Paint your fEUture

About the project

The “Paint your fEUture” project was conceived during the preparation phase of our first approved youth exchange, titled “Log In – Back to life.” During this phase, Michele, a volunteer from our association, along with Mihnea from Targu-Jiu, Romania, and Thiago from Setubal, Portugal, proposed the idea of a project focusing on young people’s mental health. They aimed to explore new non-formal methodologies that place the human being and their authentic emotions back at the center—emotions that have been increasingly compromised by the overwhelming “hyperconnection to the internet and social media,” which fosters dangerous phenomena such as cyberbullying, hate speech, and media illiteracy. The shared background of our volunteers, coming from rural and socially marginalized areas, connects their needs and experiences. Their motivation to address this issue stems from strong personal experiences, shared by these young people, who have either witnessed or experienced firsthand the challenges posed by constant social media presence. Our primary goal is to raise awareness among…

Objectives

The “Paint your fEUture” project was conceived during the preparation phase of our first approved youth
exchange, titled “Log In – Back to life.” During this phase, Michele, a volunteer from our association, along with
Mihnea from Targu-Jiu, Romania, and Thiago from Setubal, Portugal, proposed the idea of a project focusing on
young people’s mental health.
They aimed to explore new non-formal methodologies that place the human being and their authentic emotions
back at the center—emotions that have been increasingly compromised by the overwhelming “hyperconnection to
the internet and social media,” which fosters dangerous phenomena such as cyberbullying, hate speech, and
media illiteracy.
The shared background of our volunteers, coming from rural and socially marginalized areas, connects their
needs and experiences. Their motivation to address this issue stems from strong personal experiences, shared
by these young people, who have either witnessed or experienced firsthand the challenges posed by constant
social media presence.
Our primary goal is to raise awareness among the participants about this issue, helping them recognize that the
problem is real, even if disguised as a “search for sociality.” In reality, it often reflects a desperate search for
validation and acceptance, which leads to vulnerability and exposure to hate. For this project, Michele, Mihnea,
and Thiago wanted to introduce an added value compared to the previous project, using visual art—specifically
drawing, photography, and digital graphics—to convey messages of hope and inner peace. Visual art fosters
concentration and mindfulness, offering a positive distraction from daily stressors, reducing exposure to virtual
discrimination, and improving media literacy.
The specific objectives of the project are:
Raising awareness among young people about mental health, combating cyberbullying, hate speech, and media
illiteracy;
Promoting active citizenship;
Strengthening participants’ and local youth’s soft skills, especially those with fewer opportunities, such as
language, digital skills, project coordination, and awareness campaign promotion;
Actively involving participants in follow-up activities within their local communities;
Supporting youth work at both local and international levels, strengthening the network of participating
organizations;
Promoting social inclusion and solidarity values;
Increasing European mobility opportunities, particularly for marginalized youth.
The general objective of the project, in alignment with the Erasmus+ Programme’s goals and the European Union
Youth Strategy 2019-2027, is to support the educational and personal development of participants in non-formal
education. This contributes to their growth and facilitates their social and civic engagement upon returning to their
communities, encouraging them to act actively within the societies in which they live.
Our project aligns with the specific objectives of the Erasmus+ Programme:

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The content of this page is published for information purposes only. The project was funded by the European Union. However, the communication about the project
that is published through this page expresses the views of the project beneficiaries only and it does not represent the views of the European Union or the European
Commission. It shall not be deemed to constitute legal or official notice on behalf of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union
nor the European Commission can be held responsible for this content nor the use thereof made by any third parties.
Fostering intercultural dialogue, learning, and European identity; This non-formal educational process will occur in
a multicultural context. Intercultural dialogue will also impact partner organizations, creating a network for future
exchanges and projects.
Developing young people’s skills and attitudes; The project aims to equip participants with artistic skills, such as
drawing, photography, and digital graphics, which they can use throughout their lives to adopt healthier lifestyles
and reduce their reliance on mobile phones and social media.
Strengthening European values and breaking down prejudices and stereotypes; The project promotes the social
inclusion of marginalized youth, especially those addicted to social media, by fostering their well-being. By
celebrating cultural and linguistic diversity, participants will also learn to recognize and combat discrimination.
Raising awareness of socially relevant issues, stimulating societal engagement, and promoting active
participation in democratic life.

