MasterPeace Academy for Growth Kicks Off with a Session on Active Listening
A new learning initiative brings the MasterPeace global network together to strengthen communication, collaboration, and organisational development.
MasterPeace has officially launched the MasterPeace Academy for Growth (MAG), a new capacity-building initiative designed to support the development of its global network through regular learning opportunities, knowledge sharing, and practical skills development.
The first session took place on 23 October 2026, bringing together MasterPeace club members and network representatives from different countries for an interactive online learning experience focused on Active Listening by Lucija Popovska.
The session marked the beginning of a new chapter in MasterPeace’s commitment to strengthening its network, creating opportunities for members to learn from one another, and supporting the organisations working towards positive social change in their communities.
Building stronger connections through active listening
The inaugural session explored a skill that is often overlooked in everyday communication but remains essential to building meaningful relationships: active listening.
In peacebuilding, community engagement, and organisational work, communication is more than simply exchanging information. It requires the ability to understand different perspectives, recognise emotions, and create space for people to express themselves openly.
Active listening plays an important role in this process. It helps individuals move beyond assumptions, build trust, and develop a deeper understanding of the people they work with.
The session was led by Lucija Popovska, Co-director of MasterPeace Global, who shared her knowledge and experience with participants, exploring the role of active listening in both personal and professional interactions.
Through practical insights and interactive discussions, participants reflected on their own communication habits and explored how listening with greater attention and openness can improve the way they work with colleagues, partners, and communities.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of empathy, patience, and curiosity when engaging with people whose experiences or perspectives may differ from our own.
Rather than focusing only on the techniques of listening, the session encouraged participants to consider how they can apply these skills in their daily work and contribute to more inclusive and constructive conversations.
Facilitating learning and exchange across the network:
The session was facilitated by Hamza Bouksim, who guided the learning process and encouraged participants to actively engage with the topic.
As part of MasterPeace’s ongoing work to connect and strengthen its global network, the session provided an opportunity for members from different contexts to come together, exchange experiences, and learn from one another.
The online format made it possible for participants across countries to join the same learning space, reinforcing the importance of creating accessible opportunities for capacity building within an international network.
For MasterPeace, these learning moments are not only about acquiring new knowledge. They are also about strengthening relationships between clubs, encouraging collaboration, and creating a shared understanding of the values and approaches that guide the organisation’s work.
The first MAG session demonstrated how a simple but essential skill such as active listening can contribute to stronger teams, better collaboration, and more effective community engagement.
A new initiative to strengthen the MasterPeace network
The MasterPeace Academy for Growth was developed to respond to the learning and development needs of MasterPeace clubs and partners around the world.
Working in different social, cultural, and organisational contexts, network members face a variety of challenges. From developing new projects and mobilising resources to strengthening internal teams and engaging communities, they need opportunities to access relevant knowledge, practical tools, and new perspectives.
MAG aims to provide a regular space where these needs can be addressed through expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and peer learning.
The initiative focuses on several key areas, including fundraising, organisational development, digital skills, and other topics that can help organisations strengthen their capacities and increase their impact.
By bringing together experienced speakers, practitioners, and members of the MasterPeace network, MAG also encourages knowledge sharing within the organisation itself, allowing expertise and experience to be shared across countries and communities.
The academy is designed to be a continuous learning journey rather than a series of isolated training sessions. Each session offers an opportunity to build on previous learning, explore new challenges, and identify practical ways to apply knowledge in participants’ own organisations.
Looking ahead
The successful launch of MAG with its first session on Active Listening sets the foundation for future learning opportunities within the MasterPeace network.
As the academy continues, participants will have the opportunity to explore new topics, strengthen their professional and organisational skills, and connect with colleagues and experts from across the network.
The initiative reflects MasterPeace’s belief that stronger organisations are built through continuous learning, meaningful collaboration, and the willingness to grow together.
By investing in the capacities of its clubs and partners, MasterPeace aims to support a more connected, skilled, and empowered global network — one that is better equipped to respond to challenges, develop innovative solutions, and create lasting positive change in communities.
MasterPeace Academy for Growth — learning together, growing together.
See you in the next session of the MAG !