Merine, Italy | 01/09 – 07/09/2024
In early September 2024, GO Alive took part in the youth exchange “Be Healthy, Be Real”, hosted in the peaceful village of Merine, Lecce, Italy. This project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, brought together participants from different countries to explore the impact of social media, share perspectives on mental health, and reconnect with nature and authentic living.
Through engaging activities and open discussions, the youth explored the effects of technology on well-being and mental health. The project offered a space for creative expression, emotional sharing, and meaningful interactions. Participants embraced nature, danced, sang, cooked, and supported one another in stepping outside of their comfort zones.
– Mindful use of social media and emotional regulation
– Mental health awareness and self-expression
– Building empathy, friendship, and intercultural understanding
The project empowered young people to reflect on their lifestyles and encouraged healthier, more grounded approaches to daily life.
Penelope shared:
“Never in my life have I ever imagined that one week without social media, one week so close to nature and with so many different people, would have changed me so much as a person. I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to step outside of my comfort box, exchange so many thoughts, emotions with others and be a part of a project like that.”
Anastasia reflected:
“Be healthy, Be real’ was my first Erasmus+ project. It was a great opportunity to discuss, laugh, cry and connect with amazing people with different cultural backgrounds that I will never forget. This project taught me how to deal with mental health problems like stress and how to reduce my time in social media, while living a healthier lifestyle. It reminded me how important dancing and singing are in our lives, helping us to express ourselves. We connected to nature, we explored, we presented our stories and ideas, we got out of our comfort zone and we learned so much stuff. I will always keep it in my heart.”
Efi said:
“This week in Lecce, Puglia was spent making friends, exchanging ideas about emotions and expressing them, talking about social media and all the ways we can use them, sharing cultures and stories from our everyday lives. We shared laughs and made connections that I am sure will last. Very grateful for this experience!”
Maria noted:
“For me, this program was an opportunity to connect with people from all over Europe and learn how to manage the emotional impact of social media. We discussed, we reconnected with nature and we formed a group in order to get to know, not only each other, but also ourselves.”
Kostas added:
“It was an unexpected experience of disconnecting from social media and everything we are used to. A successful attempt to connect with nature but also with people, the other people who participated. Each one of us had the opportunity to redefine its reality.”
This project proved once again how youth exchanges can foster introspection, genuine friendships, and emotional growth. The memories created in Merine continue to ripple through the participants’ lives—reminding them of the strength found in vulnerability, honesty, and togetherness.
Ready to reconnect and explore your authentic self? Join the next adventure with GO Alive! Check out our upcoming Erasmus+ opportunities and keep building your story.
