Empower Your Nature

Aims & objectives

The training course aimed to strengthen youth workers’ professional competences to work with young people with fewer opportunities, focusing on well-being, social inclusion and empowerment through mindfulness and nature-based non-formal education.

The main objectives were to:

develop knowledge, skills and attitudes in using non-formal methods based on consciousness, embodiment and contact with nature;

improve understanding of the psychological, social and economic conditions of young people with fewer opportunities;

increase motivation and confidence to work with disadvantaged youth;

promote inclusive, preventive and sustainable youth work practices grounded in well-being and environmental awareness.

The training responded to the needs of organisations working with vulnerable youth, especially in contexts with limited access to training opportunities.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

The activity involved 27 participants from 9 European countries: Serbia, Cyprus, Romania, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Germany and the Republic of North Macedonia.

Participants were youth workers, trainers, educators and leaders working with young people, especially young people with fewer opportunities. The international group enabled strong intercultural learning, peer exchange and networking among organisations active in Erasmus+ youth projects.

Training methods used & main activities

The training was fully based on non-formal, experiential and nature-based learning methods, including:

mindfulness and awareness practices in nature;

storytelling, poetry and reflective writing;

ecological collage and botanical art;

embodiment and body-based practices;

creative and expressive group activities;

experiential outdoor learning;

group reflection circles and peer learning;

Youthpass-based reflection on learning outcomes.

All methods were designed to be easily transferable to participants’ local youth work contexts.

Outcomes of the activity

The training was fully based on non-formal, experiential and nature-based learning methods, including:

mindfulness and awareness practices in nature;

storytelling, poetry and reflective writing;

ecological collage and botanical art;

embodiment and body-based practices;

creative and expressive group activities;

experiential outdoor learning;

group reflection circles and peer learning;

Youthpass-based reflection on learning outcomes.

All methods were designed to be easily transferable to participants’ local youth work contexts.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

I worked as a full-time trainer and co-facilitator within the international trainers’ team.

My responsibilities included:

co-designing and facilitating the learning process;

leading mindfulness, embodiment and nature-based sessions;

supporting group dynamics, emotional safety and inclusion;

facilitating reflection spaces and Youthpass-based learning documentation;

contributing to evaluation and follow-up planning.

I worked on this training for 6 days as a full time trainer.