ERASMUS+, Key action 1: training course
Dates: 14—21 June 2025
Venue: Woodstown, County Waterford, Ireland
Czech team: 2 participants – youth workers
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: Woodstown Residential and Activity Centre
Project report:
At the beginning of the summer, I had the opportunity to take part in a youth exchange called Notes of Balance, which took place in the beautiful Irish countryside near Waterford. The project focused on emotional awareness, mental well-being, and self-discovery – topics that felt very relevant and personal to me.
Throughout the week, we explored various techniques aimed at helping us connect more deeply with ourselves and others. Every morning, we practiced yoga on the beach and engaged in guided meditation sessions – something entirely new to me. I found these moments incredibly grounding and eye-opening, and they helped me reflect on my own emotions and thought patterns in ways I hadn’t experienced before.
The environment of the project felt peaceful, supportive, and deeply authentic. I felt free to be myself without judgment – something that isn’t always easy to find. Honestly, I would have stayed much longer if I could. I truly felt at home.
Besides the workshops, we also enjoyed nature hikes in the nearby hills, evenings playing guitar, singing, and spending time together. We shared laughs, stories, and cultural experiences – over tea or sometimes over a pint in a local pub. It was a beautiful balance between structured learning and spontaneous connection.
The group was wonderfully diverse, with participants from Armenia, Italy, Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Turkey, Ireland, and of course, the Czech Republic. Although we didn’t produce a specific tangible output, what we shared and learned together was more than enough – the growth was internal, but deeply meaningful.
Personally, this experience helped me learn to slow down, be present, and listen to myself. I left Ireland with new tools for handling stress and emotions, but more importantly, with a deeper understanding of who I am.
I’m truly grateful for this experience and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to reconnect with themselves and others in a meaningful way.
Ivana B.
