Implementation
The training was done from March 3 (arrival day) to March 9 (departure day) of 2024, with the participation of 12 participants and 2 facilitators in Hylation Tourist Village. In the following lines, we are going to describe the whole implementation of the project:
DAY 1, Monday March 4, 2024
Welcome and Icebreaker Activities:
We created a warm and welcoming atmosphere by playing some name games and ice breaking activities and explaining how they can use them as youth workers to their groups.
Introduction to the Training Program and Objectives:
We provided a clear overview of the training program and its objectives to help participants understand what to expect and what they hope to gain from the experience. We provided an overview of the agenda, including the topics to be covered each day, the format of the sessions (e.g., workshops, discussions, practical activities), and any special events or guest speakers scheduled.Moreover, we invited participants to share their expectations ,their fears and their contribution to the training program, as well as any specific topics or activities they are particularly interested in exploring.
11:30: Introduction to Art as Therapy Working with Youth:
Exploring Materials and Creativity: This activity was designed to allow participants to explore different art materials and engage in a process-oriented creative experience. By working with various materials and techniques without a specific purpose or outcome in mind, participants can tap into their creativity, express themselves freely, and experience the therapeutic benefits of art-making. This activity provided participants with an opportunity to explore their creativity, experiment with different materials and techniques, and connect with their emotions through the process of art-making. Participants were encouraged to let go of any expectations or judgments, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the moment and enjoy the process of creating without limitations. This open-ended approach to art-making can lead to unexpected discoveries and personal growth as individuals connect with their inner thoughts and feelings through artistic expression.
Playing with Clay:
The participants had to throw clay at the wall and see how high they could make it stick. The activity was both fun and messy, as the clay often fell back down in chunks, creating a playful atmosphere of laughter among the participants. It's also an activity to release any tense energy and foster creativity in a hands-on way. Overall, it was a unique and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
16:00 : Creating a Collaborative Art Pieces with Clay :
We provided participants with modeling clay and sculpting tools, and encouraged them at the beginning just to play as individuals with it without any specific purpose. This was quite difficult because it was difficult to not create something and just play with the clay. After some time, we introduced the idea of combining their individual pieces into a larger collaborative art piece. This transition allowed participants to see the potential of working together and creating something unique in groups. The end result was unique and collaborative sculptures that showcased the creativity and teamwork of the group. Working with clay can be therapeutic and grounding, allowing participants to express themselves in a tactile and kinesthetic way.
18:00 : Art as Therapy:
Firstly, we instructed participants to draw with their fingers without any specific purpose, just to explore the tactile experience of creating art. This process allowed them to tap into their emotions and express themselves freely through color and movement. After this initial exploration, we encouraged participants to reflect on their artwork and discuss the feelings and thoughts that emerged during the creative process. This reflective dialogue helped them gain insight into their emotions and experiences, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves.
Self-Portrait:
Then, we invited them to close their eyes and draw with their fingers their perception of their self-portrait. This exercise allowed them to connect with their inner thoughts and emotions in a unique way, providing insight into how they view themselves beyond their physical appearance. The activity also encouraged self-reflection and creativity, fostering a deeper understanding of their self-image. Overall, the exercise was a powerful tool for promoting self-awareness and introspection. It helped participants explore their identities beyond what meets the eye, leading to a more profound sense of self-discovery.
Day 2-Tuesday March 5, 2024
09:30 : Improvisational Games:
Improvisational games created energy and enthusiasm into a group by breaking up monotony, stimulating participants' minds and bodies, and creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere. These games helped participants focus and motivation, making them more receptive to learning and engagement.
10:00 : Image Theatre:
We worked through Image Theatre games to explore different ways of expressing emotions and ideas through body movement. This helped us understand the power of nonverbal communication and how it can enhance our performances on stage. In one of these activities,they worked in pairs, with one being the sculptor and the other being the clay. This activity allowed us to deepen our understanding of physical storytelling and how it can be used to convey complex emotions and narratives without words. By embodying different characters and scenarios, we were able to expand our creative expression and connect with our audience on a deeper level.
16:00 : Forum Theatre:
Forum Theatre offers youth a creative and empowering platform to explore social issues, express themselves, and enact meaningful change in their communities. By engaging in interactive role-playing and dialogue, youth participants develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and a sense of civic engagement, laying the foundation for a more just and equitable society. We split participants in three groups, giving them three different topics as racism, classism, and sexism . Then we gave them some minutes to prepare their play, and then they performed it one time, and on the second one, anyone from the audience could stop the play and play one of the characters,changing the outcome. This interactive approach allowed for a deeper exploration of the themes and encouraged audience engagement. It provided a unique opportunity for participants to challenge and reshape the narrative in real time.
18:00 : Mask Activity:
This art activity is about decorating the outside part of a mask in the way that others or the outside world see us and also decorate the inside of the mask,representing how we see ourselves.Using a mask is perfect as a metaphor for exploring the different aspects of ourselves. There's something about masks - that really pulls us in, evokes feelings, and actually has a long tradition in many cultures. It's a powerful symbol that helps us share our human experience.Creating this mask helps us express what we haven't been able to express before. It lets us think deeply about who we are, what is the "mask" that we wear on the outside and how that is similar to who we are inside. Share our real experience.This project assumes that we all have masks we wear, different aspects of ourselves that are seen or not seen on the outside. It's okay to have these things, and this process just helps us understand ourselves more, accept our different aspects more. We simply bring more awareness to this and practice embracing all of who we are.
