We talk a lot about preparing young people for the future — but how often do we stop to ask how we’re really helping them get there?
For many, growing up today means navigating stress, uncertainty, and the constant noise of social media. Too often, schools focus on grades, not growth; knowledge, not confidence. ConnectEd: Bridging Minds, Building Communities, an Erasmus+ project supported by the European Union, gives youth workers, educators, and young people the tools they truly need.
Led by TiPovej! (Slovenia), in partnership with BACKSLASH (Spain), Libero (Serbia), and Connect International (Belgium), the project focuses on three essential pillars: learning to learn, building community, and caring for mental health.
To address those challenges, the project developed two ConnectEd playlists — digital learning pathways that bring personal growth and practical skills into everyday youth work.
Playlist 1 – ConnectEd: Bridging Minds, Building Communities
(For youth workers, educators, and organizations working with youth)
This playlist is built for educators who guide and support young people every day — teachers, mentors, and youth workers. It offers hands-on, ready-to-use activities that make learning about life skills both simple and engaging.
From stress management and problem-solving to empathy and teamwork, the playlist helps educators turn theory into real change. Use it in the classroom, during workshops, or in a youth center — each activity is designed to build confidence, create safe spaces, and build connection.
If you’ve ever watched a young person struggle and wished you could do more — this playlist gives you the practical tools to make that difference. Access the playlist here.
Playlist 2 – LifeSkills 360º
(For young people)
Life can feel overwhelming sometimes — and LifeSkills 360º was created for those moments. This playlist helps young people explore who they are, manage their emotions, and find balance through interactive, self-paced activities.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about learning how to stay calm under pressure, think clearly, and connect meaningfully with others. Because when young people understand themselves better, they also become stronger — and kinder — members of their communities. Access the playlist here.
Built on the ConnectEd Methodology — Tested Across Europe
Both playlists are based on the ConnectEd methodology, now being piloted and tested in Slovenia, Serbia, and Spain. Early results show measurable progress in how young people learn, think, and connect.
Across the three countries, over 150 young people took part in workshops on learning to learn, mental health, and community building. The early results show:
- Understanding of how to learn effectively doubled, with more than 50% of participants feeling confident to apply new strategies in practice.
- Around 85% reported learning concrete tools for managing stress and emotions.
- Confidence in key soft skills — like communication, teamwork, and creativity — rose to an average of 4.5 out of 5.
- Motivation linked to personal purpose grew by nearly 20%, showing that when learning feels meaningful, persistence follows.
These results show that with the right tools and support, young people move from uncertainty to confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
So, can one playlist change how we support youth?
