Mobility

We just got back from our mobility in Glendalough, Ireland! We spent a week and a half, from May 18 to May 27, learning about nature, tech and Irish culture. Our young people from Ireland, Türkiye, Romania, Portugal and the Netherlands had a lot of fun during our NFTL youth exchange!

Day 1

On Friday, we all got to know each other through team building activities and each group presented their sending organisations. Participants also received an introduction about Glendalough as a natural reserve and in turns presented the the natural reserves in their countries, discussing the current issues affecting them. We also held a workshop on health and safety while outdoors, ensuring we’ll have a fun and safe time in Glendalough. The first day ended with a guest speaker talk from the National Youth Environment Organisation (Eco UNESCO).

Day 2

On Saturday, young people held an art workshop where they tried out photography, charcoal, drawing and sculpting while in a natural setting. We talked about adapting outdoor art activities to each country’s environment so that youth could continue making art and enjoying nature. In the afternoon, young people discussed the different social issues European youth face, and they explored the European platforms to promote and find available opportunities.

Day 3

On Sunday, young people spent the day exploring Irish nature. We considered the similarities and differences in engaging with nature in urban settings compared to rural locations. We also discussed the role of digital tools in outdoor learning, and considered eco-friendly practices as a way to minimise the mobility’s impact on the environment. We finished the day with a walking tour of the beautiful monastic valley!

Day 4

On Monday, we organised a day trip to Dublin! Young people explored the city, visited cultural sites and museums, and ended the day on exploring the coast, a different natural location from Glendalough that allowed for more reflection on natural diversity in our countries.

Day 5

On Tuesday, we started the day by having an outdoor workshop session! Young people learned from each other how to set up shelter and to assess risks, as well as got to take part in outdoor team building games. They also discussed how these activities can be adapted to each country’s environment, taking young people’s needs into account. We finished off the day with a fun and intense cultural night, where groups from each country held a small presentation on their home country and shared food, traditions and music!

Day 6

On Wednesday, we had a fun morning visiting the coastal town of Wicklow! While there, we learned about marine science, including wildlife, tides, weather and water rescue skills. We then applied our learning and had fun kayaking and paddle boarding, as well as coasteering! We had a calm evening and reflected on our learning.

Day 7

On Thursday, we visited Wicklow mountains and explored the local forest. We took a small hike navigating trails in the lowlands. While hiking, young people used apps as navigation tools, and learned basic map reading, navigation and relocation. In the evening, we had a mindfulness session, and tried out sound therapy.

Day 8

On Friday morning, we had an adventure therapy workshop, where nature was used as a space for reflection on different aspects of life. Young people used the outdoor therapeutic methods we learned to reflect on the activities of the past weeks. The mobility ended with a session about the Youthpass, a certification ceremony and a traditional Irish Farewell party.