Activities

within their local communities;
Supporting youth work at both local and international levels, strengthening the network of participating
organizations;
Promoting social inclusion and solidarity values;
Increasing European mobility opportunities, particularly for marginalized youth.
The general objective of the project, in alignment with the Erasmus+ Programme’s goals and the European Union
Youth Strategy 2019-2027, is to support the educational and personal development of participants in non-formal
education. This contributes to their growth and facilitates their social and civic engagement upon returning to their
communities, encouraging them to act actively within the societies in which they live.
Our project aligns with the specific objectives of the Erasmus+ Programme:

Generated on: Aug 4, 2026
Booklet
Page
of
111
162
The content of this page is published for information purposes only. The project was funded by the European Union. However, the communication about the project
that is published through this page expresses the views of the project beneficiaries only and it does not represent the views of the European Union or the European
Commission. It shall not be deemed to constitute legal or official notice on behalf of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union
nor the European Commission can be held responsible for this content nor the use thereof made by any third parties.
Fostering intercultural dialogue, learning, and European identity; This non-formal educational process will occur in
a multicultural context. Intercultural dialogue will also impact partner organizations, creating a network for future
exchanges and projects.
Developing young people’s skills and attitudes; The project aims to equip participants with artistic skills, such as
drawing, photography, and digital graphics, which they can use throughout their lives to adopt healthier lifestyles
and reduce their reliance on mobile phones and social media.
Strengthening European values and breaking down prejudices and stereotypes; The project promotes the social
inclusion of marginalized youth, especially those addicted to social media, by fostering their well-being. By
celebrating cultural and linguistic diversity, participants will also learn to recognize and combat discrimination.
Raising awareness of socially relevant issues, stimulating societal engagement, and promoting active
participation in democratic life.
Activities
Below is a summary description:
DAY 1 and 8: Arrivals and departures
DAY 2: Initial Energizer and welcome, project presentation and logistical information (Italy). Ice breaking activities,
group building (Secret friend and Clock, explained in depth in timetable), name games, to build a profitable
atmosphere for learning. Anonymous declaration of fears, expectations and contributions (Spain) to stimulate
participants to be open towards the educational experience. Shared basic rules for the success of the exchange
(Portugal).
Presentation of the E+ and Youthpass Program by the project coordinators. Evaluation and final reflection
(Lithuania)
DAY 3: Presentation of the fundamental principles and objectives of the exchange, related to the theme of the
project. Participants, divided into national groups, will conduct research on the problems related to the abuse of
social media in their respective countries and will present them in turn (Portugal).
“Post the post”: the facilitators will lead an activity in which participants will have to stick post-its on some
Facebook and Instagram posts, trying to guess what content it is based on just a few pieces of information about
views and likes, to raise awareness of trending topics spread by social media.
“Instead of”: activity to raise awareness of time spent on social media and reflection on alternative ways of using
that time.
DAY 4: The Italian participants, together with the facilitators, will lead the activities that will focus entirely on the
theme of the project.
“World café”: brainstorming activity and sharing ideas and opinions on the effects of the abuse of social media by
young people, through group discussions.
“Media illiteracy”: through the activity “Behind the news” participants will hear a story told by the media. Based on
the little information they will have to form an opinion of the characters, evaluating them from most positive to
most negative. Then the same participants will be given details that were hidden in the news, which will change
the ranking of the evaluated characters.
“Agree/Disagree”: divisive statements will be prepared, which will lead participants to take a position and explain
their reasons, between “Agree” and “Disagree”, on some sensitive aspects regarding cyberbullying and hate
speech.
In the last part of the day, Educazione Benessere will present participants with the European Commission
document on mental health drafted on June 7, 2023.
DAY 5: Instagram vs Reality (timetable). Participants will then work in groups all day on artistic workshops

Generated on: Aug 4, 2026
Booklet
Page
of
112
162
The content of this page is published for information purposes only. The project was funded by the European Union. However, the communication about the project
that is published through this page expresses the views of the project beneficiaries only and it does not represent the views of the European Union or the European
Commission. It shall not be deemed to constitute legal or official notice on behalf of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union
nor the European Commission can be held responsible for this content nor the use thereof made by any third parties.
regarding the topics of cyberbullying, hate speech, media illiteracy and mental health using three forms of visual
art: drawing, photography and digital graphics (EDUCAZIONE WELLNESSE).
DAY 6: In the first part of the day, participants will complete the artistic workshops, concluding the morning
session with a collective debriefing. In the second part of the day they will prepare and set up the exhibition
spaces of “La Galleria del Benessere” in the Orta Nova municipal villa. In the afternoon we will inaugurate the
exhibition event in which the artistic productions of the creative workshops will be exhibited and installed,
including some slogans scattered throughout the space of the municipal villa.
DAY 7: Participants will prepare the dissemination of the results, through an article that will have to be delivered
to the local media, mutual interviews and the creation of the final aftermovie.
“Future plans”: participants divided into 4 groups will discuss future follow-up plans upon their return. “Fears,
Expectations and Contributions” – Secret friend revelation – final positive messages. Delivery of the Youthpass
(guided reflection on the 8 skills) + Final evaluation of the entire project (workshop, activities, facilitators, place of
exchange, etc.) + Closing ceremony.
Participants, aged between 18 and 26, are selected based on their involvement in the sending partner
associations, which they will represent during the exchange, because it will be very important that they return to
their communities, enriched by new experiences and acquired skills, to actively participate in the social and civic
life of their country.
They will also have to demonstrate interest in the project theme and in non-formal education tools.
Participants will also be partly selected based on their interest in visual art, drawing, photography, digital
graphics, in order to create an environment of mutual exchange within the group.
We also give great importance to gender balance, because we believe that the opportunity to acquire new skills,
knowledge and abilities must be guaranteed beyond sexual and gender orientation.

