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The Rhythm of Nature: Returning to Nature with Yoga

2024-3-PL01-KA152-YOU-0002853612024Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: PL|IT|TR|BG · Grant: €30,514
Physical and mental health, well-beingDisabilitiesKey competences development

Objectives

The project “The Rhythm of Nature: Returning to Nature with Yoga” was designed and implemented as an inclusive Erasmus+ Youth Exchange, bringing together a total of 40 participants from Poland, Italy, Türkiye, and Bulgaria. The project aimed to promote mental well-being, social inclusion, and accessible international mobility through non-formal education methods, with a particular focus on young people with fewer opportunities.The participant group consisted of young people, group leaders, accompanying persons, youth workers, volunteers, and one professional facilitator, forming a balanced and supportive structure. The core target group included young people aged approximately 15–26 facing intellectual, mental, learning, or health-related challenges. Participants included young people with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum conditions, Down syndrome, mental health difficulties such as anxiety, social withdrawal, ADHD, bipolar disorder, psychosocial vulnerability, learning difficulties, and chronic health conditions. Several participants had also experienced long periods of social isolation and limited access to youth activities or international mobility prior to the project.Alongside young people with fewer opportunities, the project involved supporting participants, including group leaders, youth workers, volunteers, and accompanying persons with educational, pedagogical, psychological, and youth work backgrounds. Their role was to provide continuous support, facilitate learning processes, ensure inclusion, and guarantee the safety and well-being of all participants throughout the mobility. This mixed participant structure was a key success factor, enabling the project to address diverse needs while maintaining a high-quality and safe learning environment for all 40 participants.Participant selection was carried out by each partner organisation at local level, based on shared, transparent, and agreed criteria within the partnership. Selection focused on participants’ motivation to take part in an inclusive international project, the potential benefit from yoga, mindfulness, and non-formal learning activities, readiness to participate in a group setting with appropriate support, and balanced group composition in terms of gender and roles. Priority was explicitly given to young people with fewer opportunities who had limited prior access to international mobility, non-formal education, or inclusive youth activities. Selection was not based on academic performance or language skills, ensuring equal access, fairness, and non-discrimination.The needs of all participants were carefully considered throughout all phases of the project. During the preparation phase, partner organisations collected relevant information regarding health conditions, learning difficulties, disabilities, emotional needs, and required support measures. This information was treated confidentially and used exclusively for planning appropriate accommodations, individual and group support strategies, safeguarding measures, and risk prevention actions, in line with Erasmus+ Youth Quality Standards.Based on this needs assessment, activities were adapted in terms of pace, structure, duration, and methodology. Yoga and mindfulness sessions were designed to be flexible, non-competitive, and accessible, allowing participants to engage at their own level, take breaks when necessary, and feel safe both physically and emotionally. Reflection activities made use of simplified language, visual tools, symbolic methods, and small-group work to ensure that all participants could express themselves and reflect on their learning, regardless of cognitive or emotional capacity.During the implementation phase, continuous support and safeguarding were ensured by group leaders, facilitators, volunteers, and accompanying persons. Daily emotional check-ins, individual guidance, and the availability of quiet and safe spaces allowed participants to feel supported, respected, and secure. Mixed-country teamwork was organised carefully to promote cooperation, intercultural learning, and peer support, while ensuring that participants with higher support needs were not overwhelmed.

Project partners (4)