Healthy Youth in All Aspects: Promoting Healthy Living Through Practical Learning and Intercultural Cooperation

The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project “Healthy Youth in All Aspects” (Project No. 2023-3-ES02-KA152-YOU-000178532) was held in Gijón, Spain, between 4 and 10 August 2024, under the coordination of Generaciones Saludables España. Bringing together young people from Spain, Latvia, Belgium, Türkiye, Romania, and Hungary, the project promoted a holistic approach to health by raising awareness of healthy lifestyles and strengthening participants’ physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being through non-formal education and intercultural learning. Alfa Sports Association participated as a partner organization, actively contributing to the implementation of the project activities, the exchange of good practices, and the promotion of international cooperation among young people.

The Healthy Youth in All Aspects project combined non-formal education, practical learning, and intercultural exchange to help young people develop healthier lifestyles while strengthening their personal and social competences. Through a wide range of interactive activities, participants explored the importance of physical and mental well-being, learned how everyday choices influence long-term health, and gained practical knowledge that could be applied in their daily lives. At the same time, the project created an inclusive environment where participants from different countries collaborated, exchanged experiences, and built lasting international friendships.

One of the project's key themes focused on healthy and balanced nutrition. Participants took part in educational seminars and practical workshops that examined the principles of balanced eating, the effects of unhealthy dietary habits, and the importance of making informed food choices. By learning how to read food labels, compare nutritional values, and identify healthier alternatives in real shopping environments, young people developed consumer awareness and strengthened their ability to make healthier decisions in everyday life. These activities transformed theoretical knowledge into practical skills that participants could continue using beyond the project.

The project also encouraged creativity, teamwork, and digital competence through collaborative dissemination activities. Working in international groups, participants produced digital awareness materials highlighting the benefits of balanced nutrition, conscious shopping, and healthy lifestyle habits. These activities enhanced participants' communication, problem-solving, and media production skills while encouraging them to become ambassadors for healthy living within their local communities. By sharing project outcomes through digital tools, participants also contributed to the wider dissemination of Erasmus+ values and project results.

Intercultural learning remained at the heart of the mobility experience. Cultural presentations, local visits, and exchanges with community stakeholders enabled participants to discover different traditions, lifestyles, and perspectives while fostering mutual respect and inclusion. Meeting local organizations and exploring the host community strengthened participants' understanding of European cooperation and demonstrated how healthy lifestyle initiatives can create positive social impact at both local and international levels.

The project concluded with reflection and evaluation activities that allowed participants to recognize the knowledge, skills, and competences they had developed throughout the mobility. Through the Youthpass process and group discussions, they reflected on their personal growth, increased self-confidence, intercultural communication abilities, and commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles. Overall, Healthy Youth in All Aspects successfully empowered young people to become more conscious, active, and responsible individuals while reinforcing international cooperation, non-formal learning, and the core values of the Erasmus+ Programme.