Empowering Youth Through Mental Health Awareness: Erasmus+ Exchange in Moravec

The Erasmus+ youth exchange called “Accept and Be Yourself”, organized by Brno For You, brought together young people from across Europe in Moravec, Czechia, in mid-July of 2024. The event welcomed participants from Czechia, Turkey, Sweden, Hungary, Estonia, Spain, and Poland, who gathered to explore critical topics around mental health, self-image, and the impact of social media.

As a Sending Organisation, INPRO has brought together five outstanding young individuals from Rzeszów: Karol Płoszaj, Bartek Rzucek, Hanna Kida, Milena Sadło, and Daniel Najda. All are active members of Rzeszów’s Youth Council, dedicated to promoting and enriching youth culture in the city.

The weeklong project provided a unique space for young people to discuss the internet’s and social media’s powerful role in shaping self-perception. Social media can connect people and open up opportunities, yet it often encourages unhealthy comparisons with others or with idealised online personas. This youth exchange aimed to address these issues, promoting self-love, self-esteem, body neutrality, and acceptance of diversity in beauty. The core message was simple but profound: “Do not fight with yourself – be yourself and be proud of it.”

For Hanna Kida, one of the participants from Poland, this was her first Erasmus+ experience, and it left a lasting impression. Reflecting on her experience, Hanna shared how much she appreciated the openness, respect, and genuine interest shown by the program’s organizers: “I really liked the attitude of our mentors toward us, their respect and attention to our problems, the trust they showed us. It was my first time on Erasmus+, and I am so happy with it – I have amazing memories and will try to go again!”

The Long-lasting Impact

The “Accept and Be Yourself” project in Moravec was more than just a weeklong program; it was a transformative experience that inspired participants to embrace self-acceptance and celebrate their uniqueness. For our team from INPRO, this project reinforced their commitment to mental health awareness and encouraged them to keep pursuing Erasmus+ exchanges for the growth and positive connections they bring.