Youth Workers Go to Theatre addresses the heightened stress and mental health issues among young people in the post-pandemic era. It redefines conflicts as growth opportunities, using Nonviolent Communication (NVC), self-awareness and drama work, including Theatre of the Oppressed and Psychodrama, to enhance youth workers’ understanding and management of these issues.
The project will train 30 youth workers from Armenia, Hungary, Georgia, Romania, Sweden and Ukraine to apply theatre methods, empathy, and stress regulation in the youth work context, promoting peaceful communication and the well-being of youth.
The objectives of the project are threefold:
1. To enhance the conceptual understanding of youth workers in theatre practices and stress regulation within the youth work context.
2. To develop youth workers’ capacities to integrate theatre approaches and stress management methods into their daily youth work.
3. To foster international cooperation on stress management and theatre practices in European youth work.
By focusing on innovative, theatre-based methodologies, the project aims to equip youth workers with new skills for effective stress management and emotional support, contributing to young people’s resilience and emotional intelligence.
The project aligns with the Erasmus+ Programme and the EU Youth Strategy, supporting the professional development of youth workers, promoting cooperation and peer support among youth organisations, enhancing inclusion for young people in disadvantaged situations, and fostering diversity and language competencies for international collaboration.
Activities: The “Youth Workers Go to Theatre” project includes two activities – training courses, each rooted in applied theatre and drama methodologies, and nonviolent communication (NVC), aiming to enhance participants’ skills in conflict resolution and empathic communication.
Activity 1 – Mzetamze, Georgia:
– Participants: 5 from each country – Armenia, Georgia, Hungary, Romania, Sweden and Ukraine.
– Date: 2–8 September 2024.
– Methodology: Focuses on Theatre of the Oppressed and psychodrama techniques, combined with NVC. It emphasizes non-formal learning, using drama for self-awareness and skill development in conflict management.
– Program Elements: Includes initial team-building, mindfulness and bodywork for self-reflection, in-depth exploration of NVC through applied drama, networking, and dissemination planning.
– Daily Schedule: Four working sessions per day, with regular meals and breaks, supplemented by occasional evening activities.
Activity 2 – Dilijan, Armenia:
– Participants: Same group as Activity 1.
– Date: 25 November – 1 December 2024.
– Methodology: Focusing on applied theatre, drama, and NVC within a non-formal learning framework.
– Program Elements: Re-forming group dynamics in a new environment, introducing and applying the Competence Model for Trainers, participants reinforcing skills in planning and facilitating non-formal education activities by themselves, and participant-led session delivery.
– Outcome Focus: Participants work on planning local activities post-project, supported by the sending organizations.
Both activities are structured to promote participatory and learner-centred approaches, encouraging participants to actively shape the program according to their needs and learning goals. The project ensures ongoing skill development and application, facilitating long-term impact beyond the training courses.
The project outcome will be a a booklet that includes methods, tools, and workshop outlines experienced and delivered during the trainings. This booklet will also feature inspiring stories from participants, subject to their consent. The booklet will be made available online on the websites and social media of partner organisations.
Profile of participants: This training will gather 30 participants who are employed (or volunteering) directly at the partnering organizations, or who are working with their local partners, and will contribute to the activities organised in the future in collaboration with the sending organisation. Additional requirements:
- Experience with conflict situations, enabling the group to learn from different types of experience, getting to know fresh perspectives and strategies working for longer time;
- At least basic knowledge and understanding of approaches to peace-building, specifically in the field of youth work;
- At least basic knowledge and understanding of peace education as an educational instrument in youth work;
- Work experience in youth work field by educational means;
- Having led at least 1 local or international educational programme (youth exchange, workshop, etc.) for young people on peace education, civic education or human rights education
- Good level of English to follow the courses and to contribute to it;
- Wish and ability to participate fully in the two training course.
Dates and locations: 2-8 September 2024 | Mzetamze (Georgia) and 25 November – 1 December 2024 | Dilijan (Armenia)
Partner countries: Armenia, Georgia, Hungary, Romania, Sweden, Ukraine
Number of participants: 30 participants + 5 staff
Info pack: ask for more information about the project’s aims, objectives, training methods, profile of participants, venue, transportation, travel reimbursement conditions and other general info: youthworkersgototheatre@gmail.com or contact@eminafoundation.eu