17-25 October 2025
Sicily, Italy
While many were settling into their typical autumn routines last year, a group of dedicated youth workers headed to the heart of Sicily for a truly transformative experience. Hosted by the Italian organization Spazio Etneo, the training course titled „Nature Connects Mind” provided a unique opportunity to explore mindfulness and the healing power of the natural world.
Here is a look back at how this professional development journey unfolded in October 2025.
„Nature Connects Mind” was designed to be more than just a standard training course; it acted as a crucial „pause button” for those working in high-pressure social environments. The primary goal was to enhance the mental health and well-being of the participants by using nature as a primary tool for grounding and connection.
The program successfully equipped youth workers with practical mindfulness skills. This served a dual purpose: first, it helped participants manage their own stress and prevent burnout, and second, it provided them with tangible tools they could take back to their home countries to support the young people they work with. The schedule was intensive but restorative, featuring four activity sessions daily alongside dedicated reflection groups.
The setting for this course was integral to its success. It took place in the scenic region of Nebrodi, Sicily.
To ensure everyone could truly disconnect from daily distractions, the group stayed in an isolated, beautifully renovated 18th-century farmhouse known as Antico Casale Il Vignale. Surrounded by ancient trees and mountain air, it provided the perfect backdrop for deep work on mindfulness and self-reflection.
The project brought together a diverse group of professionals for a week of intensive learning:
Dates: October 17th – October 25th, 2025.
Who participated? The project hosted 27 participants, primarily youth workers aged between 20 and 40 who were committed to mental health advocacy.
A Multinational Group: The participants traveled from Italy, Croatia, Portugal, Hungary, Jordan, and Georgia, creating a rich, multicultural learning environment.
