What is Grounded?
Grounded: Staying Steady in a Shaky World is an international Erasmus+ youth exchange coordinated by AKS, bringing together young people aged 14–17 from Lithuania, Italy, Bulgaria and Albania. The project will take place in Lithuania from 27 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.
The project starts with a very current question: how can a young person remain grounded in a world shaped by constant change, information overload, uncertainty and external expectations?
What is the project about?
Grounded is not about avoiding difficult emotions or uncomfortable situations. Instead, participants will learn to recognise what is happening within them, understand their own reactions and discover practical ways of regaining balance.
Young people will explore emotions, stress, self-regulation, peer support, everyday habits and inner stability. The programme will focus on practical strategies for understanding personal needs, recognising what helps us feel more secure and learning when and how to seek support from others.
How does the youth exchange work?
The project is based on non-formal education, so there are no traditional lessons. Participants learn through experience: group challenges, discussions, creative activities, reflection, movement, small-group work and shared international experiences.
An important part of the programme will be trying different self-regulation and calming strategies and reflecting on what works for different people. There is no single “correct” way to feel or respond; the project encourages young people to understand their own individual needs.
Learning in an international group
By living and learning alongside peers from four countries, participants will discover that many of the challenges young people face are shared across cultures, while the ways people understand and respond to them can be very different.
English will be used as a natural means of communication throughout the exchange. Participants do not need perfect English. A willingness to communicate, listen to others and take part in shared activities is far more important.
A safe space to learn and experiment
Grounded aims to create an environment where young people can participate at their own pace, ask questions, express their views and respect the boundaries and experiences of others.
Particular attention will be given to different participant needs and to young people with fewer opportunities to take part in international activities. Erasmus+ youth exchanges give them a chance to gain international experience, develop independence and build new connections in a supportive non-formal learning environment.
Project partnership
Grounded: Staying Steady in a Shaky World is coordinated by Anglų kalbos studija together with partner organisations from Italy, Bulgaria and Albania.
The project is funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme.