Implementation
CREating with Act and arTs a safe envIronment in Our ceNters (CREACTION) took place in Pissouri village, Limassol, Cyprus, from October 21 to 30, 2023, and was implemented by Acpelia.The project manager was Nikolas Nicolaou and the trainers were Erma Georgiou and Dimitris Morfis. Also in the project we had Boghos Avetikian as support staff
Day 1: 22 of October of 2023
Getting to know each other better:
Activity to break the ice between the participants and get to know each other. We were walking in the area with a paper with our name and a circle (face). As we were walking with our papers each time and when the trainer said "stop", it was simultaneously suggested to draw each time a specific feature of the face of the participant whose name is on the paper, for example the eyebrows, eyes, lips. We continued until we had drawn the whole face. In this way, we had a portrait of each participant which had been drawn by various other participants. Afterwards, we put them up on the wall with an envelope underneath which was used to place some "presents'' and nice notes.
Expectations, Fears, and Contribution:
Then we expressed our fears, expectations, and contributions. Every participant was given three stickers on which they had to write their fears, expectations, and contributions and stick it in the big paper of these categories. After these procedures were finished,we split them into 3 groups, and they prepared a presentation and shared it with the group.
This was an essential activity to talk about things that make us feel vulnerable and break the ice between the participants.
Erasmus 8 Key Competences:
In order to introduce Youthpass and its competences,we did a "learning by doing" activity called Youthpass Islands and Captain's Log. We divide the participants in groups of 5–6 people, and we have 8 stations that correspond with 8 key competencies. In each station, we place one task card and the necessary materials and equipment. Every group gets one empty "passport," divided in 8 sections and 1 die. Once they roll the die,they go to the island with the task card that matches the icon they got on the die. If there is another team on the island,they have to roll the dice again until they find a vacant island they have not visited before. The game ends when everybody has the eight stamps or when the time is over.At the end, we do a debriefing about the game and its relevance to the competencies and the project.
Mission Possible, Tasks in PISSOURI:
At the end of the day, participants were divided into different teams to take part in a City Race - an activity during which participants were given tasks to complete together, asking locals for help and advice, gathering stories, and discovering the surroundings. A complete description of the activity can be found at the following link: https://creaction1.webnode.page/tasks-in-pissouri/
Day 2:
23 of October of 2023
Bullying Thermometer:
This exercise explores the types of bullying behavior and encourages the participants to discuss them, their meaning and their impact.We divided them into 5 groups and we gave them a set of the activity cards.We asked them to go over each card and discuss what that method of bullying means. Also,we asked them, as a group, to develop a definition of each word.
Once they all agreed on what the different types of bullying mean, we told them to put the cards in order from the "coolest" type (least harmful) to the "hottest" type (most harmful).Later on,we invited the groups to share the order of their cards with the larger group and we processed the activity by asking some questions and allowing the group to express their opinions.
Stereotypes and Society:
The participants form two opposing rows, looking at each other. They are asked to close their eyes and listen to a song while the facilitator explains (for safety and privacy reasons) that someone will stick a piece of paper on their back.The facilitator sticks the papers on each person. These papers have the names of stereotyped or privileged characters in our society. For example: gay, lesbian,policeman, king, transgender, princess, priest, HIV+, etc.By the time the song is finished, everyone has a paper on their back. Then, they are asked to open their eyes and, by remaining silent, start walking around the room to see what other characters are in the room. After a while (when the song starts again), they are asked to find a character and start interacting with each other in the way that the character in front of them is treated in the countries where they are coming from. When the song stops, they are asked to find a new partner and start the process again. This action can be repeated three or four times. The aim of this activity is to get a glimpse of how people are being discriminated against by society in their countries.To understand and empathize with people experiencing difficulties when it comes to their inclusion in society.
Breathe the Message—Assertive, Aggressive, Passive Behavior—Differences/Role Play Activity:
In this activity,we will separate the participants in two groups.One circle and in the center, someone is bullied.The others in the circle make bullying remarks and he or she responds assertively. In the other circle,the one sitting in the circle is the bully.The others in the circle make bullying remarks.He/She responds."Breathe the message": This is an activity in which you practice breathing before responding to an assertive message to someone who is bullying you. It consists of listening to the bullying message, taking a deep breath, and responding with calm. The aim is to listen to your breath and body senses before responding to a bully.
Self-Esteem Portraits:
After creating an outline of themselves, participants were instructed to write or draw a few words expressing how they felt about themselves, but only on the inside of the drawing. Once they were done, they were to stand up, pass the other participants' self-portraits around, and write one thing on the outside of the drawing.After that, we instructed everyone to take a seat once more and spend a few minutes reviewing their entire self-portrait.Their perceptions of themselves and others of them. When participants wrote what other people thought of them, they were thrilled.The purpose of this exercise was to help participants develop empathy and self-reflection. Participants obtained an understanding of how others perceive them by contrasting their own opinions with those of others. This exercise sparked excitement and curiosity as participants eagerly read what others had written about them, fostering a sense of connection and understanding within the group.
