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Exploring Youth Work in the Heart of Poland – Keep Calm and Youth Work Training Experience
Four enthusiastic young people – Lorena, Róbert, Orsolya, and Olivér – set out to explore Poland and dive into the depths of quality youth work. Their destination was the picturesque town of Biały Dunajec in southern Poland, where they were greeted by historic buildings and friendly people. The Erasmus+ training course titled “Keep calm and youth work” was designed for youth workers and volunteer coordinators who aim to work with young people in a more conscious, prepared, and effective way – especially in challenging situations.
“The first day began with introductory activities, where each participant had the opportunity to express their fears and hopes related to the project. This was followed by a brief presentation of the project, after which we focused on a series of exercises designed to facilitate self-discovery and connection between participants. We discussed personal fears and set goals together for the week. To get to know each other better, we took part in a pair communication exercise: for two minutes, we discussed interesting topics with a partner, then switched partners and explored new subjects. The day also included relaxation and breathing exercises, as well as a special moment in which we walked silently to music, looked each other in the eyes, and smiled.
The second day was dedicated to understanding communication. We explored how we express ourselves, how we listen, and how we deliver clear messages, regardless of the context. The morning began with a reflection on attention – how and when we focus on those around us, and how important it is to be truly present in conversations. We encouraged each other to talk about personal emotions, to say “I feel…” and not just speak about facts, but also about inner experiences. Throughout the day, the main theme was communication. We learned that beyond words, how we send and receive messages truly matters.
The next two days were a real journey inward. We began with a self-reflection exercise: we wrote down 10 things that are important to us, then gradually narrowed the list down to just one essential thing. It was a moment of honesty and clarity. In the goal-setting section, we used the SMART method to transform our dreams into concrete steps. Each participant formulated specific, realistic, and time-measurable goals – thus laying the foundation for change. Then, in a symbolic and emotional atmosphere, we stepped into the “Fire Day” – a special moment in the project, which invited us to connect with our personal power.
That day felt like a mirror for everyone – we saw ourselves more clearly, and we saw each other. We grew closer, laughed, supported each other, and began to shape who we truly want to become. It was a day about intention, vulnerability, and choice. We learned that when we know what we want and we are present on our journey, nothing is impossible. Not even walking on fire.
The following day was a trip to the famous mountain resort of Zakopane. We explored the mountain on foot to discover hidden places, stunning alpine scenery, and fresh air. The weather was on our side – It was around 15°C, and some of us even got sunburned… in April, in Poland! Interesting, right? We descended through the forest and enjoyed a few hours walking the beautiful streets of Zakopane, indulging in authentic Polish cuisine and picking up souvenirs. The day ended at the thermal baths – a truly relaxing experience!
Day 6 was dedicated to personal development and motivation. We started with physical exercises and explored important tools to better understand ourselves and to build a clear direction in life. From communication and authentic self-expression to stress and thought management, everything was blended into a balanced and inspiring program. We learned that setting clear and realistic goals can motivate us daily, and that movement and relaxation are essential allies in maintaining energy and inner balance.
The last day of the project was focused on knowledge dissemination. We went to a school in the village where we presented the Erasmus+ program to the students, aiming to inspire them to choose this path in the future as well. We spent an engaging hour with the young students, who were very captivated by our presentation, so we can confidently say that we achieved our main goal: to motivate them. After returning, we held the final evaluation and the closing ceremony. These were intense moments for all of us, as we realized how much we had learned and what a valuable set of knowledge we were taking home. We also reflected on the beautiful friendships we formed and how difficult it is to say goodbye. But we know how Erasmus projects are – the friendships are lasting, and the chances of meeting again in the future are considerable.
We strongly believe that we made the best choice for ourselves as individuals by participating in this training course, because we said “YES” to challenges, opened our hearts and minds, rediscovered ourselves, and reconnected with our bodies, nature, and minds in a way we couldn’t do at home. All we can say is: thank you for the experience, thank you for this opportunity!”
