TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Eszter Szabo
The training activity aimed to strengthen young people’s wellbeing, resilience, and capacity for self-awareness through non-formal learning in an international setting. It addressed the need for young participants and group leaders to develop practical tools for stress management, emotional regulation, and healthier everyday coping strategies, especially in times of uncertainty and increasing pressure linked to studies, work, and social expectations.
The activity also supported the goals of the organising organisations by creating an inclusive, community-based learning space where young people could connect across cultures, engage in personal development, and explore wellbeing as an individual and collective responsibility. The programme supported youth empowerment through reflection, participation, and peer learning, aligning with broader European youth work values such as non-formal education, inclusion, and holistic development.
The activity brought together an international group of young people and youth leaders within an intercultural learning environment. Participants represented several countries involved in the Erasmus+ Youth programme, enabling cross-cultural exchange, relationship-building, and shared reflection across different backgrounds.
The group consisted mainly of young people in the typical Erasmus+ youth exchange age range, supported by a team of facilitators and organisers. The international composition enhanced the learning process through diverse perspectives on wellbeing, stress, and youth realities across Europe.
The activity was based on non-formal learning methods, combining experiential learning, group work, reflection, and participatory activities. Methods included structured discussions, peer exchange formats, creative and interactive exercises, and guided reflection spaces.
My contribution specifically focused on mindfulness-based non-formal methods, including:
short guided mindfulness practices to support grounding and nervous system regulation
breathing and body-awareness exercises
reflective prompts connected to emotional self-awareness
short experiential sessions followed by group reflection and sharing
These practices were adapted to the group’s needs and offered as accessible, beginner-friendly tools that participants could take into their everyday lives.
The activity supported participants in strengthening wellbeing awareness and experiencing practical tools for stress regulation and self-connection. The mindfulness sessions contributed to a calmer group atmosphere, improved emotional awareness, and increased openness for reflection and peer exchange during the programme.
Signs of success included active participation, positive engagement during reflection spaces, and participant feedback indicating that the practices were useful, realistic, and easy to apply after the exchange. The international group setting also supported intercultural connection and reduced feelings of isolation by normalising shared struggles and building community.
During this activity, I supported the team as a volunteer helper and part-time facilitator. My responsibilities included assisting the organisers in practical programme support and delivering several mindfulness workshops as part of the educational content.
I facilitated a small number of mindfulness-based sessions (rather than acting as a full-time trainer for the entire programme). These workshops focused on grounding, emotional regulation, and self-awareness, and were integrated into the wider non-formal learning structure of the activity under the guidance of the organising team.
I have co-facilitated the youth gathering, where Eszter brought in professional innovative experiences for the group.