Shadowing activity in Armenia took place at the Alternative Youth Center in Alapars, Charentsavan, Kotayk region and focused on peacebuilding, conflict resolution and game-based learning.
Participants observed and joined non-formal education activities on topics such as conflict analysis, non-violent communication, mediation, intercultural dialogue and youth work for peacebuilding. They also explored how game-based learning and escape room methodologies can support empathy, cooperation, critical thinking and peaceful interaction among Generation Z.
The activity also gave participants the opportunity to learn from Armenian Progressive Youth’s work with safe youth spaces and community-based youth initiatives, while exchanging practices with an international group of youth workers.