From June 16-21, the EMINA Foundation organised the YOUnite pilot training, young people came not only to learn but also to discover the life changing process while having fun in the sunny days in Balaton.

The aim of this training under the YOUnite project was not so much transforming the participants, but educating them about the process of transformation and helping them grow in any sphere of their lives. For participants with problems connected to obesity and for those who are directly affected, this was a path to a better, more confident life. This training was conducted by the EMINA Foundation for six days and incorporated many indoor and outdoor activities. The participants in this pilot training were those who were directly experiencing the effects of obesity and who are at high risk because of their lifestyles.

YOUnite as a fishing experience in 6 different oceans!

The YOUnite program covered its focus topics related to 6 modules: health, sports, stress management, nutrition, awareness, and job market/employment.
At the YOUnite pilot training, participants didn’t just receive fish; they learned how to fish—gaining the skills and tools they need to navigate their lives with confidence, adaptability, and resilience, especially in the face of challenges like obesity and the pursuit of better employment opportunities.
Participants weren’t just handed meal plans; they explored the spectrum of eating habits, learning how to plan nutritious meals on their own. Through activities like mindful eating exercises and in-depth discussions on different diets, they gained the ability to “catch” healthier choices—laying the foundation for good habits that will support their overall well-being.

About sessions from the stress module when it came to managing stress, quick fixes weren’t on the menu. Instead, participants were taught to assess their stress levels and apply practical techniques for stress reduction. Group hiking and nature connection exercises became their “fishing rod,” helping them learn how to find and sustain peace of mind in their daily lives, which is crucial in maintaining both physical and mental health.

Rather than being handed job opportunities, participants were instructed about building new habits and exploring career alternatives. Workshops on interview preparation and elevator pitches taught them the “fishing techniques” needed to seize employment opportunities. They also discovered the importance of having the right tools—like self-awareness and communication skills—to increase their chances of success in the job market.

Self-reflection activities encouraged participants to look inward, helping them appreciate their strengths and recognize their potential. “How to rebuild healthy habits and break bad ones” was a creative approach that fostered greater self-respect and personal expression, both of which are essential in overcoming challenges related to obesity and boosting self-esteem.

The Feedbacks & Wrap-Ups provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the skills they had honed throughout the week. They shared their stories of growth—discussing what they had learned, which tools worked best, and how they planned to apply these new skills in their lives moving forward.

The participants of Pilot Training did not only get a full net; they also learnt how to fish more, even when the net is full!

Training sessions that would help develop them to be able to sustain positive habits that will help them to grow, transform and adapt in the future in areas such as health, employment, and quality of life.

With the further development of the YOUnite project, we are looking forward to its further dissemination, so that more young people can overcome their difficulties and stand out in the labour market. We are looking forward to knowing what this journey has in store for us as we further advance this effective project that has helped several youths!

Presentation about the pilot training in Hungary