Impact

partner organizations, creating a network for future
exchanges and projects.
Developing young people’s skills and attitudes; The project aims to equip participants with artistic skills, such as
drawing, photography, and digital graphics, which they can use throughout their lives to adopt healthier lifestyles
and reduce their reliance on mobile phones and social media.
Strengthening European values and breaking down prejudices and stereotypes; The project promotes the social
inclusion of marginalized youth, especially those addicted to social media, by fostering their well-being. By
celebrating cultural and linguistic diversity, participants will also learn to recognize and combat discrimination.
Raising awareness of socially relevant issues, stimulating societal engagement, and promoting active
participation in democratic life.
Activities
Below is a summary description:
DAY 1 and 8: Arrivals and departures
DAY 2: Initial Energizer and welcome, project presentation and logistical information (Italy). Ice breaking activities,
group building (Secret friend and Clock, explained in depth in timetable), name games, to build a profitable
atmosphere for learning. Anonymous declaration of fears, expectations and contributions (Spain) to stimulate
participants to be open towards the educational experience. Shared basic rules for the success of the exchange
(Portugal).
Presentation of the E+ and Youthpass Program by the project coordinators. Evaluation and final reflection
(Lithuania)
DAY 3: Presentation of the fundamental principles and objectives of the exchange, related to the theme of the
project. Participants, divided into national groups, will conduct research on the problems related to the abuse of
social media in their respective countries and will present them in turn (Portugal).
“Post the post”: the facilitators will lead an activity in which participants will have to stick post-its on some
Facebook and Instagram posts, trying to guess what content it is based on just a few pieces of information about
views and likes, to raise awareness of trending topics spread by social media.
“Instead of”: activity to raise awareness of time spent on social media and reflection on alternative ways of using
that time.
DAY 4: The Italian participants, together with the facilitators, will lead the activities that will focus entirely on the
theme of the project.
“World café”: brainstorming activity and sharing ideas and opinions on the effects of the abuse of social media by
young people, through group discussions.
“Media illiteracy”: through the activity “Behind the news” participants will hear a story told by the media. Based on
the little information they will have to form an opinion of the characters, evaluating them from most positive to
most negative. Then the same participants will be given details that were hidden in the news, which will change
the ranking of the evaluated characters.
“Agree/Disagree”: divisive statements will be prepared, which will lead participants to take a position and explain
their reasons, between “Agree” and “Disagree”, on some sensitive aspects regarding cyberbullying and hate
speech.
In the last part of the day, Educazione Benessere will present participants with the European Commission
document on mental health drafted on June 7, 2023.
DAY 5: Instagram vs Reality (timetable). Participants will then work in groups all day on artistic workshops

