TC Reconnection to the basics
The Reconnection to the Basics training course for youth workers took place from 19 to 26 July 2026 in Latvia, with the program taking place in two locations – in the peaceful surroundings of the Debusu Bloda guest house in the Ogre district and, on the final day, in the capital city of Riga. The training brought together youth workers, mentors, and other people involved in youth work from different European countries.
The main aim of the course was to reconnect with ourselves, our surroundings, and nature through non-formal education. An important part of the training was strengthening our wellbeing and our ability to build meaningful relationships in both our personal and professional lives. The course was based on the idea that if we want to support young people in their personal growth, we first need to learn how to take care of ourselves.
The program was full of workshops, outdoor activities, and opportunities to share experiences. Another very important part was creating space to slow down, recharge, and reflect. In everyday life we often devote a lot of energy to work and responsibilities and forget to think about ourselves and our own needs. Every day, we had the opportunity to reflect on whether our perception of our surroundings was changing during the training, what we would like to bring into our personal lives. This reflection helped me realise how important it is to regularly find time for myself and simply stop for a while.
One of the activities that left an impression on me was when we were asked to spend almost two hours alone in silence in nature.
Apart from learning, the training was also a great opportunity to build new relationships. Every day, we had a multicultural snack break, during which each participant brought treats typical of their country and shared it with others. We also dedicated one evening to traditional dances from each participating country. Thanks to these moments we had the opportunity to discover new cultures and get to know the other participants better.
I came home with new motivation to continue working on myself, keep learning, and pass on the knowledge and experience I gained to others.
I would like to thank the organisers of the project for their excellent work, the pleasant atmosphere, and for creating a safe environment for reflection and relaxation.
