From 12 to 19 April 2026, our group took part in the learning mobility “Mental Health and Lifelong Learning”, which was held in Riga and Jurmala, Latvia.
The main idea behind the programme was simple but important: in order to keep learning, developing new skills and finding our place in a changing world, we need inner resources.
That is why this mobility combined lifelong learning with mental wellbeing, self-awareness, digital skills and reflection on personal and professional development.
We started with storytelling. Participants shared their experiences, expectations and concerns, gradually creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
An important part of the programme was our mindful walks in Jurmala. During the walks, participants paid attention to their bodies, thoughts and emotions and reflected on changes in their wellbeing. The seaside environment became part of the learning process, together with relaxation techniques, emotional awareness, stress management and resilience practices.
We also explored lifelong learning and career development. Participants discussed what supports or prevents adults from continuing to learn and worked with the Competences 2035 framework to better understand their own skills and possibilities for further development.
Another important part of the mobility was digital competence and AI. Participants used AI tools to develop creative thinking, support self-reflection and work on their personal development plans. The aim was not simply to learn new technology, but to understand how digital tools can become practical support for learning and everyday life.
In Riga, the group explored practices related to emotional intelligence and sound therapy and discussed social integration and European values. A cultural visit to Riga Old Town also gave us an opportunity to reflect on how culture, environment and a sense of belonging can influence our mental wellbeing.
At the end of the mobility, participants reflected on their progress and changes in self-perception and developed personal plans for further development and maintaining their wellbeing.
This mobility reminded us that adult learning does not happen only in a classroom or in front of a screen. We learn through new experiences, conversations, encounters, different environments and moments when we have time to stop and listen to ourselves.
Lifelong learning begins with an interest in life. And sometimes the first step towards something new is simply to regain our strength, hear ourselves again and feel: I am ready to move forward.
The mobility was implemented within the framework of the Erasmus+ accreditation in adult education and co-funded by the European Union.
Project 2025-1-EE01-KA121-ADU-000328467
Adult educators:
Svetlana Smirnova & Aleksei Serov
