From November 25 to December 4, 2019, I took part in Tolerance 360, an international training course held in the peaceful coastal town of Slettestrand, Denmark, and organized by InterCollege. The training gathered youth workers from Turkey, Hungary, Finland, Italy, North Macedonia, Romania, and Denmark, all united by a shared mission: to promote cultural tolerance and equip young people to better understand, respect, and celebrate diversity.
The project focused on the role of youth workers as agents of change—especially when it comes to addressing intolerance and supporting the integration of immigrants. Across the ten days, we created a safe and participatory learning environment to explore how culture shapes identity, how prejudice and misunderstanding emerge, and how non-formal education can foster more open, inclusive communities.
I facilitated a workshop called Cultural Conflict, a simulation role-play designed to challenge assumptions and build empathy. Participants were split into two groups, each representing a fictional culture with its own rules, values, and ways of interacting. The goal was to understand the “other” without direct explanation—just through observation, experience, and open-mindedness. What started as a playful activity soon turned into a powerful lesson about miscommunication, unconscious bias, and the discomfort that can arise when we step outside our comfort zone.
We followed up with a deep conversation on the Paradox of Tolerance, exploring how a tolerant society must sometimes take a stand against intolerance in order to protect its values. These reflections helped participants make sense of their own experiences, especially those working directly with young migrants or in communities where cultural differences can lead to friction.
Throughout the training, participants shared personal stories, case studies from their countries, and practical approaches for supporting integration and intercultural dialogue. Together, we explored how to design activities that promote tolerance—not as a vague ideal, but as a skill that can be nurtured and practiced through empathy, dialogue, and creativity.
The outcome was more than just knowledge. Participants left with new tools, increased confidence, and stronger cross-cultural competences. Most importantly, they left with a renewed commitment to promoting tolerance in their communities—not only by addressing conflict, but by creating space for understanding and connection.
Tolerance 360 reminded all of us that while the world may be complex and divided at times, building a culture of respect starts with everyday actions—and the courage to listen.
