Several members joined the final day of the Speechless Reconciliation European Development Camp 2026 alongside the members who spent the whole week teaching, mentoring and community-building. The participants put together everything they had learned with the positive energy they had created to present their projects. The members asked questions, raised challenges and offered support. We were inspired by their creativity, conviction and commitment. If these projects could be realised, the world would be a better place.
This Development Camp attracted 18 youths from Ukraine, Bosnia and Slovenia, 4 Team Leaders/Carers (social workers to the participants), 2 expert volunteers (former Team Leaders, from Slovenia and North Macedonia), 7 Mentors (various backgrounds from Belgium, UK, Czech Republic, Germany and Spain), 2 Subject Matter Experts, 5 Alumni/Camp Organisers (Croatia, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Belgium).
The Purpose of the programme was to give the youths skills, confidence and community, which would help them as they transition from social care to independent adult life. Sessions included enhancing their self-understanding, managing emotions and trauma, teamwork, project development, networking, learning from experienced Mentors, building trust. In addition to working with each other and the adults, they got to work with horses, bringing new insights into self-control, leadership and teamwork.
Each day community was built through warm-up exercises, eating (and cooking) together, sharing a campfire, presenting national music, dress & foods and reflecting on what each day had brought via the "video of the day" and "gossip box".
To quote one of the Club members: "It was moving to see the love among the participants and their appreciation for each other, the mentors, the assistants and the social workers . Speechless is clearly a valuable contribution to these individual youngsters and to society. Thank you Tim, Gavin, and everyone who works on this project for your dedication and for sharing the experience with us, the visitors."
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