Course on Mental Health in Palermo

28. 8. 2025

At the beginning of August, I traveled to Palermo, Sicily, to take part in a one-week course “Promoting Students’ Well-being and Mental Health in Schools”, organized by the Erasmus Learning Academy.

Throughout the program, we focused on the increasingly important topic of students’ mental health. We learned how to create a safe and supportive classroom environment, how to recognize when a child is struggling, and how to respond with empathy and understanding. A significant part of the training was also devoted to bullying prevention, stress management strategies, and mindfulness exercises that both students and teachers can easily apply.

One of the biggest benefits for me was the opportunity to meet colleagues from across Europe. We exchanged experiences, ideas, and practical tips – and this international exchange enriched me perhaps the most.

Another highlight was the unique atmosphere of Palermo itself. The historic streets, colorful markets, and warm-hearted people gave the whole stay an unforgettable character. The cultural program allowed us to discover the city while also providing time to relax between the intensive training sessions.

I returned to the Czech Republic not only with new knowledge and skills but also with the strong feeling that we are not alone in addressing mental health in schools – and that together we can do a lot to ensure our students feel safe, respected, and motivated.

Mgr. Romana Vrbková