From June 25 to July 3, 2026, the association “Keep the Change” will implement the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project “MY BACKPACK” in Bernāti, Dienvidkurzeme Municipality, Latvia, within the framework of its Erasmus+ Youth Accreditation (Project No. 2026-1-LV02-KA151-YOU-000390742).
The activity will bring together 21 young people aged 18–28, as well as 6 group leaders and facilitators from Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Spain. The international environment will provide participants with an opportunity to improve their English language and intercultural communication skills, explore different perspectives and experiences, and exchange ideas related to emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
The central concept of “MY BACKPACK” is based on the metaphor of an invisible backpack that every person carries throughout their daily life. This backpack contains emotions, experiences, fears, expectations, and challenges, but also strengths, resources, and dreams. During the project, participants will explore what they carry in their own “backpack”, learn to recognize emotions, manage stress, strengthen emotional resilience, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Throughout seven activity days, participants will take part in non-formal education activities, practical workshops, reflection sessions, group tasks, discussions, and intercultural evenings. Various learning methods will support the development of self-awareness, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to take care of one’s wellbeing in everyday life.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing are among the most relevant topics for young people across Europe today. Many young people face stress, insecurity, overload, and difficulties in understanding their emotions. International projects provide a safe environment where participants can learn from one another, develop new skills, and gain practical tools to improve their quality of life.
“Over more than nine years of organizing Erasmus+ projects, I have met hundreds of young people who arrived feeling insecure, anxious, or uncertain about their future. Very often, they return home with greater self-confidence, new friendships, and the courage to try things they previously did not believe were possible. This transformation is the main reason why we continue creating international learning opportunities for young people in Latvia and around the world,” says Andra Štāle, head of Latvian organization “Keep the Change”.
This project is co-funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ Programme. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Agency for International Programs for Youth. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
