Our project aimed to: - develop the skills of 120 youth from small urban and rural areas, preparing them for relocation to new cities/countries. - Create a comprehensive guide and conduct mental health and civic engagement workshops. - Equip 15 youth workers to support young migrants dealing with mental health issues during relocation. - Enhance the capacity of the 3 partner organizations and promote the mental health of young people in correlation with internal and international migration.
Young people often choose to migrate, either within their country or abroad, at significant life stages like completing their education, finding employment, and launching their careers. Migration can provide access to educational and professional opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach, enabling them to pursue their goals. However, migration also has downsides, such as the "brain drain" phenomenon, where skilled professionals leave their home region or country, potentially hindering economic development and services. Young migrants experience challenges like homesickness, financial stress, academic or professional pressure, social isolation, or a loss of identity. Data indicates that Romanians and Bulgarians have some of the highest emigration rates, while Spain experiences the opposite trend. RO continues to be a country of emigration, with the number of departures greater than the one of arrivals, and the presence of foreigners in the country concentrated in the main cities. Data shows that approximately 1.2 million young people aged 15-29 have emigrated in the last 10 years. While international migration captures most attention and is being actively researched, internal migration is often overlooked.