How do you spell relief from stress? - Reflecting on a Journey of Learning and Resilience

Celebrating Growth: Reflecting on a Journey of Learning and Resilience

The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project "How do you spell relief from stress?" took place in Rome, Italy, between 7–14 July 2024, under the coordination of Healthy Contributions for Youth. FAKTOR Community Health and Sport Association joined the exchange as the Hungarian partner. Through a wide range of non-formal education activities, the project supported young people in strengthening their stress management skills, emotional resilience, intercultural understanding, and active participation while encouraging meaningful personal development.

An important part of the programme focused on recognising and reflecting on individual learning through the Youthpass Certificate. Participants explored the eight Key Competences for Lifelong Learning and completed their own Youthpass certificates by evaluating the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they had developed throughout the exchange. Guided by interactive explanations and self-assessment exercises, they learned how to identify their personal achievements, monitor their learning process, and understand the value of documenting non-formal education experiences. This activity strengthened self-awareness, analytical thinking, and the ability to reflect on personal growth.

Participants also evaluated the overall learning experience through creative and interactive assessment activities. The "Let's Vote the Activities" exercise encouraged everyone to express their opinions independently by evaluating each workshop according to its impact and usefulness. This process promoted honest feedback while helping organisers better understand participants' needs and expectations. Individual self-evaluation questionnaires and reflective writing further encouraged participants to analyse how the project had influenced their confidence, emotional awareness, communication skills, and everyday attitudes toward stress management.

The programme highlighted the importance of teamwork and dissemination through the End of Project Presentation. International teams collaborated to organise photographs, videos, and presentations that documented the learning journey and showcased the project's achievements. Participants also explored the project's website, blog, and social media dissemination activities, exchanging ideas on how to continue promoting the project's message after returning home. Collaborative learning, presentation skills, digital communication, and a strong sense of ownership were reinforced as participants reflected on the lasting impact of their shared experience.

Interactive activities such as the Stress Ball Game reminded participants that stressful situations can often be approached with optimism, empathy, and solution-oriented thinking instead of impulsive reactions. Leisure time and intercultural exchanges strengthened friendships while creating opportunities to learn more about each other's traditions, values, and everyday lives. The project concluded with a certificate ceremony that celebrated each participant's commitment, learning, and contribution to the international team. Together, these experiences empowered participants to leave Rome with greater confidence, stronger emotional resilience, and practical tools for promoting positive mental well-being within their own communities.