Cyprus Team – Follow-Up & Reflections

After the completion of the Youth Exchange "Step Out of Your Comfort Zone Mentally: Embrace the Unknown" (MENTAL COMFORT), implemented in Pissouri, Cyprus from 12 to 19 October, the learning journey continued actively at local level through a series of follow-up and dissemination actions organised by the Cypriot team.

The Cyprus participants and facilitators transformed the experience of the exchange into meaningful community-based activities, school presentations, public events, and online dissemination. Through these actions, they shared not only the objectives and outcomes of the project, but also the emotions, challenges, and personal transformations they experienced during the mobility. Special emphasis was placed on mental well-being, healthy lifestyle, empathy, non-violent communication, and stepping out of one's mental comfort zone.

This section brings together the full impact of the Cyprus follow-up process. You will find:

  • detailed descriptions of the national follow-up activities implemented in different contexts,

  • evaluation paragraphs written by participants, expressing their personal reflections and emotional journey,

  • multiple online dissemination links presenting articles, visual material, and project updates,

  • and a video created by the Cypriot participants, capturing the spirit, learning, and memories of the Youth Exchange.

Together, these elements reflect how MENTAL COMFORT continued to inspire action beyond the mobility itself, empowering young people to become ambassadors of mental well-being and non-formal learning within their communities and online spaces.

1) Follow-Up Activity in Oroklini (2-day trip) – 1–2 November 2025 (More than 40 participants)

As a first national follow-up action after the Youth Exchange MENTAL COMFORT, the Cyprus team organised a two-day activity in Oroklini, combining learning, community bonding, and dissemination through experiential methods. The activity was implemented by Boghos, Nikolas, Apostolia, Gita and Erma, within a joint ACPELIA & Polychoros initiative, and served as a live "re-connection" to the main outcomes of the exchange in Cyprus.

During the two-day programme, the facilitators presented the key theme of stepping out of the mental comfort zone and linked it with well-being practices, reflection, communication, and personal development. Participants were introduced to the spirit of Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges through storytelling, interactive discussions, and sharing moments inspired by the original project activities. The experience created a safe and motivating environment where participants could reflect on habits, mindset, and emotional resilience, while connecting the project's messages with real-life situations.

More information about the activity is available here:
https://www.acpelia.org/post/2-days-trip-aromatic-weekend-herbs-art-environment-tradition-1-2-of-november-2025 

2) School Dissemination at Lyceum Apostolou Louka Kolossiou – 10 November 2025

Audience: 20 students

Following the dissemination that took place on 2 November, the Cyprus team continued with a second structured follow-up activity focused on young people in a school environment. On Wednesday, 10 November at 11:00, a dissemination session was delivered at Lyceum Apostolou Louka Kolossiou, reaching 20 students—a target group that can strongly benefit from mental well-being and personal development projects.

Participants from the Youth Exchange prepared and delivered a large-scale presentation, introducing the project goals and the learning journey in Cyprus. They also showcased the official project website, as well as videos and visual materials created during the exchange. The session promoted awareness of Erasmus+ opportunities and encouraged students to reflect on how stepping out of their comfort zones can support growth, self-confidence, and emotional awareness.

🌐 All project outputs and full implementation can be found here: https://mental-comfort2.webnode.page/ 

3) Dissemination at ACPELIA Annual New Year Event – 25 January 2026

(More than 40 participants)

A third follow-up activity took place on 25 January, during ACPELIA's Annual New Year Event, where Boghos Avetikian presented and shared the full story and impact of the Youth Exchange MENTAL COMFORT (implemented in Pissouri, Cyprus, 12–19 October 2025).

The dissemination was delivered through a dynamic presentation, combined with a showcase of videos, images, and key moments from the programme. The audience actively engaged through a Q&A session, creating space for discussion, curiosity, and reflection. The presenter highlighted the project's core messages, focusing on mental well-being, healthy living, non-violent communication, and the importance of creating supportive environments where young people can grow beyond fear and uncertainty.

Evaluation Paragraphs from Participants

Mariam: 12–19 October These seven days felt like a dream written in many languages. Every day brought new colors, new rhythms, new flavors, and new stories that changed the way I see the world.Stepping outside my comfort zone was scary at first, but it became one of the most powerful parts of this journey. I discovered new sides of myself, reflected on my beliefs, and learned how meaningful it is to truly listen—to understand people beyond words and differences.I realized that trust is something fragile and precious, built slowly through shared moments and honesty. Yet, in just one week, I formed friendships that feel timeless, and I believe distance will never break them. I am deeply grateful for this experience. It gave me memories, growth, and connections that will stay with me forever.

