We are proud to announce that YMCA Europe is one of the partners of the newly launched OASIS Project, an EU-funded initiative aimed at promoting mindful digital consumption and enhancing digital well-being among young people across Europe.
As our lives become increasingly digital, young people face new mental, emotional, and physical challenges. The OASIS Project (Opportunities for Awareness towards Sustainable and Mindful Digital ConSumption) responds to these challenges by developing evidence-based training resources, digital tools, and participatory learning experiences to equip both youth and educators with practical strategies for managing their digital habits in a healthy and balanced way.
At YMCA Europe, we believe that digitalisation is not only necessary – it’s an essential part of progress and inclusion. But our mission goes beyond simply connecting our members and young people to the digital world. We are equally committed to equipping them with tools and strategies to protect their mental and emotional well-being throughout this process.
The OASIS project aligns closely with this dual commitment. Its main goals are:
- Support youth workers in understanding the impact of excessive digital use on young people.
- Encourage mindful and resilient digital practices among youth.
- Foster cross-sectoral and transnational cooperation between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
- Co-create resources with psychologists, digital wellness experts, educators, and youth to ensure relevance and inclusivity.
Direct Target Groups:
- Youth Workers
- Young people
- Psychologists
- Digital Wellness Experts
Indirect Target Groups: parents, schools and universities, and policymakers.
Work Package 2 (WP2)
YMCA is coordinating WP2, which focuses on the co-creation of a high-quality training pack. This pack will form the foundation for the next stages of the project, including the creation of digital learning tools and the delivery of training to youth workers.
Our work includes:
- Facilitating collaboration between youth representatives, psychologists, and digital wellness experts.
- Developing the training content through inclusive and evidence-based processes.
- Testing the materials with youth and youth workers in real-life settings.
- Revising and adapting the content based on feedback and local needs.
Last week, we had the opportunity to meet all project partners in person for the first time, during the Project Consortium Meetting in Athens, Greece, a great milestone to align our vision and plan the next steps.
Consortium Composition:
- Leader: Research and Education of Social Empowerment and Transformation- Reset LDT: Research Institute/ Centre Cyprus
- Xenios Polis – Greece. Culture, Science and Action: Non-profit organisation. Designing, Developing and Providing Training and Education in multiple learning environments for a wide spectrum of citizens and professional groups.
- YMCA Europe
- Big Bucket Limited – Ireland: a small-medium-sized enterprise that offers a wide range of professional development courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of youth workers and educators.
- E.S.Conscious Communication LTD Cyprus: Profit Youth Organisation. It is focused on addressing mental health issues, promoting self-awareness, and fostering mindful internet use for youth.
We are excited to contribute to this important mission and look forward to sharing updates as the project evolves!
