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Outdoor Soul: Nurturing mind through nature

2024-1-NL02-KA153-YOU-0002224402024Mobility of youth workersfinalized
Countries: NL|AM|BG|PT|GE|UA|ES|MD · Grant: €44,499
Physical and mental health, well-beingQuality and innovation of youth workNew learning and teaching methods and approaches

Objectives

The EU face several challenges in education and training aimed at improving the quality of education for young people. The project included various innovative teaching and learning practices that encouraged trainers and educators to step out of their comfort zones and share their experiences with others. As a result, it can be said that the project contributed to the professional development of educators. Young people in the European Union face significant mental health challenges, driven by pressures from academic demands, societal expectations, and the fast-paced digital era, all of which contributed to increased stress and anxiety, often leading to severe depression. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these issues by limiting social interactions and creating uncertainties about the future, resulting in heightened stress levels. Addressing these mental health concerns required a comprehensive approach, including education and support systems to safeguard the well-being of younger generations. In response, the project promoted an active lifestyle among young people through outdoor education and experiential learning. The skills acquired during the project facilitated the personal growth of participants, fostering their appreciation for these developments. Participants became more adept at problem-solving, and the outdoor educational experiences helped them share their learning with others, enhancing mental, social, and physical well-being. Through various learning methods, participants also evolved into more professional educators and trainers. The core objectives of the training course were the following: • Familiarize participants with the principles and research supporting the positive impact of nature on mental health. • Equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to design and implement effective outdoor education programs. • Provide practical training on incorporating nature-based activities into diverse educational settings. • Provide strategies for incorporating nature-based stress reduction techniques into educational programs. • Discuss approaches to make outdoor education inclusive and accessible to individuals of all abilities and backgrounds • Boost participants knowledge of Youth Pass certificate as a tool of personal evaluation • Encourage participants to learn and teach about Erasmus+ program and its opportunities for young people.

Project partners (8)