ELIX had the pleasure of hosting the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “Mind Matters: Intercultural Dialogue and Mental Wellbeing” in Kryoneri, Corinthia, from 3 to 10 April 2025, with the support and co-funding of the European Commission through the Erasmus+ programme.
A total of 35 young people from seven different countries came together to share an unforgettable Erasmus+ experience in an open-minded, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment.
Project Objectives
The main aim of the project was to create a safe space where young people could explore the connection between mental health - which remains stigmatized in many societies - and intercultural dialogue, a key element for fostering understanding, inclusion, and social cohesion in today’s world.
Non-Formal Learning in Action
Participants engaged in a variety of non-formal education activities, including:
- Thematic workshops
- Storytelling sessions
- Group discussions
- Creative exercises and cultural sharing
These experiences enabled them to discuss topics such as mental health, emotional well-being, and strategies to combat discrimination, social exclusion, and inequality - while also discovering how mental health is perceived and addressed in different countries.
One of the highlights was the “Theatre of the Oppressed” workshop, where participants were able to express themselves creatively, building scenes inspired by real-life experiences related to mental health and personal or social challenges.
Active Participation and Empowerment
Youth were encouraged to take initiative by contributing to the workshops, proposing and leading their own activities, and sharing their personal talents and hobbies with the group. This participatory approach empowered them to take ownership of their learning process while also building confidence and empathy.
Skills Developed
The participants developed a broad range of key competences, including:
- Active citizenship
- Personal and social learning
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Cultural awareness and expression
- Literacy and multilingual communication
Through interaction with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, they gained deeper knowledge about Europe’s diversity, practiced multiple languages (not just English), and reflected on their own identities, social contexts, and mental health journeys.
Partner Organisations
Six partner organisations collaborated with ELIX in the successful implementation of this project:
FECE - Bulgaria
MINDFULNEST - Czech Republic
ESTYES - Estonia
ALLIANSSI - Finland
PALARIE DE PAIE - Romania
Active Youth Stella - Ukraine
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