🎭🌿 Erasmus+ Training Course in Slovenia “Fool for Gaia” 🎪 Deep Ecology, Clowning & Creative Youth Work 🇸🇮

🌍 “Fool for Gaia” is a 9-day Erasmus+ Training Course in Slovenia bringing together 16 youth workers and artists for a creative residency rooted in deep ecology, clowning, eco-storytelling and embodied practices.

✨ This immersive experience invites participants to explore sensitivity, playfulness, imagination and ecological awareness as transformative tools for personal growth and youth work practice.

At the heart of the programme is the “Fool” — not as a performer, but as a guide into authentic connection, grounded awareness and deep listening to the more-than-human world. Through nature-based and animal-assisted learning (including work with horses), participants cultivate presence, empathy and creative confidence.

👥 Who Is It For?

👤 Youth workers, educators, trainers, facilitators, social practitioners
🎨 Artists and creative practitioners (storytellers, clowns, performers, movement and visual artists)
🔞 18+
🗣 Able to communicate in English
🌱 Open to embodied, experiential and nature-connected learning

No prior clowning or performance experience is required.

📅 Activity Dates

12–22 June 2026

⏰ Application Deadline

13 March 2026 (24h UTC)

📌 Date of Selection

10 April 2026

🧩 Methodology

The training blends non-formal and experiential learning with:

🎭 Clowning & deep ecology practices
📖 Eco-storytelling and nature story-making
🌿 Eco-somatic and embodied exercises
🐴 Holistic learning with horses
🔥 Ritual and Council-based dialogue
👂 Deep listening and nature immersion

Participants will translate these experiences into practical tools for youth work, fostering resilience, emotional awareness and inclusive learning spaces.

💰 Financial Conditions

🎒 Materials, activities, accommodation and food are 100% covered by Erasmus+.
⛺ Accommodation in tents at a deep ecology centre in Radomlje, Slovenia (shared outdoor bathrooms).
🥗 Vegan meals provided on-site.

✈️ Travel reimbursement (according to Erasmus+ rules):

10–99 km: 28 € / Green Travel: 56 €
100–499 km: 211 € / Green Travel: 285 €
500–1 999 km: 309 € / Green Travel: 417 €

Green Travel applies for eco-friendly transport (train, bus, car-pooling) covering at least 50% of the journey.

🌍 Eligible Countries

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium – DE, 🇧🇪 Belgium – FL, 🇧🇪 Belgium – FR, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇾 Cyprus, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇲🇰 Republic of North Macedonia, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇸🇰 Slovak Republic, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇷 Türkiye

🔗 Application Link

http://trainings.salto-youth.net/14475

📄 Info Pack

⚠️ Important Notice
1️⃣ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the project coordinator.
2️⃣ Responsibility for Content
The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy, details, and updates of the opportunity content.
3️⃣ Right to Modify or Withdraw
Coordinating organisations reserve the right to make changes after publication — including dates, activity details, or application deadlines — or to withdraw the announcement entirely.
4️⃣ Disclaimer of Liability
YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any such changes, updates, or cancellations made by the project coordinators.
💡 Final Note:
All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.