Jess Brandler from Solutions Not Sides about her work and the importance of humanising encounters
What makes the approach by Solutions Not Sides so special? How to create a safe space of communication? Jessica Brandler, Deputy Director of “Solutions Not Sides” shares her expertise on their unique educational programme.
This spring, Körber-Stiftung and the CIVICS Innovation Hub had presented the one-time Bridging Gaps Award, inviting non-governmental organizations across Europe and neighbouring countries to share their successfully implemented youth projects fostering unity in polarized societies. The UK-based initiative Solutions Not Sides had convinced the jury with their education programme for British secondary schools on the Israel-Palestine conflict. This project aims to provide humanizing encounters, diverse narratives, and critical-thinking tools in order to empower British young people with the knowledge and empathy to promote dialogue in conflicted situations. It also shows the importance of challenging prejudice around this conflict.
At the award ceremony in Tirana this November, Jess Brandler, Deputy Director of Solutions Not Sides, shares insights into her work – about their special approach, the meaning of a “safe space” in conflicted situations and what keeps her going.
