As part of the European educational initiative under Erasmus+ 2024 framework (project reference: 2024-1-RO01-KA121-SCH-000203781), educators from Romania engaged in an intensive professional development experience in Antalya, Turkey, during April 14-18, 2025, focusing on Mental Health Awareness and Support: Promoting Well-Being and Resilience.
This comprehensive international initiative centered on enhancing psychological wellness among educational communities through an integrated methodology incorporating mindfulness practices, the PERMA framework, and various social-emotional development strategies. The program’s primary objective was to equip educators with emotional intelligence and relationship-building competencies necessary to identify behavioral and emotional challenges in students and provide appropriate interventions when required. Participants explored and practiced mindfulness approaches alongside the PERMA model, which highlights fundamental well-being components as essential tools for supporting and nurturing students from underprivileged circumstances.
Two educators from Elena Doamna College of Food Industry in Galați – Ms. Nicuța Ardeleanu-Blaga and Ms. Dana Ion – engaged in professional development at CEKDEV ACADEMY in Antalya. Throughout this intensive program, the participants developed comprehensive insights into well-being’s significance in establishing optimal learning environments for both educators and learners, enhancing their capacity to address diverse educational challenges effectively. The training explored well-being concepts across multiple dimensions, including emotional, social, physical, and educational aspects.
Under the expert guidance of Ms. Marieta Kacheva, an experienced professional trainer, the program focused on enhancing educators’ capabilities to identify and proactively manage significant emotional challenges among students while cultivating positive educational atmospheres. The curriculum encompassed mindfulness and stress-reduction strategies that teachers could integrate and utilize within their classrooms to enhance well-being for all educational stakeholders. The program featured hands-on workshops, real-world case analyses, reflective practice sessions, and activities designed to promote emotional and social growth. Conversations also addressed methods for improving educator wellness, including suggestions for implementing relevant projects and initiatives.
The World Health Organization recognizes well-being as the cornerstone of optimal health, with approximately 87% of individuals considering it a life priority. The training program emphasized this fundamental concept, encompassing multiple elements including restorative sleep, nutritional balance, consistent physical exercise, proper hydration, meaningful relationships, psychological and emotional wellness, professional-personal life integration, and supportive environments. Practical daily well-being strategies included respiratory exercises, appreciation journaling, brief wellness breaks, and consistent positive routines.
Considering current well-being challenges including digital technology and social platform influences, societal expectations, and information overload, the participating educators shared their acquired knowledge with colleagues and students at CIAED Galați. They implemented stress-reduction methods in educational settings to enhance well-being, transforming schools into enjoyable, inclusive, and cherished spaces for both learners and educators. A fundamental principle toward authentic well-being emphasizes the motivational message: „Begin today! This represents your initial step toward achieving greater balance and personal fulfillment”.