Erasmus+ Training Course for Youth Workers in Durău, Romania

Open Call | The Brave Presence

Erasmus+ Training Course for Youth Workers in Durău, Romania

Be here · Be brave · Move as one

Gamma Institute invites youth workers from Greece, Portugal, Spain, Poland and Romania to join The Brave Presence, an Erasmus+ KA1 international training course taking place in Durău, Romania, from 27 September to 4 October 2026.

Inspired by the extraordinary movement of a murmuration — thousands of birds moving together without a leader, continuously attuned to those around them — this training explores what becomes possible when we are truly present: with ourselves, with others and with the groups we work with.

What is “The Brave Presence” about?

In youth work, presence is more than simply being there. It is the ability to remain connected, aware and responsive — especially when situations become uncertain, challenging or emotionally intense.

During six experiential training days, participants will explore three interconnected dimensions:

Presence. Meditation, breathwork and mindfulness practices that support self-awareness, emotional steadiness and the ability to stay connected with what is happening in the present moment.

Courage. Stepping beyond familiar patterns and comfort zones, meeting vulnerability and uncertainty, and developing greater trust in ourselves and in the group.

Connection. Exploring non-verbal communication, attunement, interconnection and co-creation as practical tools for building authentic relationships and more adaptive youth work.

The training follows the metaphor of a flock taking flight:

Land · Tune · Leap · Move · Shape · Fly

We begin by landing and settling. We learn to sense the people around us, find the courage to move, discover how to act together and explore the shapes that can only emerge through collective presence. Finally, we take the learning home.

An experiential learning journey

The programme is based on non-formal and experiential education and includes:

• guided meditation and mindfulness;

• breathwork;

• embodied learning;

• mindful movement;

• non-verbal communication;

• interconnection and attunement practices;

• trust and vulnerability exercises;

• group dynamics and flocking activities;

• co-creation processes;

• workshop design and peer feedback;

• reflection and Youthpass learning processes.

Each day begins with a morning practice and closes with reflection or a small release ritual, creating a rhythm of presence, exploration and letting go throughout the week.

Who can apply?

We are looking for youth workers who:

• are 18 years old or above;

• are legally resident in Greece, Portugal, Spain, Poland or Romania;

• are active in youth work or youth-related activities;

• have at least a medium level of English;

• are interested in experiential, embodied and mindfulness-based learning;

• are open to intercultural learning and active participation;

• can participate in the entire mobility, including the travel days: 27 September – 4 October 2026;

• are willing to organize a follow-up or dissemination activity after returning home.

Each partner organization will send a national team of youth workers.

What happens after the training?

Learning does not end in Durău.

After the mobility, each national team will organize a local workshop or dissemination activity using practices and ideas developed during the training.

Participants and partner organizations will also contribute to a co-created practical brochure focused on presence, courage, communication and personal development in everyday youth work.

Venue and accommodation

The training will take place at Pensiunea Vânătorul in Durău, at the foot of the Ceahlău Mountains.

Participants will be accommodated in double or triple rooms with private bathrooms, and breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided throughout the activity.

Durău offers a particularly meaningful setting for this programme: mountain landscapes, autumn colours and a quieter rhythm that creates space for reflection, connection and experiential learning.

Travel and reimbursement

Participants are encouraged to travel via Iași, Romania.

Travel costs will be reimbursed after the mobility according to the applicable Erasmus+ distance band, based on the required travel documents. Participants should therefore keep all tickets, invoices and boarding passes.

Detailed travel instructions, reimbursement information, accommodation details and the full programme are available in the participant InfoPack.

About the trainer

The programme will be facilitated by Psih. Diana Laura Ciubotaru, psychologist, systemic psychotherapist, founder and president of Gamma Institute and supervisor trainer at the Systemic School of Training.

With more than 23 years of experience in psychotherapy, education, personal development and NGO coordination, she has designed and facilitated courses, workshops and international learning experiences focused on personal transformation, relational processes and experiential learning.

Key information

Training course: The Brave PresenceType: Erasmus+ KA1 Training Course for Youth Workers

Dates: 27 September – 4 October 2026Place: Durău, Romania

Countries: Greece · Portugal · Spain · Poland · Romania

Working language: English

Organizer: Gamma Institute, Romania

Project code: 2026-1-RO01-KA151-YOU-000389148

Application deadline: 10 September 2026

Apply here: https://forms.gle/STBuWqwVJ3t9FLn96

Be here. Be brave. Move as one.

What if courage did not begin with pushing harder, but with becoming fully present?

What if connection did not require more words, but greater attention?

And what if a group could learn to move together without anyone having to lead every step?

Join us in Durău for one week of presence, movement, courage, reflection and collective learning.

The Brave Presence is waiting for its flock.