1. What motivated you to join this youth exchange “Mission Youth Mental Health”?
I decided to join this project because I strongly believe that mental health is one of the most important challenges our generation faces today, and I wanted to learn how to approach it better both for myself and for the people I work with. As a youth worker and student in Industrial Engineering and Management, I often find myself surrounded by young people who deal with stress, anxiety, or uncertainty about their future. I felt that by participating in this exchange, I could gain new tools and perspectives to support them more effectively. Another motivation was the chance to connect with other young people from different cultural backgrounds, to share experiences and discover how mental health is approached in other societies. I also joined because I like to challenge myself, step out of my comfort zone, and explore new methods of non-formal education. And finally, the idea of living in an international environment where openness, reflection, and creativity are encouraged motivated me to be part of this project.
2. What was the most interesting thing you learned during the project? How will you use it?
The most interesting thing I learned during the project was how mental health can be approached in a practical and creative way through non-formal education methods. It surprised me how much impact activities like pottery or theater could have on self-reflection and emotional awareness. I realized that mental health support doesn’t always have to be about theory, but it can be built into everyday actions and experiences that help people feel connected, creative, and more confident. I also learned useful models like PERMA, which provide a clear structure for thinking about wellbeing. I will use this knowledge in my daily life by paying more attention to my own mental health, creating balance between study, work, and personal time. Back home, I plan to integrate some of these methods into activities with young people—encouraging them to try creative workshops, games, or reflective practices that make mental health support more approachable and less intimidating.
3. Which activity or session did you enjoy the most, and why?
The activity I enjoyed the most was the pottery session because it gave me the chance to fully disconnect from daily stress and focus on something creative and tangible. Working with my hands helped me slow down, concentrate, and reflect on the process rather than the outcome, which is a valuable metaphor for mental health itself. I also enjoyed the theater session, which pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helped me connect with others, and express myself in a different way than usual. Finally, the PERMA model session was very engaging, because it gave me a clear and structured way to understand wellbeing. Together, these activities created a balance between creativity, fun, and learning, making me realize how diverse and effective non-formal education can be in supporting mental health.
4. How will you use the knowledge and skills from this project in your work back home?
Back home, I plan to use what I learned by integrating creative and reflective activities into youth work sessions, so that young people can explore their emotions and wellbeing in a safe and fun way. I will also share the PERMA model and other insights with my local community and organization, showing them how these concepts can be applied not only in personal life but also in group dynamics. Another way I will use this knowledge is by promoting open discussions about mental health, helping to break the stigma around it. I also want to encourage young people to try out non-traditional methods like theater or art-based activities, which I believe can help them build resilience and self-confidence. On a personal level, I will continue practicing some of the techniques I experienced here to maintain my own balance and wellbeing, which will also make me a better role model for others.
5. If you could describe this experience in 3 words, what would they be?
Eye-opening, creative, supportive
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
