Feel to Connect: EQ for Inclusion - Erasmus+ Youth Exchange

At its core, the program explored how emotional intelligence functions as a lens through which individuals perceive themselves and the world around them. By deepening their understanding of their own emotional landscapes, participants were able to fundamentally alter how they interpret the actions and motivations of others, thereby supporting a more nuanced and empathetic worldview. The project focused on the five vital components of EQ: self-awareness, self-regulation, internal motivation, empathy, and social skills.

Activities such as “Picture Language” encouraged participants to express themselves through the use of artwork, whereas “Walk in my Shoes” was an empathy-based activity where participants explored real-life challenges faced in everyday life, but from different viewpoints. Each exercise instilled open-mindedness and raised empathy among the participants.

A key highlight of the program was the mindfulness workshop. Participants learned techniques to develop self-awareness, inclusion, and emotional regulation. Activities such as “Perspective Switch” and “Goal Ladder” were designed to enhance teamwork, communication, and self-reflection skills.

The exchange went far beyond theory and allowed participants to create their own mini-workshops, cultural performances, and to encourage discussions around inclusion. All participants played an active role in the learning process. By the end of the week, participants had not only grown as individuals but also became a community.

At SOYA, we are proud to have created a project that succeeded in uniting young people from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures through the shared values of empathy, emotional intelligence, and inclusion. Experiences like this youth exchange have only reaffirmed our understanding that emotional intelligence is not just an ability but a bridge that connects people (including those from different cultures and countries), promotes understanding, and leads us towards inclusive societies.

Thank you for all of our partners – Spazio Etneo from Italy; Hellenic Youth Participation from Greece; and Asociación Multideportiva Euexia from Spain.

The project has been supported by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Program. Project code: 2025-1-HU01-KA152-YOU-000301083