Georgia: 7 Days a hundred memories those days were like a dream that came true each day in its own way.I had so much fun I've learned about different cultures,tasted their food,saw their dances.Learned how to GET OUT OF MY MENTAL COMFORT with activities that i wouldn't have done by myself, learned more about me about where stand,what i believe also learned how to hear others people past how to listen carefully to what the say and try to get in their position.I also figured out that trust isn't something that can easily be built in two people that are not well known with each other.But most importantly made long lasting friendships that I am sure we are going to keep in touch even the distance that we have.I am really grateful that I was able to be in this program and I hope that more young people like me can have this amazing experience...🤗 (12-19 October)

Lampidona: From October 12th to 19th, I had an incredible opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ project called "Mental Comfort" in Pissouri, Cyprus. It's hard to put into words just how much this experience touched me. Every activity was unique and meaningful, helping me understand myself better, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone without fear, and enhancing both teamwork and emotional awareness. Some evenings were dedicated to exploring the cultures and traditions of the other participants' countries, which was truly unforgettable. Overall, this youth exchange gave me a broader perspective on the world. Leaving was bittersweet, but I realized that being sad to say goodbye just shows how grateful I am for such a special experience!

Erma: From the very first day until the final goodbye, this Youth Exchange felt like a deep inner journey as much as an external one. "Mental Comfort" gave me the space to slow down, reflect, and truly connect — not only with others, but with myself. Stepping out of my comfort zone was not always easy, but it was necessary. Through sharing circles, creative expression, and moments of silence, I learned how powerful vulnerability can be when it is met with respect and empathy. What touched me the most was the honesty within the group and the feeling of safety that allowed us to grow together. This experience reminded me that mental well-being is built through connection, awareness, and courage, and these lessons will stay with me long after the project ended.

Christos: Participating in the Mental Comfort project was an experience that challenged me in the best possible way. Every day pushed me to reflect on my habits, my reactions, and my limits. The activities helped me understand how often we stay inside our comfort zone without even realizing it. Through teamwork, open discussions, and shared experiences, I learned how important communication and emotional intelligence are in our daily lives. What I will always remember is the feeling of unity within the group — people from different countries, backgrounds, and stories coming together with openness and respect. This project helped me grow mentally and emotionally, and it gave me tools that I can apply in real life.

Antreas: The week in Pissouri was full of moments that made me rethink the way I approach challenges and change. At first, stepping out of my mental comfort zone felt uncomfortable, but gradually it became empowering. The project helped me understand that discomfort is not something to fear — it is often a sign of growth. I learned how to express myself more honestly, how to listen without judgment, and how to work better within a team. The intercultural environment made the experience even more meaningful, as it showed me how much we can learn from one another. I left the project with new perspectives, stronger self-awareness, and memories that I will always value.

Aggelos: Mental Comfort was much more than a Youth Exchange — it was a lesson in self-discovery. Throughout the week, I was encouraged to face situations I would normally avoid and to reflect on the reasons behind my fears and limits. The activities were creative, engaging, and sometimes challenging, but always supportive. I realized how important it is to take care of our mental health and to talk openly about emotions. What stood out the most was the sense of belonging we created as a group. Even in such a short time, we built trust, shared stories, and formed connections that feel genuine and strong. This experience helped me grow and reminded me of the value of stepping into the unknown.

Evangelia: This project came at exactly the right moment in my life. Mental Comfort gave me the opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with myself in a very meaningful way. Through the activities, I became more aware of my emotions, my boundaries, and my inner strength. I learned that stepping out of my comfort zone does not mean losing control — it means trusting myself and the people around me. The group dynamic was incredibly supportive, and the intercultural exchanges enriched the experience even more. I left the project feeling inspired, grounded, and motivated to apply what I learned in my everyday life.

Gita: Being part of the Mental Comfort Youth Exchange was a powerful reminder of why human connection matters so much. Each day was filled with moments of reflection, laughter, and honest sharing. The project helped me explore the idea of comfort not as a place to stay, but as a place to grow from. I learned how important empathy, active listening, and emotional openness are when working with others. Seeing young people from different cultures open up, support one another, and grow together was truly inspiring. This experience strengthened my belief in non-formal education and its ability to create real, lasting impact.

Online Dissemination Link from Cyprus team

Youtube

Online Dissemination Link from Cyprus team

Youtube

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