Natural Intelligence

Aims & objectives

The training course Natural Intelligence aims to transform youth work practices by equipping youth workers with innovative nature-based and holistic methodologies to foster well-being, resilience and ecological awareness among young people with fewer opportunities.

The main objectives are to:

strengthen the professional competences of 24 youth workers in holistic facilitation, emotional well-being support and resilience-building;

introduce and apply the Natural Intelligence framework, integrating body, mind, heart and soul in youth development processes;

promote nature-based education and sustainability as key elements of youth empowerment;

increase the capacity of participating organisations to implement innovative, inclusive and experiential non-formal education practices;

foster European cooperation, peer learning and exchange of good practices among youth workers.

The training responds to the growing need for sustainable, experiential and well-being-oriented approaches in youth work.

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

The training involves 24 youth workers from 7 European countries: Italy, Romania, Spain, Poland, Cyprus, Sweden and Greece.

Participants are youth workers, trainers, socio-educational animators and coaches who work directly with young people with fewer opportunities, including young people facing economic, social and psychological barriers.
The international group ensures strong intercultural learning, networking and long-term cooperation.

Training methods used & main activities

The training is based on non-formal, experiential and nature-connected learning, following holistic and learner-centred approaches. Methods include:

experiential outdoor learning activities exploring Natural Intelligence through body, mind, heart and soul;

mindfulness, ecosomatic and body-based practices;

interactive workshops on resilience, ecological awareness and mental well-being;

storytelling, symbolic reflection and creative expression;

facilitation and co-creation of learning sessions by participants;

daily reflection, mentoring and integration processes;

group discussions, peer learning and World Café formats;

Youthpass-based reflection on learning outcomes;

networking and project-development spaces for future Erasmus+ cooperation.

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

Outcomes of the activity

As a result of the training, participants:

improve their professional competences in using nature-based and holistic methodologies in youth work;

increase confidence and skills in supporting the well-being and resilience of young people with fewer opportunities;

strengthen their ability to design meaningful, inclusive and sustainable non-formal learning experiences;

develop concrete follow-up and multiplication activities at local level.

The project also produces tangible results, including:

24 local multiplier workshops, reaching at least 240 young people with fewer opportunities;

a brochure with practical tools to develop Natural Intelligence in youth work;

3 podcasts (15–20 minutes each) on holistic and nature-based learning;

a 90-minute webinar on nature-based learning and LifeComp;

a project video documenting key moments and introducing the Natural Intelligence framework.

The success of the activity is ensured through continuous evaluation, final feedback, Youthpass learning outcomes and structured follow-up actions.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

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

My responsibilities include:

co-designing the training programme and learning flow;

facilitating sessions on mindfulness, ecosomatics, embodiment and nature-based learning;

supporting group dynamics, emotional safety and inclusion;

providing mentoring and learning support to participants;

contributing to evaluation, dissemination and follow-up activities;

supporting the development of educational materials and learning resources.

I worked on this training for 7 days as a full time trainer.