"Wellbeing academy" project successfully completed
What is the "Wellbeing academy"?
This is a series of thematic modules for young people and youth workers aimed at exploring and practicing various aspects of wellbeing. The goal is not only to strengthen the vitality of the participants involved in the project but also, in a broader sense, to promote Latvian youth's understanding of wellbeing as a whole. As part of the project, a range of non-formal education methods, along with insightful questions and worksheets, were developed and tested, ultimately being compiled into a self-reflection tool called "notes on wellbeing." As a result of this project and the organization's work, a unique, continuous, and sustainable non-formal education activity program on wellbeing has been created, available to anyone interested in both Latvian and English (see the self-reflection tool "notes on wellbeing").
What are the results and benefits of the "Wellbeing academy" project?
1. A monthly series of sessions dedicated to the theme of well-being was implemented for young people and youth workers, based on a holistic approach. Participants had the opportunity to learn topics such as:
- Wellbeing through life balancing (March 2024);
- Wellbeing through creative self-expression (April 2024);
- Wellbeing through healthy relationships (May 2024);
- Wellbeing through connection with nature (June 2024);
- Wellbeing through mindfulness (July 2024);
- Wellbeing through movement (August 2024).
2. As part of the final event of the "Wellbeing academy," titled "Wellbeing practices," lessons were conducted for young people on how to plan and lead wellbeing workshops for their peers.
3. A self-reflection tool called "notes on wellbeing" was developed and made available in PDF format to anyone interested, in both Latvian and English.
4. The capacity of the "Youth Initiative Center 'Involvement for Change'" association was strengthened through the project’s implementation, increasing the number of volunteers and laying the foundation for the formation of a growing team for future activities.
5. Knowledge transfer locally was achieved, with the participants of the "Wellbeing academy" leading workshops on wellbeing within their communities (within family circles, educational institutions, extracurricular interest groups, etc.).
6. An exchange of project results and experiences at the international level was achieved. The project’s tool "notes on wellbeing" and the non-formal learning methods tested during the "Wellbeing academy" were shared with partnered organizations from Slovenia and Romania.
About the association "Youth Initiative Center 'Involvement for Change'":
The "Youth Initiative Center 'Involvement for Change'" is a non-governmental organization founded in August 2023 as a result of an initiative by an active group of young people. Its mission is to inspire, engage, and support every young person. Through the association’s activities, we strive to promote social inclusion, active citizenship, and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth for both young people and youth workers.
A significant part of the association is its members and volunteers—young people who are ready to express their opinions and get involved in various ways of addressing issues relevant to the local community. Currently, special attention is being given to initiatives aimed at improving the overall quality of life for neurotypical and neurodiverse young people.Contact information:
Association “Youth Initiative Center “Involvement for Change””
Email: info.involvement4change@gmail.com
Website: involvement-for-change.mozellosite.com
You can obtain more information about the project and its results by contacting the association "Youth Initiative Center 'Involvement for Change.'"
The project is funded by the European Union.
Project "Wellbeing academy" closing event
Catching the last rays of the sunshine, this year on September 4th, we celebrated the solemn closing event "Wellbeing practices" of our Solidarity Project "Wellbeing academy", during which we not only took a moment to look back and reflect on everything experienced and learned during this eight-month long adventure, but also presented the self-reflection tool created as part of the project “notes on wellbeing”. In the tool you will find methods, worksheets and various questions for self-discovery from each thematic module completed in the project. Just be patient!
Before we publish the self-reflection tool "notes on wellbeing" (available in Latvian and English), we would like to dwell a little longer on fond memories and share the insights of the project participants, who are now graduates of "Wellbeing academy". Take a look at the thoughts shared by young people and youth participants at the closing event of the project!
"The biggest benefit from this project is definitely my new outlook on life, which I gained thanks to participating in the "Wellbeing academy". The experience gained in each module was "eye-opening" and really opened up new horizons. Thank you so much for this opportunity!”
"I made new acquaintances, developed my communication skills and gained inner peace and harmony."
"At the "Wellbeing academy" I not only found time for myself, but also "discovered myself" - by participating in the activities led by Krista, through various activities I saw where I lacked balance and learned how to improve it. Thank you! I strengthened myself."
"In these classes, I gained new experience, met many creative people, and got to know myself and my goals more deeply. I really appreciate the opportunity to spend time on myself.''
