Alina Rudnytska

The youth exchange "Peace and Healthy Lifestyle for All" (PEHELI4ALL), held in Pissouri, Cyprus from 25 May to 4 June 2025, was one of the most well-organised and emotionally impactful Erasmus+ projects I've taken part in. The hosting team ensured smooth logistics, a supportive atmosphere, and a clear flow of activities throughout the exchange. The training implementation stood out for its creativity and emotional depth—from hands-on sessions like painting, clay work, and hiking to reflective exercises such as the Theatre of the Oppressed and World Cafe discussions. As a team leader, I appreciated the space given for peer-led activities, which created a sense of ownership and openness. The added value for me was the opportunity to explore new facilitation methods, deepen emotional awareness, and build connections with inspiring young people from across Europe. However, it would have been much appreciated if team leaders could also participate in the session, as it helps to better understand the participants journey and their feelings.

If I were to suggest one improvement, it would be to reduce the number of participants (max 35-40) to facilitate better communication and establish deeper connections among the participants. Unfortunately, with such a big group, it's almost impossible to interact with everyone on more or less the same level.

Overall, I loved the balance between physical, creative, and emotional activities and the diversity of perspectives in the group. It was an energizing, meaningful, and joyful experience I'll carry with me for a long time.

Oryna Sultanbekova

Taking part in the Erasmus+ project "Peace and Healthy Lifestyle for All" was an incredibly valuable and inspiring experience for me. The organization was excellent and smooth, and the daily structure helped us stay both active and relaxed—we had enough time to slow down and enjoy each moment.

We explored topics like nutrition, movement, and mental health—I especially enjoyed the psychological and creative tasks. My inner child felt so happy and free!

Most importantly, I really appreciated the safe, open environment and the care from our facilitators. I left with warm memories and motivation to share what I've learned—and I already did! My team and I organized a local event where we shared our experience and did some activities—and the audience truly enjoyed it. I felt so pleased and proud. I only wish we had a bit more time on this amazing training!

Kseniia Kolesnykova

Taking part in the Erasmus+ project Peace and Healthy Lifestyle for all was honestly one of the best experiences I've had. It was my first Erasmus+ project, so I didn't really know what to expect—but it turned out to be something truly special. In just a few days, I learned so much, met incredibly open and kind people, and felt connected to a group of complete strangers from different countries. We explored how peace starts with small things—like empathy, daily habits, and taking care of both physical and mental health.

I especially enjoyed all the creative and interactive activities—from making a visual board and drawing with our eyes closed to moving through stations where we answered deep and personal questions. The cultural evenings were also a big highlight, full of music, dancing, and delicious food from different countries. And of course, the hiking trip was unforgettable—a beautiful way to connect with nature and each other. The atmosphere was so warm and supportive that I felt completely at ease. This experience gave me a lot of inspiration and motivation, and I really hope to join more Erasmus+ projects in the future.

Anastasiia Konotopchyk

The Erasmus+ trip to Cyprus was an important experience for me. Everything was organized at a high level, from accommodation to the schedule of events, and I constantly felt supported by the organizers. The topic of a healthy lifestyle was presented not only through theory but also through practical exercises, discussions, and reflections. The most memorable sessions were on mental health, work-life balance, and nutrition in different cultures. The team was very diverse, and this added depth to all the discussions—it was interesting to see how differently participants from different countries relate to the topic of health.

We currently held a local event to pass on knowledge. It was a session where they told about their experiences, showed a presentation, and did practical tasks and energizers. They definitely used the program logos.

This project gave me more than I expected—not only knowledge but also internal motivation to change something in my lifestyle. If I could improve, I would have spent more time walking around the city. Overall, the atmosphere was very warm, supportive, and inspiring. I came home with new ideas, contacts, and the belief that change starts with small steps—and this trip was one of them.

Alina Kotsiurba

This was my first Erasmus. The project was well organized: we received all the necessary information and a clear schedule. The coordinators were always in touch. There were various training sessions: we worked in groups, listened to presentations, and participated in various activities. The topics we discussed were really relevant, and I gained a lot of new knowledge. After returning home, I took part in the local dissemination of the results—I organized an online meeting with my groupmates and shared my experience of the program.

The opportunity to meet young people from different countries was especially valuable for me—we exchanged views and talked about traditions. Overall, it was an incredible experience!

Mariia Kotsiurba

This project was a truly memorable experience. Everything was very well organized—from the accommodation and logistics to the inspiring program and the beautiful natural surroundings in Cyprus. The conditions created a perfect environment for learning, connection, and reflection. I had the privilege of being one of the team leaders for the Ukrainian group, which was both a responsibility and a joy. I especially appreciated the opportunity to facilitate a few sessions and contribute to shaping the program together with other leaders. It was a great way to grow personally and professionally.

For the participants, the program was well balanced and diverse - combining educational workshops, team-building activities, outdoor experiences, art and sport sessions, and cultural exchange. They had the chance to try out many different things and explore topics around peace and healthy living from multiple angles.

What made the project even more special was its diversity. It was inspiring to meet and connect with young people from so many different countries, each bringing their own perspective and culture to the table. It reminded me again of the power of international youth exchanges to create meaningful dialogue and shared understanding.

Ihor Salamatenko

Taking part in the Erasmus+ project "Peace and Healthy Lifestyle for All" in Cyprus was an unforgettable chapter in my life. It was my second experience with Erasmus+, and it completely changed how I see international projects. From the very first day, I felt welcomed and safe — the atmosphere was incredibly warm and open. The facilitators managed to build a balance between learning, reflection, and fun — every session had its purpose and emotional impact. I especially enjoyed the creative workshops and the discussions about mental health and well-being. It was during those moments that I felt most connected — not just with others, but also with myself. Meeting people from so many different countries was truly inspiring. I found it beautiful how we all came together with such different backgrounds, and yet we shared similar hopes and questions. We danced, cooked, laughed, and opened up to each other — that kind of human connection is hard to describe in words. After returning home, I felt the need to pass on what I learned. Together with my team, we organized a local event where we spoke about the project and did some of the activities. Seeing the interest and smiles of others reminded me how far even small steps can go. If I could suggest one thing, it would be just to make the project longer — when something is that meaningful, time flies. But I came back from Cyprus with something much bigger: clarity, motivation, and people I now call friends.

Anna Salamatenko

For me, this Erasmus+ project wasn't just about gaining knowledge, receiving new information, and exchanging our thoughts—it was something much deeper. These 10 days were filled with meaningful experiences, new ideas, emotions, and unexpected discoveries. I learned so much—not only through workshops and activities, but also through every shared moment, conversation, and challenge. This project inspired me, made me think differently, and left me with unforgettable memories. I truly enjoyed every second of it.