Generated on: Aug 4, 2026
Booklet
Page
of
112
162
The content of this page is published for information purposes only. The project was funded by the European Union. However, the communication about the project
that is published through this page expresses the views of the project beneficiaries only and it does not represent the views of the European Union or the European
Commission. It shall not be deemed to constitute legal or official notice on behalf of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union
nor the European Commission can be held responsible for this content nor the use thereof made by any third parties.
regarding the topics of cyberbullying, hate speech, media illiteracy and mental health using three forms of visual
art: drawing, photography and digital graphics (EDUCAZIONE WELLNESSE).
DAY 6: In the first part of the day, participants will complete the artistic workshops, concluding the morning
session with a collective debriefing. In the second part of the day they will prepare and set up the exhibition
spaces of “La Galleria del Benessere” in the Orta Nova municipal villa. In the afternoon we will inaugurate the
exhibition event in which the artistic productions of the creative workshops will be exhibited and installed,
including some slogans scattered throughout the space of the municipal villa.
DAY 7: Participants will prepare the dissemination of the results, through an article that will have to be delivered
to the local media, mutual interviews and the creation of the final aftermovie.
“Future plans”: participants divided into 4 groups will discuss future follow-up plans upon their return. “Fears,
Expectations and Contributions” – Secret friend revelation – final positive messages. Delivery of the Youthpass
(guided reflection on the 8 skills) + Final evaluation of the entire project (workshop, activities, facilitators, place of
exchange, etc.) + Closing ceremony.
Participants, aged between 18 and 26, are selected based on their involvement in the sending partner
associations, which they will represent during the exchange, because it will be very important that they return to
their communities, enriched by new experiences and acquired skills, to actively participate in the social and civic
life of their country.
They will also have to demonstrate interest in the project theme and in non-formal education tools.
Participants will also be partly selected based on their interest in visual art, drawing, photography, digital
graphics, in order to create an environment of mutual exchange within the group.
We also give great importance to gender balance, because we believe that the opportunity to acquire new skills,
knowledge and abilities must be guaranteed beyond sexual and gender orientation.
Impact
If approved, our initiative is expected to have a significant impact on multiple levels, both individually and at
community, local and international levels.
Individual results and personal growth
One of the main results will be the personal growth of the participants, who through multicultural exchange will
acquire artistic and creative skills, together with a greater awareness of the risks associated with the abuse of
social media. The acquisition of new skills, such as photography, drawing and digital graphics, will serve to offer
them alternative tools to “detox” from the network and from social media addiction. This will not only reduce the
stress and anxiety caused by hyperconnection, but will also help develop greater creativity and strengthen the
participants’ self-esteem.
Impact on mental health and psychophysical well-being
One of the priority objectives of the project is to address issues related to mental health, a crucial issue, given
that many young people are exposed to the risks of cyberbullying, hate speech and media illiteracy. Through the
project, participants will not only be sensitized on these issues, but will be equipped with artistic tools to
proactively address these challenges, mitigating the negative impact of technological dependence on their mental
health.
Active citizenship and social inclusion
Participants, especially those from disadvantaged social and economic backgrounds, will become key actors of
change in their communities, applying what they have learned during the exchange to promote active citizenship.
The project, in fact, aims to develop a stronger civic conscience, enhancing values ​such as inclusion and

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Booklet
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113
162
The content of this page is published for information purposes only. The project was funded by the European Union. However, the communication about the project
that is published through this page expresses the views of the project beneficiaries only and it does not represent the views of the European Union or the European
Commission. It shall not be deemed to constitute legal or official notice on behalf of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union
nor the European Commission can be held responsible for this content nor the use thereof made by any third parties.
diversity, central elements in the youth policies of the European Union and its Youth Goals.
Furthermore, the project aims to raise awareness among partner associations on the importance of art as a tool
for social inclusion, highlighting its power to alleviate stress and anxiety resulting from dangerous digital
phenomena. Participants with fewer opportunities will thus have the opportunity to use art to reconnect with
themselves and with the community, improving their emotional well-being.
Soft and digital skills
In addition to developing artistic skills, participants will also improve their soft and interpersonal skills, such as
teamwork, empathy, public speaking and time management. These skills will be crucial not only for success
within the project, but also for their future personal and professional development.
Another key aspect will be the acquisition of digital skills: participants will use technological tools to create artistic
products, learning to exploit the potential of technology in a positive and conscious way. This will help them
develop a healthier relationship with social media and avoid digital abuse.
Local and regional dissemination
At local and regional level, the project will have a significant impact, thanks to the collaboration with different local
associations and media. The “Galleria del Benessere”, a final event open to the community, will not only offer a
platform to spread the positive messages developed during the project, but will also strengthen the local network
dedicated to psycho-physical well-being. The local community, including young people and adults, will be
involved in educational and artistic activities that will raise awareness of the risks associated with
hyperconnectivity and promote creative alternatives.
International impact and network creation
The project will have an international dimension, thanks to the involvement of organizations from geographically
and economically disadvantaged areas. The return of participants to their respective countries will lead to a series
of follow-up and dissemination activities, favoring the creation of a broader and more sustainable network.
Through workshops, cultural events and meetings with policy makers, partner associations will be able to
consolidate their organizational capacities, improve their educational methodologies and develop further
collaborative projects focused on mental health and social inclusion.

Project partners

• 🇮🇹 APS EDUCAZIONE BENESSERE
  Italy
• 🇸🇰 o.z.
  Slovakia
• 🇱🇹 MB KIKULIS
  Lithuania
• 🇵🇹 Associação Leopardo Daltónico
  Portugal
• 🇷🇴 Asociatia "Tineret pentru Dezvoltare Durabila"
  Romania
• 🇪🇸 ASOC SOCIO CULTURAL VERDESUR ALCALA
  Spain