Healthy Youth in All Aspects: Building Connections for a Healthier Future

Healthy Youth in All Aspects (Project No: 2023-3-ES02-KA152-YOU-000178532) was a Youth Exchange project coordinated by Generaciones Saludables España and implemented in Gijón, Spain, between 4 August 2024 and 10 August 2024. The project brought together young participants from Spain, Latvia, Belgium, Turkey, Romania, and Hungary, creating an international learning environment where intercultural dialogue, healthy lifestyles, and personal development were encouraged through non-formal education methods.

The project began by creating an inclusive atmosphere in which participants could quickly become comfortable with one another despite their different cultural backgrounds. Through interactive ice-breaking activities, young people exchanged personal stories, interests, and cultural experiences while communicating in a relaxed and engaging environment. These activities encouraged participants to step outside their comfort zones, develop confidence in meeting new people, and establish meaningful intercultural friendships. By interacting with many different participants, they also strengthened their communication, active listening, and social skills.

Another important focus was helping participants fully understand the project's objectives and their own role within the learning process. An orientation session introduced the overall goals, planned activities, expected outcomes, and the responsibilities shared by every participant. Discussions also covered group values such as mutual respect, inclusion, teamwork, and open communication, ensuring that everyone contributed to a positive and supportive learning environment. This common understanding created a strong foundation for collaboration throughout the youth exchange.

Safety, responsibility, and environmental awareness were also highlighted as essential elements of the project experience. Participants became familiar with safety procedures, emergency measures, and responsible behaviour during project activities, particularly those involving physical exercise. At the same time, environmentally friendly practices were introduced, encouraging participants to adopt sustainable habits throughout the exchange. These discussions promoted a sense of responsibility not only for personal well-being but also for the well-being of others and the environment.

The learning experience was further strengthened through an introduction to the Erasmus+ Programme and the Youthpass certificate. Participants explored how Erasmus+ supports youth mobility, intercultural learning, and personal development while discovering how Youthpass helps recognise and document acquired competences. Interactive discussions and experience-sharing sessions allowed participants to reflect on the value of international learning opportunities and exchange previous experiences. By the end of these activities, participants had gained greater awareness of lifelong learning, European cooperation, intercultural understanding, and the importance of recognising their own personal and professional development.