NON-FORMAL EDUCATION AS A PATHWAY TO INTERFAITH DIALOGUE: EVIDENCE FROM AN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH SEMINAR

Författare

  • Ilias Karachalios Lecturer, Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Technology, University of Thessaly, Greece Researcher, School of Civil Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece
  • Elisabeth Palugyay Expert for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Archdiocese of Vienna, Austria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v12i4.2248

Nyckelord:

non-formal education, interfaith dialogue, youth professionals, seminar evaluation, religious diversity, transformative learning

Abstract

Non-formal education is increasingly recognised as a promising space for addressing complex social issues that require dialogue, reflexivity, and relational learning. Among these, interfaith dialogue occupies a particularly significant place in contemporary plural societies. This article investigates the contribution of non-formal education to interfaith dialogue through the evaluation of an international seminar designed for youth professionals. The study draws on evidence from the 3-day "Power of Interfaith Dialogue" seminar, which engaged 26 participants from 17 countries representing diverse professional, cultural, and belief backgrounds. Based on participant evaluation data, the article examines how non-formal education methodologies shaped the learning experience and supported the development of knowledge, attitudes, and competences relevant to interfaith engagement. The findings suggest that participants perceived the seminar as highly valuable for supporting mutual understanding, openness to diverse perspectives, interpersonal dialogue skills, and perceived readiness for future action. Participants emphasised the importance of experiential and dialogical methods, the opportunity for self-reflection, and the exchange of practices across contexts. At the same time, the evaluation revealed a need for more time to process complex issues and for greater exposure to local interfaith initiatives. The article concludes that non-formal education can function as a meaningful pathway to interfaith dialogue by creating conditions for reflective encounter and by equipping youth professionals to promote inclusion, peacebuilding, and religious diversity in their own communities.

Författarbiografier

  • Ilias Karachalios, Lecturer, Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Technology, University of Thessaly, Greece Researcher, School of Civil Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece

    Karachalios Ilias is a Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Sciences, School of Technology, University of Thessaly, Greece, and a Researcher at the School of Civil Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece. He holds degrees in environmental management, environmental conservation management, special education, and environmental education. His research interests include non-formal education, environmental and sustainability education, participatory learning, and youth-focused educational methodologies.

  • Elisabeth Palugyay, Expert for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Archdiocese of Vienna, Austria

    Palugyay Elisabeth is an expert in intercultural and interreligious dialogue with experience in international cooperation, social engagement, and community-based initiatives. She works with the Archdiocese of Vienna and holds a degree in Political Science and International Relations from the Ludwigs-Maximilians University Munich and the Diplomatic Academy Vienna. Her academic and professional work focuses on fostering dialogue between cultures and religions, promoting mutual understanding, and strengthening social cohesion in diverse societies.

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Nedladdningar

Publicerad

2026-06-25

Nummer

Vol 12 Nr 4 (2026)

Sektion

Articles