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Where would be better for young people to spend time together and practice mindfulness than in a nature-friendly place that connects them?
During the first week of July, young people from Estonia, Lithuania, and Spain gathered in beautiful nature to participate in a particularly meaningful youth exchange. An international youth exchange is a meeting between young people from various European countries, during which they learn about topics important to them, as well as much new information about themselves and other participants.
The theme of our project was “Mindful youth and Well-Being”. The event took place near Elva at the Tartu County Health and Sports Center, offering participants a calm and quiet environment that helped them immerse themselves in the project's theme.
The main goal of the project was to increase young people's awareness of the importance of their mental and physical well-being and how to enhance self-awareness. Within the framework of the program, several workshops and activities were organized, focusing on various aspects of well-being and awareness. An experience counselor visited us to speak, and each country had prepared several exercises. It was also important to offer them practical tips on how to improve their quality of life. For example, it would be good to go for a walk, do breathing exercises, or write down one's thoughts. At the end of each day, group discussions and reflections took place, where young people could share their experiences, feelings, and thoughts. This helped deepen what was learned and create stronger bonds among participants.
Young people had diverse opportunities for self-development through various discussion groups, tasks, and educational and unifying games. We maintained a balance between physical and mental health by discussing mental health risks and tips, and we also went hiking and practiced yoga. Additionally, young people challenged themselves at the Elva adventure park, in archery, and in sport rifle shooting.
Of course, we cannot overlook the evenings spent together, where we played volleyball, went swimming, cheered for a football match, and simply chatted while playing Uno. There was also a lively cultural evening where all countries had prepared national dishes and snacks, and dancing continued late into the night with music.
During the youth exchange, young people gained valuable knowledge and skills, but most importantly, they were able to form new friendships and broaden their worldview. The young participants highlighted that the project included plenty of educational exercises, as well as unifying games and other activities. Many young people made a lot of new friends, and according to them, the youth exchange was life-changing. Such projects are an excellent example of how international cooperation and shared goals can contribute to the development and well-being of young people.
Looking forward to future projects in Lithuania and Spain!
The project was supported by the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Agency from the Erasmus+ program.
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