“Connection, creativity, and compassion can turn strangers into a community.”

This summer, Incluusion joined forces with the Utrecht Youth Network, Samen Hier, and Justice & Peace Netherlands to launch The Youth Peace Project. Fifteen dedicated volunteers organized creative, cultural, and dialogue-based events that celebrated diversity, strengthened community bonds, and promoted a more inclusive and connected Utrecht.

The Youth Peace Project came to life through the efforts of fifteen passionate volunteers. The project was co-led by Yousef Al-Sallal from the Incluusion team and Anouk de Rooy from the Utrecht Youth Network. Al-Sallal shares: “The project aimed to bring people together through art, dialogue, and shared experiences, creating a space where everyone could connect, regardless of their background.”
 

Vibrant Designs and Heartfelt Reflections

The first event was a collaboration with Mustafa Aydemir from Aydemir Arts, who introduced participants to Ebru painting, a traditional Turkish marbling technique. Together, participants created vibrant tulip designs symbolizing peace and growth, while learning about the rich cultural history behind the craft.

In their second event, the team partnered with Common Frames for a screening of the documentary ‘We komen van ver’ (‘We Come from Far Away’). Participants met Gaid Abdo (director and youth participant in the film) and Kais Almohamed (cameraperson). “The discussion that followed offered heartfelt reflections on belonging, resilience, and the power of storytelling”, says de Rooy.

A Wall of Peace

The final event, “The Peace Plate,” brought everyone back together for a day filled with creativity, music, and connection. Volunteers led hands-on cooking and debate workshops. This was followed by a Lino art session with the talented Spandan, who guided participants in creating pieces inspired by the theme of peace.

‘A Wall of Peace’ was created by the participants, who wrote beautiful messages. The evening was concluded with a community dinner, where everyone gathered to enjoy delicious food, heartfelt conversations, and the enchanting Oud performance of Naseem. Music filled the room with the soulful rhythms of Palestine.

A day to experience how diverse Utrecht already is — the feeling of living together, and the joy of shared moments.

A Community Project

The Youth Peace Project was made possible through the MDT (Maatschappelijke Diensttijd) fund, with the support of Justice & Peace Netherlands and Samen Hier, under the theme Move4HumanRights. 
“More than just a project, it became a reminder of how connection, creativity, and compassion can turn strangers into a community,” conclude project leaders de Rooy and Al-Sallal.