In June 2023, youth workers from all over Europe met in Cefalù, a small town in Sicily, Italy, for an Erasmus+ training course called “Wellness Beyond Stereotypes.” This international project focused on how stereotypes affect the mental and emotional well-being of young people. The training invited participants to explore different aspects of identity and wellness, and to share tools for creating inclusive and supportive youth environments. The project was important because it helped youth workers reflect on how stereotypes are present in daily life, and how these invisible labels can influence self-esteem, confidence, and the way young people build relationships. Through interactive workshops, cultural exchange, and deep reflection, the project gave space to learn, feel, and grow.
The youth worker representing the Romanian NGO Act O`Clock joined the project with the desire to better support young people facing emotional stress and identity-related challenges. In Romania, especially in May 2023, many young people were experiencing difficulties connected to social expectations and lack of emotional education. In schools and even in families, topics like mental health, diversity, or emotional expression were often ignored or misunderstood. Young people were judged for their clothes, their appearance, their religion, or their background. Those who were “different” in any way—like Roma youth, LGBTQ+ youth, or young people with disabilities—often felt invisible or rejected. Most schools focused on academic success, while emotional support was missing. Many teenagers struggled with anxiety and low self-esteem, but they had no one to talk to. Teachers and parents wanted to help but didn’t always have the tools. There was a clear need for more inclusive spaces and more open conversations about feelings, identity, and personal growth.
During the training in Cefalù, the youth worker from Romania had a life-changing experience. One of the most eye-opening activities was a session on unconscious bias. Participants explored the hidden stereotypes they might carry without even realizing it. This session helped everyone understand how easy it is to judge people without knowing their story. Another important moment came during a storytelling circle. Each participant was invited to share a personal story about a time they felt excluded or labeled. These moments created strong emotional connections between people from different countries and backgrounds. The stories showed that even though each experience was unique, many feelings were shared—fear, shame, hope, and strength. The training also included creative sessions using movement, art, and roleplay, which helped people express emotions that were hard to put into words. These new methods inspired the Romanian youth worker to imagine how similar tools could be used at home, with local youth.
After returning to Romania, the Act O`Clock team created a local project called “Inside Out.” The goal was to support teenagers in exploring their identity and emotional wellness through creative expression and storytelling. The project started in high schools in the Brașov area. The youth worker organized workshops where young people could talk about the stereotypes they face and how these labels affect their self-image and relationships. Each workshop included group discussions, personal reflection, and simple creative tasks like drawing or writing. Participants explored questions like “How do I see myself?”, “What makes me feel strong?”, and “What do others assume about me that isn’t true?” The structure was based on the activities from Cefalù, using the same slow and safe rhythm that allowed young people to feel comfortable and open up.
The “Inside Out” project had a strong and positive impact. Many students shared that it was the first time they felt invited to speak about themselves in such a real and honest way. Some said that before the workshop, they thought they were alone with their fears and insecurities. But after hearing others share similar feelings, they felt more connected and less ashamed. One boy talked about how he was always called “lazy” because of his learning difficulties, even though he worked hard. After the session, a classmate apologized for judging him. These small but meaningful moments started to change the way young people looked at each other. Teachers who observed the workshops said the atmosphere in class became more respectful and friendly. Some asked for more sessions to be offered across other grades.
The local community also responded positively. Parents who heard about the workshops were curious and wanted to learn how to support their children better. The Act O`Clock team created a small booklet with tips for parents and teachers on how to talk about identity and emotional health without judgment. The project also caught the attention of a local youth center, which offered space for a weekend retreat focused on self-awareness and team building. The youth worker invited participants from the original workshops to lead some of the sessions, giving them the chance to grow their confidence and leadership skills. These youth-led moments became one of the most beautiful results of the entire project.
Thanks to the experience in Cefalù, the youth worker from Romania discovered that youth wellness begins with presence and listening. It is not about fixing problems, but about showing that every person deserves to be seen and heard. The training also helped the Act O`Clock team see that inclusion is not only about welcoming people who are different—it is about building environments where nobody feels the need to hide who they are. The youth worker learned that labels can be heavy, but stories can lighten them. And when young people feel free to tell their story, healing and connection can begin.
Looking ahead, Act O`Clock wants to develop “Inside Out” into a long-term program. The goal is to bring it to more schools, rural areas, and youth centers across Romania. The team is planning to train a group of volunteers—young people who experienced the first workshops—to help lead future sessions. They also want to create an online platform where young people can share stories, drawings, and messages of support for others going through similar struggles. The dream is to build a culture of care, where stereotypes lose power, and kindness grows stronger.
Young people in Romania are ready for this change. They are full of creativity, emotion, and questions. What they need is space, trust, and the belief that they matter—just as they are. The training in Sicily gave one youth worker the tools to begin this journey. But the real change is happening now, every time a young person chooses to be honest, every time a classmate listens with care, and every time a teacher says, “You’re enough.” The future belongs to youth. And that future will be brighter, more equal, and more human—if it is built beyond stereotypes, and shaped from the inside out.