"My biggest benefit from participating in this project is personal and professional growth. I gained inspiration on how to work with myself and young people. The used materials, worksheets, as well as the "notes on wellbeing" tool created by the project. Thank you! I will use all of this."
"The biggest benefit gained is the courage to communicate with new people and get to know them on a deeper level, as well as revealing my thoughts and feelings to them."
"Wellbeing academy" provided a sense of community and satisfaction, inspiration and new knowledge. I learned how to cope with various challenges, while also being compassionate towards myself. An opportunity to learn in a different way."
"New knowledge and experience, self-understanding."
“I love the tool "notes on wellbeing", the little cards, the paintings and the letters I made, all these things will hold great memories.”
“Thank you for the opportunity to participate, I really enjoyed it. There were very thoughtful and interesting lessons and the organizers and participants I met were very, very nice and welcoming. Thank you very much again!!"
"Consciously devoted time to myself and met great people"
"Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the "Wellbeing academy!" This was just what I needed!”
Even though this project has ended, we are confident that the emotions, knowledge, experience gained and the connections made, will allow the "Wellbeing academy" to continue existing in another context.
Thanks for participating!
The project is funded by the European Union.
"Wellbeing academy" (No. 2023-3-LV02-ESC30-SOL-000178091)
#kopāmēsvaram #solidaritāte #manasolidaritāte #ESSolidaritātesKorpuss #EUSolidarityCorps #iespējasjauniešiem #projektijauniešiem #labbūtībasakadēmija #jspa
The 6th thematic module of the "Wellbeing academy" has been completed
Here is a small insight into the participants' insights:
"I gained positive emotions, had a good time, learned new things about myself and others. I really enjoyed this day, thank you!"
“Participating in this module allowed me to ground myself and merge into one with nature. I gained inner peace, new like-minded people, and a strong confidence to continue striving for new heights.”
“Thank you for organizing such an event, very cool and useful. Thank you for the opportunity to participate!”
“I gained new ideas and inspiration to write poetry about.”
“Fresh air. Lovely atmosphere with people. Sharing and receiving knowledge + stories of experiences.”
The solidarity project "Wellbeing academy" (No. 2023-3-LV02-ESC30-SOL-000178091) is funded by the European Union.
The 5th thematic module of the “Wellbeing academy” has been completed
A small insight into the insights of the participants of the 5th thematic module:
“This module gave me an inner sense of fulfillment and, through trying out different new mindfulness techniques, a reminder that we are here and now. It was really exciting!”
“I got a list of habits that I will implement.”
"I really liked it, I had to work a lot on myself and my awareness, it's great."
“This module gave me more courage and experience speaking in front of a lot of people, which used to make me feel uncomfortable, but I don't feel that way anymore thanks to the event.”
“I gained positive emotions, a new experience (I did henna for the first time).”
“I learned a lot more about myself”
"I learned that I can trust a friend to lead me around the room, both when I'm walking with my eyes closed, and when I'm out in nature. I got to know myself even more deeply and realized what I still need to work on."
“Thank you very much for your hard work, the lesson was nice!”
The solidarity project "Wellbeing academy" (No. 2023-3-LV02-ESC30-SOL-000178091) is funded by the European Union.
The 4th thematic module of the “Wellbeing academy” has been completed
A small insight into the insights of the participants of the 4th thematic module:
“Thank you to the team for conjuring up a magical feeling and encouraging us not to be afraid to hug a tree, touch the moss, and merge with nature. I am still filled with positive emotions about everything we experienced today. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
“I had a great time. I liked the opportunity to talk to the guests. I enjoyed the walk in the forest, as well as the picnic by the sea.”
“Thank you for the magical atmosphere and the opportunity to experience something completely new. A very interesting lesson.”
“I tried forest bathing - I had only read about it before. I really enjoyed participating in the activities in the forest - I felt a connection with nature, experienced a sense of peace and flow. Thank you Krista for sharing your experience of the foreign project - including elements of fairy tale therapy in the lesson, as well as for the cool hike with conversations, which allowed me to get to know the participants of the lesson better and gain positive emotions.”
“Greater understanding of myself. Thank you for guiding me, the activities were well planned.”
“I learned that sometimes you need to ask yourself questions that you can answer yourself, it will help you create peace and harmony within yourself.”
