Finding Home in Experiential Learning
When I traveled to Denmark for the Experiential Educators Europe (EEE) Conference, I carried both excitement and uncertainty. As a Play for Peace practitioner and Council member representing Poland, I didn’t quite know what to expect. But what I found was something truly extraordinary, a gathering not just of professionals, but of kindred spirits deeply committed to experiential learning, emotional intelligence, and peacebuilding through human connection.
A Community of Belonging
From the moment I arrived, I felt something rare: an immediate and heartfelt sense of belonging. The environment was warm, inclusive, and deeply human. We weren’t just there to talk about theories or share best practices , we were invited to feel, to connect, to experience together.
As educators, psychologists, and community leaders from across Europe joined hands, we explored not only ideas, but also emotions. This holistic approach to learning, where emotional well-being and intellectual growth hold equal weight, made the gathering uniquely powerful. It was clear: this was experiential education at its best.
A Refreshing Break from the Norm
Coming from an academic background, I often see how theoretical knowledge can overshadow emotional awareness. But here at EEE, the opposite was true. People valued vulnerability, authenticity, and human-centered approaches to education.
We created open spaces for dialogue, reflection, and play, echoing the very heart of the Play for Peace methodology. It reminded me how essential it is to create safe, inclusive spaces for people of all ages to grow and lead with compassion.
Bridging Worlds: From Europe to Sri Lanka
This experience didn’t just inspire me—it grounded me. It reaffirmed the importance of the work we do through Play for Peace and deepened my passion for student autonomy and social-emotional learning, which I’m exploring in my master’s thesis.
Looking ahead, I’m filled with excitement for my upcoming visit to Sri Lanka, where I’ll be joining local Play for Peace clubs and facilitators. I know now that no matter the language, culture, or country, connection through play has the power to transform lives.
A Call to Cultivate Community
The EEE gathering was more than a conference. It was a reminder of how powerful it is to create communities where both hearts and minds are seen, heard, and valued. In every circle, every activity, and every shared story, I felt hope, not only for education, but for humanity.
This is the kind of community I want to help build — one where play, empathy, and experiential education lead the way to a more peaceful world.
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Together, let’s build a world where every child can laugh, learn, and lead with joy.
