The main aim of the project YIELD – Youth Initiative: Empowerment through Life-skills Development and Stress Management is to empower young people to improve their emotional regulation, self-confidence, and critical thinking through practical, non-formal education tools. These competences are essential to support their mental well-being, inclusion, participation, and long-term personal and professional development. From a youth work practice perspective, the project focuses on: Strengthening the non-formal learning environment Equipping youth workers and facilitators with methods to guide young people through emotional challenges Creating safe spaces for dialogue, diversity, and inclusion Supporting the key competences of Youthpass, especially personal, social, and learning-to-learn competences Specific Objectives O1: Increase self-awareness and emotional intelligence among youth Through interactive workshops and self-reflection exercises, participants will learn to: Identify and name emotions Develop self-regulation strategies Practice mindfulness and positive habits for well-being � Youth work methods used: role-play, guided journaling, creative expression, emotional mapping � Evaluation: ongoing feedback, peer reflection, Youthpass self-assessment O2: Develop critical thinking and a growth mindset Participants will engage in: Structured debates and group dialogue Exercises to challenge personal biases Active listening and perspective-taking tasks � Youth work methods used: fishbowl discussions, visual thinking, problem-solving games � Evaluation: pre/post learning assessments, reflection groups, peer feedback O3: Provide practical tools for stress management Participants will: Learn and apply mindfulness techniques (e.g. breathing, guided meditation) Use music, drawing, and movement as tools for emotional regulation Create a personal “stress toolbox” to take home � Youth work methods used: body awareness, arts-based learning, wellness journaling � Evaluation: daily well-being check-ins, final evaluation forms, follow-up surveys � Broader Impact This project: Promotes inclusion by addressing mental health as a universal issue Strengthens interpersonal relationships and intercultural understanding Contributes to the empowerment of youth from diverse backgrounds Builds the capacity of youth workers and organizations to support young people’s mental well-being through life skills development All activities are structured to foster reflection, competence awareness, and democratic values — enabling young people to make informed decisions, manage stress, and participate actively in their communities.