"The opportunity to be in nature with people, as well as various interesting, unusual activities. I will say thank you for being together."
“Peace, physical activity and a successful day!”
The solidarity project "Wellbeing academy" (No. 2023-3-LV02-ESC30-SOL-000178091) is funded by the European Union.
The 3rd thematic module of the “Wellbeing academy” has been completed
It's great that young people and youth workers are ready to grow together!
A small insight into the insights of the participants of the 3rd thematic module:
“I understood more about my personal relationships with people, both positive and negative. I also gained insight into how to deal with negative situations. I gained a sense of togetherness.”
"This module gave me the opportunity to appreciate the people around me and say a heartfelt thank you to them. A great event and really valuable lessons."
“A situation where you can stop for a moment and be 100% open with yourself. And share some of that with others.”
“The elements of a healthy relationship will be remembered.”
"I really enjoyed participating in the creative activities and being together. It was fun, warm and friendly, the time passed by unnoticed."
“I strengthened my knowledge about relationships with the people around us.”
“Thank you for today's class! A Saturday filled with love and positive emotions. Thank you for creating a safe space to talk, support, and be inspired.”
"I understood what I hadn't told others before. I wondered what others were saying about me. I learned to put myself in the role of an actor."
"This time it made me think about my relationships with the people close to me. I hadn't spent much time thinking about those things before."
The solidarity project "Wellbeing academy" (No. 2023-3-LV02-ESC30-SOL-000178091) is funded by the European Union.
The 2nd thematic module of the "Wellbeing academy" has been completed
A space to find a moment to be open with yourself; a space to creatively express your emotions; a space to create, enjoy, rejoice, explore, talk and listen. In this “Wellness Academy” module, we continued to get to know each other, enjoyed the floral mandala and each created our own. We participated in the narrative therapy-based activity “Tree of Life”, as well as let our thoughts flow in an automatic writing task. We also created intention cards and masks! A fulfilling day! Thank you to every participant for letting go of the process! Thank you to the team!
A small insight into the insights of the participants of the 2nd thematic module:
"I gained pleasant revelations and emotions, a deeper understanding of myself, others, and life. Thank you very much for the very nice and personal, authentic, heartfelt event!"
“I was inspired and felt fulfilled in this event. So beautiful! Nice atmosphere, pleasant activity leader, very interesting conversations.”
"I realized what I miss the most. Thank you! I was lost in deep thoughts!"
"I gained positive emotions, new experiences, met cool, creative, interesting people. Very beautiful floral mandala!"
“Today's event was a beautiful experience that helped open the doors to inner creativity. Thank you! Everything was great!”
“I learned ways to express my emotions, I enjoyed good, open conversations.”
"I gained insight into how important peace is in everyday life, and how much benefit it brings. Super leader, super organizers."
“I gained inspiration and a little insight into the future. Thank you!”
The solidarity project "Wellbeing scademy" (No. 2023-3-LV02-ESC30-SOL-000178091) is funded by the European Union.
The 1st thematic module of "Wellbeing academy" has been completed
In this event, we got to know each other, tried to “measure” our well-being in different areas of life using the “well-being hand” tool, and also participated in the “wellbeing bingo” and “wellbeing map” workshops. Thanks to every participant for daring, sharing, and giving yourself the gift of time to grow! Thanks also to the project team!
A small insight into the insights of the participants of the 1st thematic module:
"I gained valuable experience, met interesting people, had a good time, and gained ideas that I will use in the future. You are great!"
"I gained new experience, developed communication, had a great time, and realized what I need to improve in my everyday life. Very good atmosphere! I liked the music and the snacks were delicious!"
"I realized that I need to take care of myself, my well-being, and my inner emotions. Thank you for this opportunity, I'm glad I agreed to participate."
“Thank you! It was really nice! I thought about myself and how I feel. I made new friends.”
“I met a lot of nice and cool people, as well as new ways to improve my well-being. Thank you, it was great!”
“I really liked the people and the atmosphere. It was very enjoyable and pleasant. Thank you very much!”
"Thank you! I gained clarity, I realized that I need to continue what I started, one step forward every day."
The solidarity project "Wellbeing academy" (No. 2023-3-LV02-ESC30-SOL-000178091) is funded by the European Union.