TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Ciobanu Florin
The goal of the "Stress Less, Live Best" project is to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle among young people by:
1. Raising awareness about mental health: Educating young individuals on the importance of mental health and its impact on their daily lives, relationships, and achievements.
2. Building stress management skills: Equipping participants with practical tools and techniques (such as mindfulness, time management, and breathing exercises) to help them coperate with pressure and tension effectively.
3. Encouraging physical activity: Promoting regular movement and exercise as a natural way to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy.
4. Fostering healthy habits: Educating youth about the benefits of proper nutrition, sleep, rest, and maintaining a balance between responsibilities and relaxation.
5. Incorporating art therapy: Using creative expression as a means of emotional release and self-discovery, helping participants explore their thoughts and feelings in a non-verbal and therapeutic way.
Through workshops, physical activities, educational sessions, practical exercises, and handcraft, the project aims to inspire young people to take conscious actions toward better health, less stress, and a more balanced life.
5 young people (18 – 23 age) plus 1 group leader (age
18+) 6 people per country, from Poland, Romania, Estonia, North Macedonia
Name games, ice-breaking games, trust games, teambuilding, Energizers, Presentation of the
Erasmus+, Youthpass certificate, Debates, Role play, Presentation of National practices, Video creation –
Instagram Reals, TiKTok, and dissemination materials for promotion, Follow Up, Dissemination activities,
Reflection (swimming pool, sauna, bowling, billiards – evening activities)
- Workshops: Language animation, joga, mindfulness, art therapy.
- Sightseeing in Olsztyn (city game, ice skating).
- Interaction with local people from Olsztyn (kids and youth).
- Intercultural evenings (Every group should bring some typical food from their country. At intercultural
evening each group will make a short presentation of their country in creative way (it depends on you
how you will present your country – feel free :D).
- Reflection & evaluations: every day we will have time for a short reflection and evaluation of the day
(activities, skills, knowledge, feelings, activities, stuff, ect.) At the end of the project we will have time
for final evaluation.
- Open Space: If you have anything that you would like to share with whole group, there will be
opportunity during the exchange to do it.
- Active (daily) reporting of project activities in social media
The “Stress Less, Live Best” project achieved remarkable outcomes, bringing together young people from different countries to promote healthier, more balanced lifestyles. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the importance of mental health through discussions and activities that encouraged self-care and open dialogue. They also learned practical stress management techniques, including mindfulness, breathing exercises, and time management, equipping them with tools to handle daily pressures effectively.
Physical activities like yoga, Nordic walking, and ice skating played a key role in promoting regular exercise as a natural way to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. At the same time, participants were educated on adopting healthier habits, such as proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and finding balance between responsibilities and relaxation.
Art therapy sessions provided a creative outlet for emotional expression and self-discovery, while team-building games and trust exercises helped strengthen communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. The project also fostered cultural appreciation through engaging intercultural evenings, where participants shared their traditions, cuisines, and stories.
Additionally, participants developed practical skills by creating promotional materials for social media, contributing to the active reporting of the project’s progress. Daily reflection sessions encouraged self-evaluation and allowed participants to internalize their learning. Open Space sessions empowered individuals to take the lead and share their ideas with the group, enhancing leadership skills and initiative.
Memorable moments such as sightseeing in Olsztyn, interacting with local youth, and recreational activities like swimming and bowling added a fun and enriching dimension to the experience. By the end of the project, participants not only formed lasting connections but also left with the tools and inspiration to live healthier, less stressful, and more balanced lives.
As the leader of the Romanian group and facilitator within the “Stress Less, Live Best” project, my responsibilities revolve around ensuring a meaningful and enriching experience for both the Romanian participants and the entire group. From preparation to follow-up, my role is multifaceted and deeply connected to the success of the project.
Before the project began, my focus was on preparing the Romanian participants, ensuring they understood the goals, logistics, and expectations of the exchange. I provided guidance and support, helping them feel confident and ready to engage in this international experience. Throughout the project, I remained a mentor and a reliable point of contact, addressing their needs, answering questions, and motivating them to actively participate in all activities.
As a trainer/facilitator, my role extended to leading workshops, energizers, and discussions, ensuring all sessions were engaging, inclusive, and aligned with the goals of the project. I adapted activities to the needs and dynamics of the group, making sure everyone felt comfortable and involved. A key responsibility was guiding participants through the Youthpass process, encouraging them to reflect on their learning outcomes and personal growth.
Representing Romania was another important aspect of my role. I supported my group in preparing for the intercultural evenings, where we creatively showcased our traditions, food, and culture. This not only strengthened the pride of my participants in their heritage but also fostered mutual understanding and respect among the international group.
Collaboration with the organizers and other group leaders was essential. I maintained clear communication, worked together to solve challenges, and contributed to creating a positive atmosphere for everyone. Monitoring the participants’ progress and facilitating daily reflections allowed me to ensure their voices were heard and their experiences were meaningful.
Beyond facilitating activities, I contributed to documenting the project by actively reporting on its progress through social media, sharing photos, videos, and updates. This not only highlighted the project’s impact but also ensured its visibility to a wider audience.
Throughout the exchange, I strived to inspire a sense of enthusiasm, inclusion, and growth among participants. By acting as a role model, I aimed to show the importance of teamwork, cultural exchange, and personal reflection. My ultimate goal was to empower participants to take what they learned from this experience and apply it in their daily lives and communities.
Being both a leader and facilitator in this project has been a fulfilling experience, one that allowed me to support, guide, and inspire young people on their journey to stress less and live their best lives.
Florin, as a facilitator during the project, was highly professional and well-prepared for the sessions. He possesses excellent language skills and communicates fluently in English, enabling effective communication in an international environment. He has experience working with international groups, demonstrating openness to different cultures, supporting intercultural dialogue, and successfully integrating participants. He showed flexibility and the ability to handle challenging situations – responding efficiently to the needs of the group by adjusting workshop content and the way sessions were conducted.