Moldova

Follow-up Activity

Activity Report – Dissemination Event - Alisa Nicov and Lavinia Casiadi:

The dissemination event took place on April 6, 2026, at the "Ștefan cel Mare" Police Academy in Chișinău, bringing together approximately 100 participants, mainly young people interested in educational opportunities and personal development.

The main objective of the activity was to present the PEMEHECON – Protect the Environment and your Mental Health with your Connection with Nature project, as well as to share the experience gained during the Erasmus+ mobility in Vienna. At the same time, the event aimed to inform participants about the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ programme, the benefits of involvement in such projects, and the ways they can apply.

In the first part of the event, a general presentation of the Erasmus+ programme was delivered, explaining the types of projects, eligibility criteria, and the advantages of participation. Afterwards, a personal experience from the international training course was presented, highlighting the activities carried out, the competences developed, and their impact on personal and professional growth.

The second part of the activity was interactive, involving participants in discussions and exchange of ideas on topics such as mental health, mindfulness, and connection with nature. Participants were encouraged to ask questions and actively engage in the dialogue.

The event also included a Q&A session, where participants had the opportunity to learn more about the project, Erasmus+ mobilities, and the international experience. The interaction was dynamic, with participants showing interest and engagement throughout the activity.

The feedback received was positive, with participants appreciating both the information provided and the interactive nature of the event. The activity contributed to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and involvement in non-formal education projects.

In conclusion, the dissemination activity was successfully carried out, achieving its proposed objectives and having a significant impact on the participants.

Gheorghe Stoianov:

On March 9, 2026, I organised a dissemination activity at the "Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu" State University, attended by 81 students from fields such as Education Sciences, Accounting, History, Law, and Public Administration. The activity lasted 60 minutes and focused on "Protecting Mental Health, Mindfulness Activities, and Connecting with Nature."

In the first part of the presentation, I introduced the students to the Erasmus program and its types of projects. I explained the program's purpose, the benefits of participation, the eligibility criteria, and where they can find opportunities.

In the second part, I shared my experience in Vienna, discussed the training topic, and explained what stress and mindfulness are, why relaxation exercises are necessary, and how our body functions when the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are activated.

We also practiced several exercises, including: focusing on the present moment, listening to surrounding sounds, diaphragmatic breathing with a hand on the abdomen, guided breathing (4–6 method), guided breathing with humming during exhalation, guided breathing combined with raising and lowering the hands, body tapping, standing on tiptoes, neck massage, focusing on a single point to train attention, and a guided exercise where a volunteer was led with their eyes closed.

Additionally, I spoke to the students about the importance of volunteering and getting involved in various projects and activities aimed at developing personal and professional skills.

Participants' impressions from the project:

Gheorghe Stoianov:

Participating in the Erasmus+ project "PEMEHECON" was an eye-opening and enriching experience that went far beyond traditional learning. Through a dynamic mix of non-formal education, intercultural dialogue, and hands-on workshops, I gained a much deeper understanding of the vital link between our mental health and our connection with nature.

Activities such as exploring nature's elements through yoga and meditation, and mindfulness exercises helped me unplug from technology overload and unblock my imagination. I truly appreciated how each session encouraged us to learn "in nature, through nature," turning the educational process into a fun experience that stimulated curiosity and creativity.

Working in multicultural teams alongside participants from countries like Austria, Cyprus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Romania, and Lithuania significantly improved my communication and teamwork skills. The intercultural evenings, where we shared traditional delicacies and explored diversity through dance and stories, added warmth to the experience, allowing us to break down stereotypes and build authentic human connections.

I left Vienna feeling much more confident in using creative tools in youth work and more motivated to promote environmental awareness in my community. "PEMEHECON" helped me realize how essential inner balance and care for the environment are, and the skills, insights, and friendships I gained will continue to impact my professional and personal growth.

Alisa Nicov:

Taking part in the Erasmus+ project "PEMEHECON" meant stepping out of my usual routine and experiencing a completely different way of learning. What stood out to me the most was how naturally the activities combined mental health with time spent in nature, without feeling forced or overly theoretical.
I remember that at the beginning it was a bit unusual for me to slow down and really be present, especially during mindfulness or nature-based exercises. But as the days went by, I started to feel more relaxed and more aware of how much I actually needed that kind of break from everyday stress and constant online presence. It helped me clear my mind and look at things from a calmer perspective.
Another important part of the experience was working with people from so many different countries. At times it was challenging to adjust to different ways of thinking or communicating, but that's exactly what helped me grow. I became more patient, more open, and more confident in expressing my ideas, even when I wasn't sure I would be fully understood.
The intercultural evenings were probably some of the most memorable moments. They didn't feel like formal presentations, but rather like genuine exchanges where everyone brought a piece of their culture. That made the whole experience feel more human and closer.
Looking back, I feel like this project didn't just teach me new concepts, but also made me more aware of myself. I left with a stronger motivation to take care of my mental health and to be more mindful of my impact on the environment. At the same time, I gained practical ideas and inspiration that I would like to use in future projects or initiatives.

Lavinia-Carmen Casiadi:

Participating in the Erasmus+ project "PEMEHECON" was honestly a different kind of experience for me, one that I didn't fully know what to expect from at the beginning. What I appreciated the most was how everything was organized in a way that didn't feel like a typical training, but more like a space where you actually learn by doing, feeling, and reflecting.

The combination of nature-based activities, mindfulness exercises, and group discussions made the whole process feel very real and engaging. At first, slowing down and disconnecting from the usual daily rhythm was a bit challenging, but over time I realized how necessary it was. I feel that the project was well-coordinated, with a good balance between structured sessions and free interaction, which made it easier to connect with others and stay involved.

Of course, there were also small challenges, like adapting to different communication styles or stepping out of my comfort zone, but these turned into valuable learning moments. In the end, I gained not only practical ideas and tools that I can use further, especially in youth-related activities, but also a clearer understanding of the importance of mental well-being and our relationship with the environment. If I were to suggest something for improvement, maybe just a bit more time for reflection after certain activities, because those moments were actually very valuable.

In the end, I gained not only practical ideas and tools that I can use further, especially in youth-related activities, but also a clearer understanding of the importance of mental well-being and our relationship with the environment. If I were to suggest something for improvement, it would be organizing the project during spring, around April–May, or even throughout the summer. This would allow participants to fully benefit from good weather and spend more time outdoors, which would make the nature-based activities even more effective and enjoyable. Overall, it was an experience that I will definitely carry with me further.Overall, it was an experience that I will definitely carry with me further.