Born in Copenhagen in 2012, Mellem Education is an organization dedicated to learning through groups, using democracy education as a tool for peacebuilding and societal transformation. At the heart of Mellem’s approach is the belief that true teamwork involves moments of tension, dissonance, and uncertainty—natural outcomes of diverse perspectives coming together. Rather than avoiding these moments, Mellem Education sees them as opportunities for individual and collective growth. Through skilled facilitation, participants learn to navigate group dynamics, transforming dissonance into meaningful reflection, deeper connection, and mutual understanding.
Mellem Education provides educational experiences in the form of trainings and workshops that challenge individuals to examine their role in group decision-making. Whether in trainings for youth workers or professional development workshops in workplaces, the goal remains the same: to foster awareness of each person’s equal right to freedom and responsibility in shaping inclusive and democratic spaces. By engaging in this process, individuals not only strengthen their ability to work together but also contribute to a society rooted in dialogue, equity, and peace – building change from the ground up.
We have experience in organizing and facilitating trainings and workshops on both the national and international level. So far our trainings have taken place in countries such as Denmark, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Armenia, Georgia, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Tunisia and the US.
We see a great need for our work in today’s times. There is already a lot of conflict and division in the world; on a larger scale – between nations, cultures and religious groups, and also on a smaller scale – at schools, workplaces, between groups and between individuals. Many of these conflicts are subtle, expressed through frustration and stress. A clash of personalities or beliefs, a misuse of power or an unexpressed need can have a powerfully negative effect on any member of a group. Mellem’s aim is to intervene before this negative effect takes hold. We wish to make use of the tension as a doorway towards transformation.
The world Mellem means between in Danish, reflecting our commitment to opening up spaces for dialogue and mutual understanding. Our trainings use interactive group activities followed by structured reflections. These reflections serve as a key to understanding others, as they push individuals to confront internal dilemmas. By recognizing “the other” within themselves, participants can no longer externalize blame or opposition. Instead, they begin dissolving rigid judgments of right and wrong, leading to greater self-responsibility and deeper interpersonal connections.
Through these activities, participants reflect on different behaviors, question boundaries, and explore cultural differences and beliefs from multiple perspectives. They gain the ability to express what was previously unspoken in a safe environment, releasing themselves from the burden of judgment and projection. When one person in a group transforms tension into reflection, others feel empowered to do the same, shifting the entire group dynamic. The result is a greater understanding of others, a clearer sense of personal contribution, increased openness, and stronger collaboration—all of which lead to more fulfilling and effective teamwork.