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Applications Open for the Erasmus+ Training Course The Art of Balance through Daoist Wisdom

Applications are open for the Erasmus+ training course “The Art of Balance through Daoist Wisdom,” which aims to enhance youth workers’ competences in mental well-being, stress management, resilience, and burnout prevention.

16/07/2026

The training course will take place in Bátonyterenye, Hungary, from 4 to 10 September 2026. The seven-day programme will bring together youth workers, trainers, and youth leaders from different European countries. Participants from Türkiye are also eligible to apply.

The programme is organised by the Hungary-based non-profit organisation Origó Műhely – Origo Workshop.

Balance and Mental Well-Being in Modern Life

Today, people face pressure to work more, move faster, remain constantly connected, and perform at a high level. Although these expectations offer various opportunities, they may also contribute to an increase in issues such as stress, anxiety, burnout, and social disconnection.

Young people in particular are affected by numerous factors, including information overload, uncertainty, social media pressure, and anxiety about the future. Mental well-being and psychological resilience have therefore become some of the most important topics in youth work.

While youth workers often focus on supporting the development and well-being of others, they may neglect their own need for rest, renewal, and inner balance. The training course is based on the idea that those who work with young people must first strengthen their own balance and resilience.

Yin and Yang Principles Will Be Adapted to Youth Work

The training programme will explore the concept of balance through the Yin and Yang approach, one of the fundamental principles of Daoist philosophy.

In Daoist thought, balance is regarded not as a fixed state achieved once and for all, but as an ongoing process of adapting to life’s changing circumstances. The complementary nature of Yin and Yang reflects the idea that activity requires rest, strength requires gentleness, achievement requires recovery, and growth requires calm.

Participants will have the opportunity to experience how these ancient principles can be applied to modern life and youth work. Rather than merely providing theoretical knowledge, the programme aims to enable participants to experience the methods directly.

What Topics Will the Training Cover?

Throughout the seven-day programme, participants will explore how the concept of balance can be applied in everyday life and professional practice.

The training will cover the following topics:

  • Using Yin and Yang principles to understand stress and resilience,

  • The effects of imbalance on physical, emotional, and mental well-being,

  • The relationship between body, energy, and mind,

  • Practical methods for preventing burnout,

  • Developing personal resilience,

  • The importance of slowing down, reflection, and mindful self-care,

  • The role of experiential learning in supporting young people’s mental well-being,

  • Creative and holistic methods that can be used in youth work.

Participants will be able to adapt the methods acquired during the training to their own organisations, work, and local communities.

Experiential and Practical Learning Methods Will Be Used

The programme is based on non-formal education and experiential learning. The learning process is designed to take place through direct experience, individual and group reflection, and practice.

During the training, participants will take part in:

  • Experiential training workshops,

  • Group discussions,

  • Peer-learning activities,

  • Daily Chi Kung practice,

  • Body-awareness and movement exercises,

  • Artistic and creative expression activities,

  • Nature-based learning activities,

  • Reflection circles,

  • Small-group and family-group activities

.

The programme aims to provide a supportive international learning environment where participants can feel safe, try new methods, and learn from one another’s experiences.

Who Can Apply?

People who work directly with young people and fit one of the following profiles may apply for the training course:

  • Youth workers,

  • Youth leaders,

  • Trainers,

  • Educators,

  • People interested in young people’s mental well-being and resilience,

  • Those wishing to explore holistic approaches to personal development,

  • Those open to experiential learning and intercultural interaction,

  • Those wishing to share the methods they learn with their organisations and communities.

No previous training in Daoist philosophy or Chi Kung is required to participate in the programme. Participants are expected to be curious, open-minded, and willing to take an active part in the activities.

The working language of the training is English. A total of 24 participants will be accepted into the programme.

Learning Outcomes for Participants

By the end of the training, participants are expected to:

  • Better understand the relationship between balance, resilience, and mental well-being,

  • Acquire practical tools for reducing stress and preventing burnout,

  • Improve their self-awareness and emotional resilience,

  • Learn experiential methods inspired by Daoist wisdom,

  • Develop creative approaches that support young people’s well-being,

  • Strengthen their facilitation and youth work competences,

  • Become part of an international professional network

.

Participants who complete the programme will receive a Youthpass Certificate, recognising the competences they developed during the activity.

Accommodation and Meal Costs Will Be Covered

Participants will be charged a €50 participation fee for the training course.

During the programme, the following costs will be fully covered by the Erasmus+ Programme:

  • Accommodation,

  • Meals,

  • Coffee breaks

.

Travel Support for Participants from Türkiye

Travel expenses will be reimbursed under the Erasmus+ distance bands based on participants’ actual expenditure.

The maximum travel support announced for participants from Türkiye is:

  • Up to €309 for standard travel,

  • Up to €417 for green travel

.

Green travel refers to lower-carbon means of transport, such as travelling by train, bus, or carpooling instead of flying. Travel support will be reimbursed up to the specified maximum amount after the required documents and tickets have been submitted to the organiser.

Application Timeline

Candidates wishing to apply for the programme must complete their applications by 2 August 2026.

The application results are scheduled to be announced on 5 August 2026.

Event Details

Training title: The Art of Balance through Daoist Wisdom
Turkish title: Daoist Bilgelikle Denge Sanatı
Type of activity: Erasmus+ Training Course
Date: 4-10 September 2026
Location: Bátonyterenye, Hungary
Working language: English
Number of participants: 24
Target group: Youth workers, trainers, and youth leaders
Participation fee: €50
Application deadline: 2 August 2026
Selection date: 5 August 2026
Organising institution: Origó Műhely – Origo Workshop

The programme offers youth workers seeking to develop their knowledge and skills in mental well-being, psychological resilience, stress management, and innovative youth work methods a valuable opportunity for international learning and cooperation.

Further details are available here.