Youth Self-Development Course – 12-Part Program Starts

Adolescents Need More Than a Curriculum

Puberty is one of the most intense phases in human life. Adolescents search for identity, for meaning, and for a place in the world. The regular school curriculum offers little space for this. This is exactly where the new 12-part youth course «Self-Development and Inner Growth» comes in, starting in Lucerne in autumn 2025.

The Program at a Glance

The course is divided into four thematic blocks of three modules each:

Block 1 – Who am I? (Modules 1–3)
Self-perception, strengths and weaknesses, personal values. The adolescents learn to face themselves honestly – without self-criticism, but with a clear view.

Block 2 – How do I feel? (Modules 4–6)
Emotional intelligence, dealing with stress, anxiety, and disappointment. The adolescents receive concrete tools to understand their feelings and deal with them constructively.

Block 3 – What do I believe? (Modules 7–9)
Values, morals, and ethical action. What is really important to me? How do I make decisions that I won't regret later? These questions are at the center.

Block 4 – Where am I going? (Modules 10–12)
Future planning, setting goals, creativity, and personal vision. The adolescents develop their own «life project» – a first draft of who they want to be.

Methods and Format

The course takes place in small groups of a maximum of 12 adolescents. The methods are diverse: group reflections, creative tasks, role-playing, journaling, and individual conversations. The lecturer is Prof. Dr. Marina Chayka, who has been working with adolescents in Switzerland and internationally for years.

Each module lasts 90 minutes and takes place once a week. The entire course extends over three months. Parents are involved in a short parent-teacher meeting at the beginning and end of the course.

Who is the Course For?

The course is aimed at adolescents between 12 and 18 years old who are willing to engage with themselves. No prior knowledge is required. The course is not a therapeutic offer, but an educational one – it is aimed at healthy adolescents who want to grow and develop.

Registrations are now open. If there are enough registrations, the first course will start in October 2025.