We spend a lot of time preparing young people for beginnings. We talk about the first day of university or the start of a career. We rarely discuss how to handle the final pages of a chapter. For many teenagers, the end of a friendship or a period of life feels like a sudden stop without a map. Our team at Stichting yEUth believes it is time to change that. Through the O.L.M.E. project, we are working with partners in Italy and North Macedonia to introduce a new concept called End Education.

The most impactful part of this project is that it moves beyond traditional grief support. While many programs focus on death, End Education looks at the “End Cycle” that happens throughout our lives. This includes the end of romantic relationships, study paths, and even digital social roles.

To support teenagers, educators must first look at how they handle endings in their own lives. The project includes a “train-the-trainer” approach where youth workers use tools for self-observation. They learn to manage the “End Cycle” with balance so they can lead others with empathy.

In today’s culture the concept of End is acceptable only if associated with the meaning of gratification.

Whether it is a personal limit or the end of a shared experience, recognising these boundaries helps prevent violence and promotes social inclusion.

Our work in Leiden will focus on making these complex ideas accessible and engaging for the most vulnerable groups in our community.

The O.L.M.E. project will provide a platform with resources and practical exercises for both youth and their mentors.