On November 25, an online meeting with Dr. Katrien Hertog from Belgium on the topic "From personal transformation to impact on peace building" took place on the basis of the research laboratory of training technologies "Skripka" of Ushynsky University.
A researcher, trainer and practitioner in the field of peacebuilding with 20 years of experience in the academic and non-governmental sectors shared information about the IAHV peacebuilding program and the practice of psychosocial peacebuilding (PSPM) to increase the effectiveness of peacebuilding activities. Katrien is also the director of the world-renowned prison rehabilitation program Prison SMART for Europe and an independent consultant trainer and researcher.
Lab members received information about the Peace of Mind and Heart Strength project, which is co-financed by the European Union and aims to empower Ukrainians and other refugees in Europe to strengthen their own well-being through an innovative and cost-effective IAHV approach.
The listeners became especially active during exercises to actualize personal needs, desires and values in order to cope with pressure and make healthy choices when faced with life's challenges. Katrien sincerely shared with the guests her experience of overcoming difficult states of well-being, insomnia, and desolation. A series of relaxation exercises were conducted to encourage a calm state of mind, positive mental attitude, increased self-confidence and inner strength.
We ended the meeting by thanking the guest and planning the next joint events together with Katrien Hertog.