“Emotional intelligence in Action” -from individual empowerment to collective wellbeing-

The overall goal of this training course is to provide youth workers with an opportunity to explore and deepen their understanding of emotional intelligence and its vital role in fostering both individual and collective resilience.

Resilience is not about coping alone—it grows through emotional intelligence, relationships, participation and belonging. In times of uncertainty, crisis, and prolonged stress, many young people (as well as adults), develop misconceptions about mental strength. They may believe that suppressing emotions, hiding vulnerability, or coping with everything alone are signs of resilience. Research and life experience consistently show the opposite. Genuine resilience starts within supportive relationships and is built through emotional awareness, healthy self-management, sense of belonging and contribution to something meaningful. 

Through experiential social and emotional learning (SEL), delivered in synergy with the principles of non-formal education, participants will not only develop these competencies themselves but also experience their practical value in their daily work with young people. The training can be especially valuable for those working with marginalized youth population.

The course will further explore how meaningful participation, collaboration and community engagement contribute to individual wellbeing, confidence, and resilience. By strengthening their own emotional intelligence, participants will become better equipped to create safe and empowering environments, build trusting relationships with young people, and support them in developing resilience and becoming active, engaged members of their communities.

The training course is developed in line with Youth Goal 5: Mental Health & Wellbeing, and contributes to the promotion of wellbeing and healthy living habits by:

Encouraging the development of self-awareness and less competitive mindsets by fostering appreciation for individual skills and strengths.

Providing all professionals working with young people as well as family and friends with quality mental health first aid training.

Fighting stigma about mental health issues by developing awareness programmes.

Short description:

Circle of (em)power: self-awareness → wellbeing and resilience → social-awareness → participation and action → relationships and belonging → self awareness 

By the end of the training course, participants will be able to strengthen their emotional intelligence through SEL workshops, create supportive and inclusive environments using their EI competences and know how to facilitate youth participation initiatives beneficial both for youngsters and collective welbeing 

The TC objectives:

Strengthen participants’ self-awareness and confidence by supporting them to explore their “inner compass”, aspects of their identities, personal values and beliefs, emotions and strengths.

Enhance participants’ wellbeing and personal resilience by increasing their understanding of vulnerability, stress and positive mental health approach and equipping them with practical body-based strategies for coping with pressure, challenges and uncertainty.

Develop participants’ social skills and competences related to empathy, conflict management, building supportive relationships and collaborative problem solving.

Encourage active youth participation and community engagement as beneficial for wellbeing of young people

Support participants to develop skills for setting personal/social goals and plan concrete youth-led community actions.