Organizing the pilot program in Helsinki had its challenges, but the outcome was immensely rewarding.. After three date changes, we finally managed to conduct a successful program, receiving great feedback from our enthusiastic participants.

Initially scheduled for early June, we faced significant difficulties in recruiting participants despite our best efforts. It wasn’t until we intensified our outreach—contacting various organizations, advertising on social media, and leveraging our established networks—that we gathered enough interest to move forward.

The pilot took place in the heart of Helsinki, from July 29th to August 2nd. Eight motivated young people joined us for this five-day journey but due to unforeseen circumstances two of our participants had to drop out mid-week. Each day was carefully designed with a different theme in mind, reflecting the six modules of the YOUnite training program. These themes spanned self-reflection, workshops, and action-based activities, all aimed at keeping participants engaged and ensuring that the program remained versatile and interesting.

Among the week’s highlights were the nutrition-themed day, where participants planned and cooked a meal together, which many described as their favorite part of the week. An art therapy workshop that allowed them to express themselves creatively while having fun at the same time. The CV photo shoot on employment day also stood out as a key activity, helping participants prepare for the job market with confidence.

As the week progressed, it was clear that the program fostered not only personal growth but also a strong sense of community. Participants appreciated the safe space to share their thoughts, with one noting, “The program helped me get to know myself better and has motivated me to work on myself.”

The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising the program as “various and well-planned.” This experience has provided invaluable insights, and we, as organizers, are now confident that the YOUnite modules can be finalized to be even more engaging, fun, and effective. Our goal is to equip overweight youth with essential life management skills, empowering them to improve their status in the labor market.

We sincerely thank all the participants and trainers for making this week both memorable and impactful. Together, we took significant steps towards promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle, personal development, and curiosity for growth in a supportive and engaging environment.

Presentation about the pilot training in Helsinki