The Art of Development – Erasmus+ Training Course in Lithuania

Through Bildung Nijmegen, Jelmer took part in the Erasmus+ Training Course “The Art of Development” in Lithuania. This international training brought together youth workers, trainers and participants from different European countries to explore personal development, coaching and new approaches within youth work.

A key theme of the training was embodiment – using the body as part of learning, reflection and personal growth. Through workshops, exercises and group activities, participants explored how this approach can support young people and strengthen youth work practices.

The programme also offered plenty of space for intercultural exchange between participants from different countries. Participants were encouraged not only to learn from each other, but also to share their own experiences and lead activities themselves.

Jelmer reflects on his experience:

“Taking part in the Erasmus+ Training Course The Art of Development in Lithuania was a very enriching experience. The main themes of the training were embodiment and coaching within youth work.

I learned a lot from the course itself, but also from the other participants coming from many different countries across the European Union. With my background as a musician and social worker, and from my own perspective and culture as someone from the Netherlands, I was also able to share my experiences with others.

I have limited experience working with groups, so I gladly took the opportunity to facilitate a workshop during the open space sessions. It turned out to be a great experience with many positive reactions from the other participants. We also had the chance to deliver a lesson at a local secondary school for a class of young people. These were valuable experiences that gave me a lot of inspiration and motivation to further develop myself in this field.

Before this training I was not familiar with non-formal education, which has now made me curious to learn more about it. Working with the body – and therefore spending less time only in your head – is something that personally helps me to find more balance. I believe this can also be very powerful in youth work. It helps young people to better feel their boundaries, connect with themselves and others, and grow in self-confidence.

I am very grateful for this opportunity and I hope that in the future I will be able to share what I learned here with many others. My thanks go to Bildung Nijmegen, and especially to Yavuz, for making this exchange possible.”

At Bildung Nijmegen, we believe that international learning experiences like this are valuable not only for the participants themselves, but also for the young people and communities they work with. By bringing back new ideas, inspiration and methods, we continue to strengthen youth work in Nijmegen and beyond.

The Art of Development - 2025-1-LT02-KA151-YOU-000297324