In a world where attention to mental well-being and stress management is increasingly crucial, 30 employees and volunteers from NGOs gathered to face this challenge with courage and determination. During the training course “Empowering Youth Workers: Building Resilience and Managing Stress” held in Poland from February 22nd to 29th, under the expert guidance of Gośka Tur and Natalie Jivkova, they embarked on an unprecedented journey of personal and professional growth.
With the coordination of SCI Poland and the support of the European Union as part of the “StopReflectDoBetter” project, they explored innovative approaches to improve their mental health, discovering new tools and mechanisms not only to help others but also to promote their own happiness and well-being.
Fatma Buyukcoskun, a participant from Turkey and a long-term volunteer with SCI Italy through the European Solidarity Corps program, shares her journey during this training, which has left an indelible mark on her life. Keep reading to discover how this transformative experience has influenced her perspective and her commitment to promoting peace and well-being in her community and beyond:
As a participant in the “Empowering Youth Workers: Building Resilience and Managing Stress” Training Course held in Poznań, Poland, I found myself immersed in a transformative journey alongside 29 other individuals hailing from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Facilitated by SCI Poland and co-funded by the European Union as part of the Stop. Reflect. Do Better project, this training aimed to equip youth workers, leaders, and activists with tools to enhance their well-being and navigate stress effectively.
My name is Fatma from Turkey, and currently engaged in voluntary work with SCI Italy. Aligning with SCI’s values of peace, activism, and antimilitarism, I eagerly joined this training to further contribute to the noble cause of promoting peace and well-being. Little did I know that this experience would surpass my expectations and leave an indelible mark on my personal and professional growth.
From the outset, the training challenged conventional learning methods with its innovative approach. While I anticipated traditional instructional techniques, I was pleasantly surprised by the incorporation of creative exercises, such as the silent afternoon session. These unconventional methods facilitated profound moments of introspection, allowing me to glean insights and acquire practical tools applicable to daily life.
The intensity of the training stemmed from the breadth and significance of the topics covered. Delving into mental health, well-being, mindfulness, and strategies to cope with stress, each session was thoughtfully designed to foster holistic development. Despite the intensity, I find myself still in the process of internalizing the wealth of knowledge and skills imparted during those enriching days in Poznań.
Central to the success of the training were the experienced facilitators, Natalie and Gośka , whose expertise, coupled with a nurturing environment conducive to learning, created a space where we felt empowered to engage actively and explore new horizons.
Moreover, the collaborative nature of the training fostered meaningful connections with like-minded individuals from across the world. The exchange of ideas, best practices, and resources enriched the learning experience and laid the groundwork for future collaborations in promoting well-being and peace within our respective communities.
Looking ahead, I am committed to translating my learnings into action by organizing follow-up activities in our organization. By sharing the knowledge and skills acquired during the training, I aim to contribute to the collective effort of building resilient, empowered youth workers capable of effecting positive change.