Follow Up Lithuania

Follow-Up Activity

Soul on Canvas YE project:

On November 15, 2024, we organized a follow-up event to share the experience and knowledge from the Soul on Canvas Youth Exchange project in Cyprus. The event gathered 23 participants, including young people and youth workers, for an interactive session. It was a great opportunity to present what was learned during the YE and inspire creativity and intercultural dialogue in the community.

Follow-up activities:

Soul on Canvas presentation video.
Interactive self-reflection workshop: "How do I see myself and how do others see me".
Hungarian folk dance (learnt in the project).

Objectives:

This event aimed to bring the knowledge and experiences gained during the Youth Exchange to the local community, focusing on the positive impact of art therapy on mental health and well-being. The event introduced practical methods and tools to help participants improve self-awareness, nurture emotional intelligence, and unlock creativity. By encouraging open conversations about mental health and demonstrating the benefits of creative expression, the activity sought to promote understanding, empathy, and a greater sense of connection within the community.

Impact:

Fostered Self-Awareness and Empathy
Participants engaged in self-reflection and gained valuable insights into their self-perception versus how others perceived them. This experience fostered deeper self-awareness and helped build empathy by encouraging an appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Promoted Cultural Appreciation and Skill Development
Learning Hungarian folk dance introduced participants to the richness of Hungarian culture and traditions. It also enhanced their teamwork and coordination skills while deepening their understanding of dance as a form of storytelling and community connection.
Promoted the Erasmus+ Program and Youth Development Opportunities
The event highlighted the value of Erasmus+ initiatives in fostering cultural exchange, personal development, and collaborative learning. It inspired participants to explore other Erasmus+ opportunities, encouraging their active involvement in international youth programs.

Participants feedback:

Participants shared very positive feedback about the event. Many found the self-reflection workshop insightful and transformative, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and how others perceive them. The Hungarian folk dance session was highlighted as a fun and engaging way to connect with the group. Participants particularly enjoyed the creative activities; they provided a therapeutic outlet for self-expression. Additionally, the event encouraged participants to learn more about Erasmus+ and explore new opportunities for cultural and personal growth.

Evaluation Paragraphs from the participants

Juozas Stundys: The Erasmus+ project was a real adventure! I met many people from different countries, and we shared our cultures and ideas. It was very interesting to learn new things and solve challenges together, which brought us closer. Every day was different. We talked, worked in teams, and took part in creative activities. From this project, I gained not only new skills and knowledge, but also motivation to continue what we started and friendships that I believe will last for a long time. This is an experience I will remember with joy because it changed my perspective and enriched me as a person.

Titas Ambrazevičius: In the Erasmus+ project "Soul on Canvas", I got to meet new people and learn about different cultures. This project showed me new ways to understand myself and how I feel. I really enjoyed activities like meditation and painting that helped me feel better. It was a great chance to reflect on myself and understand others more. After the project, I feel motivated to achieve my goals, and I'm happy to have made new friends too.

Brigita Bareišytė: I thought it would be harder, but it was completely different from what I expected. I really enjoyed it! Everyone was so friendly, and we talked a lot. I'm glad I overcame my fears and gained more confidence. I think it will also help me improve my English. There were so many fun activities, and I liked everything. It was an amazing experience. Thank you to everyone, especially the leaders, for the chance to join this project. ❤️

Ugnė Prascieniūtė: Erasmus+ project was fun and a great experience. I got to learn about new cultures, try different ways of learning, and see the world in a new way. Every day was exciting – I learned local traditions, picked up some language skills, and made friends from around the world. I also became more confident and improved my communication skills. The feelings I brought back are amazing! This program gave me so much joy and unforgettable memories. New friends and experiences opened my eyes to the world. It was not only fun but also inspired me to go after my goals and be more open to life.

Emilija Verbickaitė: The Erasmus+ project "Soul on Canvas" was a new and unforgettable experience for me. Through meditation and painting, we focused on our well-being, mental health, and self-discovery, which allowed us to express ourselves in a creative and free way. This project also helped me understand how important emotional well-being is in daily life. I came back feeling more confident, inspired, and with great memories. It also motivated me to join more projects, learn about different cultures, and meet people from all over the world.

Gabija Paškevičiūtė: I participated for the first time in a project from another country, "SOUL ON CANVAS". It felt great to overcome my fears and try something new. I met many different people from various countries, and everyone was very friendly, which really motivated me to join all the activities. This project helped me improve my English and get to know myself better. I came back home full of positive emotions and unforgettable impressions.

Urtė Sabaliauskaitė: Participating in the project helped me understand myself better and feel my emotions more deeply. The activities were relaxing and meaningful. We meditated, painted, and discussed mental health. I realized these activities were very helpful for me. The sessions were interesting, and I plan to use what I learned about art therapy in the future. I'm also happy about the connections I made, both with the Lithuanian team and participants from other countries. Talking to others helped me improve my English, learn about different cultures, and expand my view of the world. It was a great experience, and I'm glad I gained new knowledge and made new friends.

Smiltė Dailidėnaitė: I took part in the "Soul on Canvas" project in Cyprus. It was an inspiring and meaningful experience. I met many amazing people from different countries and made new friendships. Every evening was special. Cultural nights helped me learn more about other countries traditions and cultures. The activities were interesting and creative. We could express our emotions freely, focus on self-awareness, and grow as individuals. This project helped me try new ways of self-expression and get to know myself better.

Online Dissemination in Social Media

Soul on Canvas presentation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH9JT7jrKTo

Participant's links:

Organization links: