On July 31, 2025, our team from Germany took part in the Erasmus+ Training Course “Putting Well in Wellbeing”, organized by Ocean Znanja in Novaki, near Zagreb, Croatia. The project brought together 22 participants from Germany, Italy, Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia. These European countries were further represented by participants with diverse cultural backgrounds, including Indian, Nepali,Yemeni, and Kurdish participants, adding richness to the exchange.
When it comes to working with young people, the topic of wellbeing is often overlooked. As youth workers, we are usually focused on supporting, guiding, and caring for others, and in doing so, we often neglect our own needs. This made the theme of this training course ’wellbeing’ feel especially meaningful to us.
Many of us know from personal experience that youth work can be both deeply inspiring and, at times, emotionally exhausting. The responsibility of being “strong” for others, of always holding space for their struggles, can leave little room for our own recovery. Over time, this imbalance can lead to fatigue, stress, and even burnout.
By joining this training, we wanted to explore how to approach our work in healthier ways. We were eager to learn practical strategies for creating balance, protecting our own energy, and establishing routines that sustain us rather than drain us. At the same time, we hoped to reflect on what it truly means to care for ourselves while continuing to care for others. This training offered not only tools and methods, but also a space for honest conversations, peer support, and the reminder that our wellbeing is just as important as the wellbeing of those we serve.
The project was enriched with meaningful and impactful activities spread across the seven days. Each day began in a slow and gentle rhythm, allowing us to connect with the peaceful nature of Novaki. These mindful mornings helped us release the stress we had carried with us from our daily lives and set the tone for a more balanced experience.
In the afternoons and evenings, we engaged in diverse activities designed to challenge, inspire, and nurture us. These sessions were thoughtfully structured, with breaks for coffee and meals in between, giving us space to recharge and share informal moments together. What made the program especially valuable was the consistent practice of reflection after each activity. These reflective circles allowed us not only to process what we had done, but also to understand its deeper meaning and personal relevance. The activities were not simply tasks to complete—they became experiences to absorb, moments to grow from, and lessons to carry forward.
Beyond the formal sessions, the project offered countless opportunities for connection. Whether through conversations with other participants, shared laughter, or quiet moments in nature, we found ourselves building meaningful relationships and networks across cultures and countries. The natural surroundings of Novaki were not just a backdrop but an active part of our journey, supporting our sense of grounding and wellbeing.
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I’ve been part of quite a few projects, and this one really stood out. The pace of the activities felt just right,it gave me space to think, feel, connect, and really be present, which is something I don’t often get to do.
I loved the chance to connect with others, both personally and professionally, and the mix of ages brought in perspectives I hadn’t expected but really appreciated. Some of my favorite moments were with a dog who wasn’t even part of the program, Caesar helped me overcome my fear of dogs, enjoy some spontaneous cuddles, and reminded me that communication doesn’t always need words.
The silent mornings were another highlight. They showed me that I don’t always need to lead or be “doing” something. As someone who’s used to always being in action, especially as an activist, it was refreshing to just slow down and connect with the world around me.
Honestly, every activity felt meaningful in its own way. The trainers and organizers were so authentic, creating a space that felt like home. This experience reminded me why I love community work and why taking care of myself is so important if I want to be there for others.
– Sun
‘’The program was unlike any training I had ever done before. We started our mornings in silence, which felt unusual at first but soon became one of my favorite parts of the day. It gave me the chance to slow down and simply be, without rushing into emails, phones, or tasks. I also practiced journaling,something I had never really tried before, and I discovered how powerful writing can be in making sense of my emotions and experiences.
What made this training truly special for me was the group itself. Sharing stories with people from across Europe and beyond reminded me that, no matter where we come from, we face similar struggles,stress, burnout, blurred boundaries. The openness and honesty of everyone created a safe space where I could be vulnerable, laugh, and feel supported.
Some moments genuinely surprised me. Who would have thought that sitting in silence or writing down just a few lines each day could shift so much in how I feel? I also realized that creating supportive environments in my own work doesn’t always require big funding,it often begins with simple practices, like listening more deeply or setting clear boundaries’’
– Ashis
“Urban OUTdoors Expedition” training course is financed by the Erasmus+ Programme and organized by our partner organisation Ocean Znanja.
If you want to experience something similar, check out our open calls here.