On February 16th, 2026, we at Stichting Yeuth hosted a workshop in Leiden as part of the One Life Many Endings project, creating a space where young people could pause and reflect on a topic that is often left unspoken: endings. Bringing together local youth in an open and supportive environment, the session focused on how transitions—both big and small—shape our emotional lives. From the very beginning, the atmosphere encouraged honesty, allowing participants to share experiences that are usually pushed aside in everyday conversations.

At the heart of the workshop was our introduction to the concept of End Education, a framework designed to help young people better understand and process change. We guided participants through the idea that endings are not limited to major life events, but are present in everyday moments—when friendships shift, expectations change, or personal paths take unexpected turns. By drawing on insights from the OLME project, we offered a structured yet accessible way to explore these experiences .

Throughout the session, we facilitated conversations and exercises that encouraged participants to reflect on their own endings. One key focus was helping them distinguish between what they can control and what they cannot, allowing them to redirect their energy in a more constructive way. These practical tools created a sense of clarity, helping participants move from feeling overwhelmed by change to actively engaging with it.

What stood out most to us was how deeply participants connected with the idea that endings are not linear. Instead, they unfold in cycles, where similar emotions may return but always with new understanding. As the discussions evolved, we saw participants begin to reframe their experiences—not as isolated moments of loss, but as part of an ongoing process of growth and transformation.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of creating time and space to feel. In a fast-paced world, young people are often encouraged to move on quickly, without acknowledging what has been left behind. By slowing down and reflecting together, participants were able to recognize the value of these moments and the role they play in building resilience and emotional awareness .

By the end of the session, we saw a shift—not just in understanding, but in confidence. Participants left with a stronger language to describe their experiences and a deeper awareness of how endings shape who they are becoming. For us at Stichting Yeuth, this workshop reaffirmed the importance of creating spaces where young people can explore change openly, and where endings are seen not as something to avoid, but as an essential part of life.