MINC: Mindful Inner Peace via Nature-Connection

Project No. KA152-YOU-78A03016

About the Project

Project Goal – Mindful Inner Peace via Nature-Connection

The project Mindful Inner Peace via Nature-Connection aims to sustainably strengthen the mental well-being of young people with post-migrant perspectives and transcultural backgrounds. At its core is the active involvement of youth in their personal development, sense of self-efficacy, and engagement in social processes.

A central objective is to use nature-based methods as effective tools for managing stress and anxiety. Through mindful experiences in natural environments, participants learn to engage more consciously with themselves and to strengthen their emotional resilience and inner resources.

The project places a special emphasis on:

  • Fostering youth leadership,
  • Developing digital competences, and
  • Providing targeted support to young people living in structurally disadvantaged contexts.

The overall goal is to promote self-efficacy in dealing with psychological challenges and to create spaces where young people can actively shape their lives and surroundings.

Project Activities

Youth Exchange (International Youth Encounter):
36 young people from five countries will take part in an international exchange, with a focus on mindfulness and mental well-being. Nature-based activities and forest pedagogy will serve as central tools to enhance emotional health while deepening intercultural understanding and connection.

Workshops, Networking and Dialogue:
Interactive workshops, guided discussions, and open peer-to-peer exchanges will raise awareness around mental health and provide a safe and supportive space for shared experiences.

Peer Support and Group Dynamics:
A peer network will be created to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and to foster intercultural bonds that can continue beyond the project’s duration.

Digital Content Creation:
Participants will create podcasts, vlogs, and social media content to reflect on and share their learning experiences and acquired skills.

Youth Exchange – Workshop Week in Neusiedl am See (23–31 August 2025)

Theme: Sustainability, Intercultural Learning & Empowerment through Experiential (Nature-Based) Education

Target Group: Young people from across Europe (Ukraine, Spain, Austria, Italy, Romania)
Duration: 8 days, approx. 42 hours of program time
Location: Neusiedl am See, Austria

Description

This international youth exchange brings together young people from five European countries to explore sustainability, environmental awareness, and local ways of living. The program centers around non-formal education methods, connection, and active participation.

Program Highlights

  • Get-to-know-each-other & Energizer Sessions
    Icebreakers, games, and team-building activities to create trust, a sense of community, and open dialogue
  • Workshops & Excursions
    • Visits to local beekeepers and winemakers focused on sustainable agriculture
    • Sessions in Yoga, Tai Chi, nature pedagogy, cycling tours around Lake Neusiedl, and boat trips
    • Encounters with local farmers, combined with “Synergy Practices” for deep ecological awareness
  • Intercultural Evenings
    Youth participants take turns organizing evenings with music, food, and stories from their home countries
  • Daily Reflection Rounds
    Guided reflection and feedback spaces to deepen learning and personal insights
  • Youth-led Activities
    Participants take active responsibility for shaping parts of the program, supported by group leaders

Methods

The entire program is rooted in non-formal and experiential learning, including:

  • Peer learning & creative group processes
  • Nature-based education led by facilitators and psychotherapists from Sicily and Romania
  • Participatory workshops and guided reflection
  • Outdoor and sensory experiences that encourage personal growth and ecological understanding

This approach fosters social skills, self-efficacy, and intercultural sensitivity in a supportive, inclusive learning environment.

Project Partners

Project Duration

May 1st, 2025 – April 30th, 2026

This project is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme.
The content of this publication reflects the views only of the author(s), and the European Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

+43 3352 33940
office@vhs-roma.eu
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