Day 3, Wednesday, March, 6 2024
09:30–13:00: Dance as Therapy:
In these two morning sessions,we had a special guest, Antria Papanikolaou (a dance therapist), with us, and she implemented the morning sessions. She started with introductory ice breakers, name games, and then she worked with the group with two thematics: body as a container and group as a container. Participants were encouraged to explore movement and expression within these themes, fostering a sense of connection and unity within the group. Antria's expertise in dance therapy brought a unique and enriching element to the morning sessions, leaving participants feeling inspired and rejuvenated.
16:00: Expressive Paint Dance:
In this activity, participants had the opportunity to engage in a unique and expressive form of movement by dancing on large sheets of paper covered with paint. The objective was to use their bodies as paintbrushes, allowing their movements to create dynamic and abstract patterns on the paper. Participants were encouraged to let go of limitations and move freely to the music, allowing their emotions and intuition to guide their movements. As they danced, the paint spread and blended, creating a visual representation of their energy and emotions in motion. After the dance session, participants reflected on their artwork and discussed their experiences, insights, and emotions that emerged during the activity. Some found the process cathartic and liberating, while others discovered new ways to express themselves creatively. Overall, the activity served as a unique and engaging way for participants to connect with their emotions and unleash their inner creativity.
18:00 : Preparation for Implementation Activities:
In this session, we talked about how we can create a specific schedule for certain target groups, taking into consideration their unique needs and preferences. By tailoring the schedule to accommodate different groups, we can ensure that everyone's time is utilized effectively and efficiently. This approach allows for better organization and productivity, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and satisfaction among participants. Additionally, by being flexible and responsive to individual needs, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all involved. By incorporating feedback and making adjustments as needed, we can continuously improve the schedule to better meet the needs of participants. This level of customization can lead to higher engagement and participation, resulting in a more successful and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.
Day 4: Thursday, March 7, 2024
9.30: Youth-Selected Activities for Public Schools
In this session, participants had the opportunity to select activities from the training program to implement in a public school setting. They reviewed the various activities introduced during the training, considering factors such as relevance to the school context, alignment with educational goals, and potential impact on students' well-being and development. After careful consideration and discussion, participants choose a set of activities to implement in the school. They developed a plan for implementation, including scheduling and evaluation methods. This session empowered participants to apply their learning from the training in a practical and meaningful way, supporting the holistic development of students in public schools.
13:05-14:30: Implementation
Participants implemented the activities they chose for the kids .Participants implemented some introductory activities to break the ice, and they chose two main activities. One, was coming from theatre and was connected a lot with Image Theatre, and the other activity was coming from art therapy and was finger painting. The participants engaged the kids in the theater activity, encouraging them to express themselves through movement and gestures. The finger painting activity allowed the children to explore their creativity and emotions through art. Both activities provided a fun and interactive way for the kids to learn and express themselves in a safe environment. The participants observed how the children responded positively to both activities, showing enthusiasm and creativity throughout.
14:30-Afternoon: Carnival in Limassol, Old Town
Participants were fully engaged in the festive spirit of Fat Thursday in Limassol by savoring traditional Cypriot cuisine, joining lively street celebrations, and donning colorful carnival costumes. They immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of music, dance, and cultural events, exploring the rich heritage of Cyprus while capturing memorable moments through photos and videos. From indulging in delicious grilled meats to dancing in the streets, Fat Thursday offered a joyful and immersive experience for participants to embrace the spirit of celebration and community in Limassol.
Day 5: Friday, March 8, 2024
09.30: Music Observation
We started our last day by implementing a meaningful activity that combined various techniques from our training.This activity is divided into three parts and always done in pairs of two people. One of the participants is moving through the music, and the other is observing and capturing creatively through drawing what he/she experienced through this observation. The second round,is about the observer capturing the experience through words/poem. And lastly, the observer has to dance afterwards for one minute showing the essence of the movement that the previous person demonstrated. This activity encourages participants to engage both physically and creatively, fostering a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives and experiences. It also promotes active listening and communication skills, creating a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
11:00–13:00: Project Rewind
Through improvisation, role-playing, and collaborative storytelling, participants creatively explored and expressed their thoughts, emotions, and experiences related to their experience and emotions through the training course. These theatrical reflections serve as a dynamic and interactive way for participants to deepen their understanding, internalize new knowledge, and connect with their peers on a deeper level. By incorporating theater into the training process, "Project Rewind'' provided a transformative and engaging avenue for participants to reflect on this journey.
Open Circle
It was an open space to dance,talk,write notes to each other, and say goodbye to each other. In a supportive and inclusive environment, participants express their thoughts on the training's impact, memorable moments, and intentions for applying what they've learned. The circle fostered a sense of closure, connection, and shared purpose among participants as they prepare to take their learnings forward into their lives and work beyond the training.The music was loud, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement and bittersweet emotions as friends embraced and shared memories.
Afternoon: Evaluation and Follow Up
In the afternoon,we met again in order for the participants to fill out the online evaluation of the training and also to inform them about the follow up activities that will take place in the coming months. Additionally, we reminded them to reach out if they had any further questions or needed assistance with implementing the new skills they learned during the training. Also,the president of the organization brought us flowers to celebrate " International Women Day".
Farewell Party:
At night, we organized a carnival party and had a blast dancing, and enjoying delicious food and drinks. The music was pumping, the atmosphere was electric, and everyone had an amazing time celebrating together.