In June 2023, youth workers from different parts of Europe joined together in Cefalù, Sicily, to participate in the Erasmus+ training course called “Wellness Beyond Stereotypes.” This international project focused on how social labels, prejudice, and cultural expectations affect the well-being of young people. The training offered tools and knowledge to support young people in building self-confidence, managing emotions, and feeling safe in their identity. Through group discussions, creative workshops, and intercultural exchanges, participants explored how to reduce stereotypes and create more inclusive environments. The project was designed to bring new energy into youth work and to help professionals across Europe reflect on how their actions can support healthier, more open-minded communities.
The youth worker from the Lithuanian NGO Tavo Europa joined the training with a clear goal—to find new ways to respond to the growing emotional and social challenges faced by young people in Lithuania. In May 2023, many youth in Lithuania were struggling with mental health issues, including anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem. These problems were often made worse by stereotypes and social pressure. Young people were judged based on appearance, family background, ethnicity, or lifestyle choices. Those who did not fit the traditional expectations of gender roles or success often felt excluded or invisible. Roma youth, LGBTQ+ youth, and students from economically disadvantaged families had limited access to safe spaces where they could be accepted and understood. In schools, there was still little focus on emotional learning or identity support. Teachers had few resources to handle difficult conversations, and many young people stayed silent about their fears or feelings. The need for change was clear.
During the training in Cefalù, the Lithuanian participant found inspiration in both the content and the atmosphere. One of the most important discoveries came from a session about unconscious bias. Participants were invited to explore how even small, automatic judgments could affect their work with youth. The realization that everyone carries some stereotypes—often without knowing—was a powerful moment. The training encouraged participants to slow down and truly listen to the stories behind each young person’s face. Another eye-opening activity used creative arts to allow expression without words. Through drawing and movement, the group explored identity, confidence, and the limits placed by society. For the participant from Tavo Europa, these methods opened a new perspective on how to support youth, especially those who cannot easily speak about their experiences. Meeting youth workers from different countries also gave insight into successful local actions, such as community circles, mental health clubs, or inclusive art programs in schools.
After returning to Lithuania, the youth worker felt motivated to act. Together with the team at Tavo Europa, they designed a local initiative called “Open Identity.” This project aimed to create safe spaces where young people could explore who they are without fear of judgment. It included a series of workshops in schools, youth centers, and libraries around Vilnius and other cities. Each session focused on a theme connected to identity, such as “How I See Myself,” “Voices That Hurt,” or “Being Different Is Okay.” The workshops used tools from the training in Sicily, including storytelling, drawing, and guided group conversations. The goal was not only to educate but to build trust and emotional safety. The team also created a short video series with real young people sharing their thoughts on stereotypes and self-acceptance.
The effect of “Open Identity” was immediate and strong. Many young people who joined the workshops said it was the first time they could speak freely about their inner life. In one session, a teenage girl talked about how she had hidden her hobbies because she thought they were “not cool enough.” Her story inspired others to open up about similar feelings. In another town, a boy who often kept to himself shared a drawing that showed how he felt locked inside by people’s comments. These honest moments helped build bridges between participants and showed that they were not alone. Teachers who attended the sessions said the activities gave them a better understanding of their students. In some schools, the workshops sparked further projects led by the students themselves, such as creating “safe corners” in classrooms where anyone could go if they needed a quiet moment or someone to talk to.
The wider community also noticed the project. Local youth centers began using some of the methods in their regular programs. A few municipalities expressed interest in integrating identity and wellness themes into future education projects. The Tavo Europa team was invited to share the project results at a national youth forum. They also began to collaborate with school psychologists and art teachers to continue the initiative in new formats. The Erasmus+ experience became a foundation for a bigger change—not just in one organization, but in how people across the country were beginning to talk about youth, identity, and mental health.
Thanks to the training in Cefalù, the youth worker from Lithuania learned that inclusion starts with attention. When youth workers listen with care, when they create space for difference, and when they believe in every young person’s potential, real wellness begins. The experience showed that young people do not need to be told who to be—they need to be heard, understood, and supported as they figure it out for themselves. It also reminded the team that youth work is about more than events and programs. It is about trust, time, and staying present in the small moments that shape someone’s life.
Looking ahead, Tavo Europa plans to grow the “Open Identity” project by building an online platform where youth from different regions of Lithuania can share stories and connect. They also want to train more youth workers and teachers using the materials and lessons from the Erasmus+ course. The long-term vision is to create a culture in which every young person feels they are enough—no matter their background, shape, color, or dream.
Young people have the power to transform society, but they need allies who believe in them beyond stereotypes. When youth are allowed to express who they are and are supported in their journey, they become confident, kind, and ready to make change. The project in Sicily was a spark. In Lithuania, that spark is now growing into a flame of courage, creativity, and care. It is proof that real inclusion is not just a goal—it is a daily practice, carried forward by those who are ready to listen and act with heart.