Mindful Connections: Mental Health, Sex Educations and Affective Communication

From the 5th to the 15th of January in the year 2025, Berlin functioned as a vibrant ecosystem for the youth exchange program Mindful Connections which dealt with affective communication, sex education, and mental health issues. Mindful Connections hosted 30 participants from Spain, Croatia, Greece, Estonia, and Lithuania who spent eight days sharing and acquiring knowledge at the stunning grounds of Abenteuerzentrum Berlin located in Grunewald.

The project, funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ program, offered remarkable opportunities for young people to go beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom setting. With the specific objectives of using photography, videography, storytelling, and mindfulness, participants embraced active learning by cultivating expression, active listening, and reflection in a warm nurturing setting.

The activities provided aimed at fostering self-disclosure, trust, and easing introductions, in particular, provided for active participation. Participants examined various types of non-verbal communication, analyzed their emotional responses, and engaged in difficult dialogues concerning gender identity, consent, and boundary setting. They were expected to actively reflect on social expectations and norms while learning about one another’s multicultural backgrounds through role play, stories, small group discussions, and group art projects. The other major themes of the conversation focused on the value of empathy, careful listening, and decision making from the values perspective. This also included some young people working with case scenarios and evaluating their social values, collaborating to construct socially accepted norms for civil conduct. With these hands-on approaches alongside a mix of creativity and intense contemplation, participants were able to gain deeper insights in addition to personal development.

Participants explored a range of emotions by taking photographs with empathy, non verbal communication and body language in mind. During the week, one of the most memorable activities was a creative film-making workshop where participants adapted scenes from well known films or series and infused new meanings surrounding consent, sex education, mental health, and emotional well-being. These short films turned into powerful messages of advocacy for these important issues.

The group then watched a feature film as one of the activities and engaged in inspiring discussions after which all participants were prompted to reflect deeply on the themes presented in the film, share perspectives, and further engage in dialogue.

Evenings evolved into special moments for socializing and fun. During this intercultural night, each national group had the chance to showcase their cultural heritage through their traditional music, dance and cuisine. Finally, the gala night was a fun filled event full of dancing, singing, and games which was a great way for participants to appreciate one another and celebrate their shared experiences.

On the last day, everyone came together for a farewell circle where each participant received their Youthpass certificates in an enjoyable and symbolic way. One of the most touching moments was the “secret friend” reveal. This unique addition allowed everyone to support and encourage one another anonymously, creating an extra layer of kindness and bond to the entire exchange. The participants built an entire community full of conversations, laughter, friendships, and other cherished moments. Greater self-assurance, stronger relationships, and the motivation to make a difference in their communities were outcomes many participants walked away with.

Mindful Connections emphasized the striking impact of non-formal education that is creative, holistic, and youth driven. When collected together to share, express, or develop ideas, learning in its truest form happens while authentic change begins.