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Memento Mori

2024-3-NL02-KA153-YOU-0002682092024Mobility of youth workersfinalized
Countries: NL|LV|EL|CY|PT|RO|HR|IT|DE|ES · Grant: €41,842
Physical and mental health, well-beingCreativity, arts and culture

Objectives

The project was developed in response to the concern that many young people and youth workers are confronted with topics such as death, loss, and existential questions, but often lack safe spaces and appropriate tools to explore them. At the same time, there is a growing need for more body-based and creative approaches to support emotional expression and reflection. For this reason, the project aimed to introduce innovative methods, such as butō-inspired movement and poetic practices, to address these topics in a meaningful and accessible way. The objectives of the project were: – To develop body awareness and expression: Through butō-inspired exercises and movement practices, participants learned how to reconnect with the body and use it as a tool to explore difficult topics and emotions. – To strengthen emotional resilience: Participants gained tools (inspired by methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, storytelling, and embodiment techniques) to better understand, express, and regulate emotions, and to approach topics like death with more acceptance and compassion. – To promote reflection on life and death: The project encouraged participants to reflect on mortality in order to better appreciate life, set meaningful goals, and build healthier relationships. – To develop empathy and compassion: By exploring grief, loss, and human vulnerability, participants increased their ability to support others, especially young people facing similar experiences. – To enhance intercultural understanding: Participants explored different cultural, philosophical, and spiritual perspectives on death, helping them become more sensitive and inclusive in their youth work practice. – To build facilitation and coaching skills: Participants practiced leading sessions themselves, gaining confidence and practical experience in guiding young people through reflective and creative processes. – To encourage creativity and innovative methods in youth work: The project introduced artistic and poetic approaches (dance, imagination, storytelling, butō-inspired exercises) to enrich participants’ methods and make their work more engaging. – To ensure transfer of learning into practice: Participants were prepared to apply these methods in their local contexts and work directly with young people.

Project partners (10)