North Macedonia

Seven people attended the small workshop that EduArt and the Body Accept trainer held in their international office, where they discussed the topics of body acceptance and body bullying. During the two hours of the workshop, they went over the results created during the training course and also implemented some of the workshops, such as portrait of encouragement, body scanning, and river of life activities. This helped these 16 and 17-year-olds start thinking about the topic and stop seeing it as taboo. They also learned to love themselves more.

Anastasija Migulovska

So, I just got back from this body positivity project in Cyprus, and wow, what an experience! I mean, I was super nervous before going. Discussing personal stuff like body image while dealing with social anxiety? Yikes. But guess what? The organizers and everyone there were so warm and friendly that I immediately felt comfortable. We did all kinds of cool activities to explore and express our thoughts about body image. We had these super insightful workshops on body acceptance, talking about everything from positivity to negativity to just feeling meh. And get this – we even had a scavenger hunt in Pissouri! Not to mention meditation, body mapping, and making podcasts. Every session was interesting and kept us engaged. I particularly loved the workshop on body images through history. It was a fascinating and fun way to see how ideas of beauty have changed over time.

One of the best parts was learning from the trainers and each other. We came from all sorts of backgrounds and cultures, but we found common ground in our shared experiences and dreams for a more inclusive world. I picked up so many great tools and methods for promoting body acceptance and mental health. I can't wait to share them with the young people back home.This project wasn't just about learning new stuff. It also helped me get better at communicating and boosted my confidence in speaking up. I made some amazing new friends (who I still chat with all the time), and I walked away with a stronger sense of self-worth and a burning desire to advocate for body positivity.

All in all, this whole experience was amazing, both personally and professionally. I feel ready and inspired to keep spreading the message of body acceptance and self-love in my community. Huge thanks to everyone who made this project happen!

Hello, .my name is Emilija, I recently took part in an Erasmus training course about body acceptance in a stunning place situated in Pissuri, Cyprus from 12th to 19th April. In this project we had a chance to learn about different aspect of our body perspective, how to develop self-love, cope with bullying and body shaming and how is body image perceived in different cultures and countries. There were different workshops in which we were engaged like listening to music, expressing our thoughts and emotions through art sessions, also making collges about fashion in different periods helped us see how body image has evolved through different years.

The main goal of the project was to focus on our mental health and how to deal with body issues which made us realise how body image is strongly connected with our wellbeing and vice versa. Recording a podcast was one of the crucial activities because we had a chance to explore and learn a lot about how this issues affects young people and all people in general. Exploring Cyprus and visiting so many magnificent places like Paphos, Limassol and Pissouri was the best part of this trip. We had a chance to see so many breathtaking views, talk to locals, learn about their culture, taste their delicious cousine, and find out how they perceive different types of body image. Personally I really enjoyed in all the sessions, because I was surrounded by so many nice people including the trainers, who without any doubt revealed all their flaws and insecurities, shared their personal stories and opened their hearts in front of every one. We created so many beautiful memories and made lifetime connections. I'm so grateful for having the opportunity to participate in a project like this.

Hi guys, I'm Vera! I recently took part in the Body Acceptance Training course in Cyprus from April 12th to 19th was a truly transformative experience. The program was thoughtfully designed to help participants embrace self-love and body positivity. We engaged in activities like body mapping, which allowed us to visually and emotionally explore our bodies in a safe and supportive environment. Exploring body image through pop culture provided a fresh perspective on how societal standards have shaped our views of beauty and self-worth. Our trips to the stunning locations of Pissouri, Paphos, and Limassol were highlights of the week. These excursions not only offered breathtaking views and a taste of Cyprus's rich cultural heritage but also provided opportunities for bonding and relaxation. We also did interviews about body image, body shaming and more with the locals and tourists. Workshops on how body perceptions have evolved over the decades were particularly enlightening, helping us understand the historical context of body image issues.

A crucial part of the program was the focus on mental well-being. Through meditation and journaling, we were encouraged to reflect deeply on our insecurities and flaws. These practices were incredibly effective in helping us release negative thoughts and embrace a more positive and accepting view of ourselves. The sense of community fostered during these sessions was powerful, as we shared our journeys and supported each other. The friendships and connections we built were perhaps the most rewarding aspect of the program. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who were on similar journeys of self-discovery created a strong, supportive network. This training course was not just about body acceptance; it was a journey of personal growth, cultural discovery, and building lifelong connections. It left us with wonderful memories and a renewed sense of self-worth. I miss everyone which was a part of this journey with me, I hope to see you guys soon❤️😊 ​

Hi guys, I'm Marija Kostova! I recently attended the Body Acceptance Training course in Cyprus from April 12th to 19th, and it was truly life-changing. The program helped us embrace self-love and body positivity through activities like body mapping, which allowed us to explore our bodies safely. We also learned about body image through pop culture, gaining new perspectives on beauty standards.

We visited beautiful places like Pissouri, Paphos, and Limassol, experiencing the rich culture of Cyprus. We interviewed locals and tourists about body image and body shaming and attended workshops on how body perceptions have changed over time. The focus on mental well-being was essential. Through meditation and journaling, we reflected on our insecurities, released negative thoughts, and embraced a more positive view of ourselves. The community we built was amazing, as we shared our journeys and supported each other. The friendships and connections we made were the best part of the program. Being with like-minded people on similar journeys created a strong support network.

Dissemination Links from participants and NGO North Macedonia