🎭🌿 Erasmus+ Training Course in Slovenia 🇸🇮 Fool for Gaia 🌍 Clowning, Deep Ecology and Creative Youth Work in Radomlje

An Erasmus+ Training Course will take place in Radomlje, Slovenia, bringing together youth workers and artists from Italy, France, Germany and Slovenia for a 9-day creative residency rooted in deep ecology, embodied practice and transformative learning.

“Fool for Gaia” invites participants to explore the archetype of the Fool not as a performer, but as a guide toward authenticity, empathy and connection with the living Earth. Through clowning, eco-storytelling and holistic practices, the training supports youth workers in responding creatively and sensitively to the ecological and emotional challenges faced by young people today.

📍 Location
Radomlje, Slovenia 🇸🇮
A deep ecology centre near a wetland forest and the wild Rovščica river, where participants will share space with animals including horses, cats and dogs.

📅 Activity Dates
12 June 2026 – 22 June 2026 (travel days included)

📅 Application Deadline
13 March 2026
📢 Results announced: 10 April 2026

🎯 About the Training

Fool for Gaia brings together 16 participants to explore:

🎭 Clowning as a tool for deep ecology and authentic expression
🌿 Eco-storytelling and nature-based narrative creation
🧘 Eco-somatic embodied practices
🐴 Holistic work with horses
🔥 Ritual and The Way of the Council
👂 Deep listening practices
🎨 Creative and inclusive educational strategies rooted in nature connection

Participants will gain knowledge and embodied skills and then apply them in participatory and inclusive teamwork processes. The methodology is grounded in non-formal education, experiential learning and creative arts.

The project focuses on:

✔ Strengthening assertive, authentic and empathetic communication
✔ Cultivating emotional resilience in youth work
✔ Creating inclusive and meaningful learning spaces
✔ Integrating ecological awareness into educational practice
✔ Building a European network of creative youth work practitioners

👥 Who Is This Training For

✔ Youth workers, educators, trainers and facilitators working with young people
✔ Artists and creative practitioners such as storytellers, clowns, performers, movement and visual artists
✔ Participants aged 18+
✔ Able to communicate in English
✔ Ready to fully engage in an intensive, collaborative and nature-based process
✔ No prior experience in clowning required
✔ Legally resident in Italy 🇮🇹, France 🇫🇷, Germany 🇩🇪 or Slovenia 🇸🇮

🏕️ Venue and Living Conditions

⛺ Accommodation in prepared tents
🚿 Outdoor shared bathrooms
🌱 Indoor and outdoor creative spaces
🥗 Vegan meals prepared on-site
🤝 Community-based shared responsibility for cleaning and collective spaces

Materials, activities, accommodation and food are fully covered by the Erasmus+ grant.

🌍 Participating Countries
Italy 🇮🇹, France 🇫🇷, Slovenia 🇸🇮, Germany 🇩🇪

📘 Infopack
https://www.canva.com/design/DAHASEzWcGY/vbgNKonSW1tgfrvSu_HXBA/view

📝 Application Form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKDsYOAfUrQiEVrOM24-02UebpnkqJCWqcBTFBrKW83XfKUQ/viewform?usp=dialog

📩 Contact
kapljaspela@gmail.com

⚠️ 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.