Video title: Safer, More Equal and Accessible Spaces – Inclusive European Youth Work, Jasmin Paananen.
[Soft instrumental music plays in the background.]
The screen shows a purple background.
The title Safer, More Equal and Accessible Spaces appears in white text.
The video cuts to Jasmin Paananen sitting indoors. A tall yucca plant is visible behind her.
She is wearing a light green blouse over a white turtleneck.
In the top right corner, the Peace Education Institute’s logo (RKI) appears in white letters.
At the bottom of the screen, text identifies her:
Jasmin Paananen, peacebuilder.
Jasmin Paananen speaks:
The safe, equal and inclusive space that has been present in the trainings and events I’ve taken part in has absolutely made it possible for me to find my place here.
It has given me enough room to observe and see what others are doing – and to learn that way. But at the same time, it has also allowed me to try things myself, in safer environments.
I’ve been able to try out what it feels like to be in a more visible role or in a background role. And through that process of trying, I’ve eventually found my own place.
[The screen fades to purple.]
A new title appears: Being an International Youth Worker.
Paananen continues speaking:
To anyone who’s wondering whether they could become an international youth worker, I’d say – absolutely.
Anyone who wants to do it can become an international youth worker.
I’ve personally realised and learned that there’s a place for everyone.
We may not always see all the spaces where international youth work happens – it also takes place in places that aren’t very visible.
Before I got involved, I used to think international youth work meant being in the spotlight, speaking at events, performing. That didn’t feel natural to me at all.
But through these experiences, I’ve learned that international youth work is so much more than what’s visible. There truly is a place for everyone in it.
For me, it has meant taking more of a background role. My way of working in this field, at least right now, is to be someone who coordinates trainings and events and enables those more visible tasks for people who feel they are right for them.
My work might not be visible to the outside, but it’s still important in the background of peacebuilding.
[The screen fades again to a purple background.]
A new title appears: Safer Spaces Offer Places to foster Hope.
Paananen continues speaking:
The reason I’ve ended up being involved in this kind of international work probably has to do with a kind of world-weariness and frustration – with a world full of conflicts, and with that feeling of not being able to do anything about it.
I’ve tried to find ways to make even a small contribution, to make the world a calmer, more peaceful and safer place for everyone.
That frustration was probably what drove me to get involved. And even though the world’s conflicts still make me despair, I feel that being part of international activities has given me more agency and a stronger sense that I can make a difference.
One important approach I’ve learned over the years is the principles of safer space – and the understanding that these principles can’t just be dictated in advance, but must always be built together with the people present in the space.
At the same time, it’s important to consider those who aren’t there. In every situation – whether an event or a training – the safer space principles need to be created collaboratively.
I’ve really taken this approach into everything I do, whether it’s hanging out with friends, organising trainings or planning events. I always try, sometimes even unconsciously, to create a space where everyone has the opportunity to be themselves and take part in what we’re doing together.
[Soft music continues.]
The screen transitions to a purple and orange background.
A large purple letter “R” from the Peace Education Institute’s logo appears. The R is decorated with a bird’s head motif.
The remaining letters K and I slide into view, followed by the year 2025.
Black screen portraying the flag of the European Union and the text Co-funded byt the European Union.
[Music fades out.]
