PA Romania

In preparation for the Youth Exchange "Active Minds, Resilient Youth – Promoting Mental Health and Growth in Iași", the Romanian team engaged in an extensive series of pre-project activities focused on exploring the connection between mental health, sports, and personal growth. They conducted research on mental well-being among young people in Romania, identifying the challenges youth face in overcoming stress, anxiety, and fear of failure, while emphasizing the positive psychological impact of sports and physical activity on emotional resilience. Drawing inspiration from national initiatives such as "Move for Health," the team collected best practices and testimonies from local schools, clubs, and community programs promoting active lifestyles. To visually express their findings, they designed informative posters illustrating concepts such as the comfort zone, the mental benefits of sports, and strategies for overcoming mental blocks, showcasing the role of movement, courage, and self-awareness in achieving mental comfort and personal development. Through these preparations, the Romanian participants not only deepened their understanding of mental health but also laid the foundation for meaningful peer learning and intercultural dialogue during the exchange.

The Romanian team's presentation "Active Minds, Resilient Youth – Promoting Mental Health and Growth in Iași" showcases inspiring examples of local initiatives that promote both physical and emotional well-being among young people. The research highlights two key programs: "Sport Call for a Healthy Lifestyle" and the "Hope Giver Campaign." The first initiative emphasizes the power of sports as a tool for mental health, demonstrating how regular physical activity can reduce stress, improve mood, and encourage youth to adopt healthy lifestyles. The second focuses on youth-led emotional resilience, where young people in Iași take active roles in organizing performances, workshops, and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote open discussions around mental well-being. Together, these projects illustrate how community engagement, creativity, and non-formal education empower youth to step out of their comfort zones, develop self-confidence, and foster mental resilience. The presentation celebrates a vision of growth, where Romanian youth are encouraged to lead change, inspire others, and build a healthier, more connected generation.

Research in Romania 

As part of their preparation for the "Active Minds, Resilient Youth" project, the Romanian team conducted an in-depth research study on the relationship between sports and mental health among young people. Their findings revealed that physical activity plays a crucial role in enhancing emotional well-being, reducing anxiety, and improving concentration and self-confidence through the release of endorphins. The research highlighted a concerning trend—a decline in youth sports participation, with nearly 70% of young people dropping out of organized sports by the age of 13, which directly correlates with increasing mental health challenges. The study also examined how schools and national initiatives in Romania promote physical activity as a mental health tool through programs such as "Move for Health," sports tournaments, and community workouts. Additionally, the team explored the concept of the comfort zone, identifying fear of failure and judgment as major barriers to personal growth and mental resilience. Their conclusions emphasize that overcoming these barriers through physical and social engagement fosters a stronger sense of self and contributes to long-term emotional balance.

The Romanian team's presentation "Active Minds, Resilient Youth – Promoting Mental Health and Growth in Iași" showcases inspiring examples of local initiatives that promote both physical and emotional well-being among young people. The research highlights two key programs: "Sport Call for a Healthy Lifestyle" and the "Hope Giver Campaign." The first initiative emphasizes the power of sports as a tool for mental health, demonstrating how regular physical activity can reduce stress, improve mood, and encourage youth to adopt healthy lifestyles. The second focuses on youth-led emotional resilience, where young people in Iași take active roles in organizing performances, workshops, and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote open discussions around mental well-being. Together, these projects illustrate how community engagement, creativity, and non-formal education empower youth to step out of their comfort zones, develop self-confidence, and foster mental resilience. The presentation celebrates a vision of growth, where Romanian youth are encouraged to lead change, inspire others, and build a healthier, more connected generation.

Best Practices 

The Romanian team's presentation "Active Minds, Resilient Youth – Promoting Mental Health and Growth in Iași" showcases inspiring examples of local initiatives that promote both physical and emotional well-being among young people. The research highlights two key programs: "Sport Call for a Healthy Lifestyle" and the "Hope Giver Campaign." The first initiative emphasizes the power of sports as a tool for mental health, demonstrating how regular physical activity can reduce stress, improve mood, and encourage youth to adopt healthy lifestyles. The second focuses on youth-led emotional resilience, where young people in Iași take active roles in organizing performances, workshops, and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote open discussions around mental well-being. Together, these projects illustrate how community engagement, creativity, and non-formal education empower youth to step out of their comfort zones, develop self-confidence, and foster mental resilience. The presentation celebrates a vision of growth, where Romanian youth are encouraged to lead change, inspire others, and build a healthier, more connected generation.

Posters from Romanian Team

As part of their preparation for the "Active Minds, Resilient Youth" project, the Romanian team created a series of informative and visually engaging posters that explore key themes around mental health, growth, and emotional resilience. Each poster communicates essential psychological concepts in a clear and motivating way. The first highlights the meaning of the comfort zone, illustrating how safety and control can hinder personal development unless one dares to step into the learning zone. The second focuses on the mental benefits of sports, presenting scientific data and brain-related insights on how physical activity boosts mood, focus, and confidence. The third poster addresses overcoming mental blocks, showing how fear, anxiety, and growth are interconnected and how mindfulness and courage help transform obstacles into opportunities. Finally, the fourth poster offers practical tips and motivational messages on stepping out of one's comfort zone, featuring inspiring quotes and real-life role models who conquered fear to achieve greatness. Together, these posters serve as a creative educational tool, combining research, psychology, and design to promote awareness, reflection, and empowerment among young people.