Day 3: 23 of October of 2023
Boundaries:
We started with a boundary-related kinesthetic activity.The participants were arranged into two rows, one across from the other. One group began walking in the direction of others, while the other group, known as the B group, may halt the person approaching them at any time by saying "stop," at which point they switched positions. This activity allowed participants to physically experience the concept of boundaries and understand the importance of communication in establishing and respecting them. It also provided a hands-on opportunity for participants to practice assertiveness and active listening skills. Afterwards, we did a visualization about boundaries and the importance of our space. This visualization exercise allowed participants to reflect on the concept of boundaries and how they impact our personal space. It emphasized the significance of setting and respecting boundaries for maintaining healthy relationships and individual well-being.
Have you ever bullied anyone?
In this activity, participants were asked to consider whether they have ever bullied someone and, if so, to recall why they did it and how they felt. We will ask them to improvise a few scenes explaining how it might have been stopped once they have shared their story. A conversation about what constitutes bullying, why someone engages in bullying, and how someone feels when they are bullied will next take place. The purpose of these conversations is to gain a deeper understanding of the motivations behind bullying and its impact on both the bully and the victim. By exploring different scenarios and discussing possible interventions, we hope to foster empathy and promote strategies for preventing bullying in the future.
Assertive Communication:
In order to practice being assertive, we improvised a few scenes that dealt with particular scenarios. We were able to practice comfortably expressing our opinions and feelings while honoring the boundaries of others through this activity. We were able to investigate different assertive communication strategies and comprehend their influence on successfully settling disagreements by creating numerous scenarios. We gained knowledge on the value of properly and boldly expressing our wants and ideas during the activity. It made it easier for us to comprehend various assertiveness strategies and how to use them in different contexts.
My Life is Not a Show/Cyberbullying:
We started with a brief brainstorming session on cyberbullying. We asked participants to take a couple of minutes to think about bullying, what it is and how it is manifested. Then we collected their answers and wrote them on a flipchart.Then we marked a line on the floor with tape that we call the "yes line," and we asked the participants to line up in two straight lines, one on either side of the "yes and no line.We explained that you are going to read some statements about cyberbullying and that you want them to respond, but without using any words. If they can answer "yes" to a statement, they should take a step sideways onto the "yes line." They should respond honestly. At the end, draw everyone into a circle and move on to the evaluation and debriefing.
Blame Vs Empowerment World:
In this activity,we split the participants into groups of 5-6 people, and we told them to split the paper in two. At the one side, draw the ugly part of the world regarding the topic of our training, and on the other, draw the empowered side and its beauty of it.At the end,each group presented their drawings and explained to us what their meaning was. This activity not only allowed participants to visually express their perspectives on bullying but also encouraged them to reflect on the underlying meanings behind their drawings. By sharing their interpretations with the group, participants gained a deeper understanding of how they perceive both the negative and positive aspects of the world. This exercise fostered insightful discussions and promoted empathy among the participants.
Day 4: 25 of October 2023
Bullying and Disabilities:
These activities were made by the organizations SENSE from Moldova and Hessa from Romania (Helen Tsurcan and Eddy Hiltanu),which specialized in working with blind people. They talked to us about bullying and the connection with disabilities.
They split participants into 3 groups,and they told them to act like people with a specific disability. For example, the blind group had to be blindfolded all of the time except from one person who was the guide. The other group had mobility disabilities; they couldn't walk, etc.At the end,we had a discussion about their experience and what they realized. The participants shared their insights on how the experience of simulating disabilities helped them understand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. They discussed the importance of empathy and how it can contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment, while also addressing the issue of bullying and its impact on individuals with disabilities.
Shepherds and Sheeps:
They also conducted an additional activity known as Shepherds and the Sheeps. They divided them into two lines. Each row included a shepherd, and the remaining sheep were blindfolded. As a result, the shepherds had to direct their groups over various obstacles in the scene above them. This activity allowed participants to experience firsthand the difficulties faced by individuals with visual impairments and highlighted the importance of clear communication and teamwork in overcoming obstacles. It also fostered a sense of empathy and understanding among the participants, further reinforcing the lessons learned during the discussion.
Travelers and Companions:
This activity aims to explore personal questions and explore dramatic reality from an unusual angle. Participants are divided into pairs, with one being the "Traveler" and the other the "Companion." They share their issues and questions with their companions, who help them discover an imaginary place. The group facilitator guides the travelers by asking basic questions about the space, while the companions help them get a clear vision. After opening their eyes, they walk around the imaginary place with their companions, asking if they need anything before returning. The companions then help the travelers make sense of the experience by reflecting on their personal questions and identifying any connections between the journey to the imaginary place and the question. This process allows the travelers to gain new perspectives and insights, as well as potentially finding solutions or clarity to their initial questions. By engaging in this guided visualization exercise and reflecting on their experience, the travelers are able to tap into their own inner wisdom and explore different possibilities for growth and understanding.
Day 5: 26 of October 2023
Visiting Apollon Wheelchair Basketball-Bullying and Disabilities:
We went to Apollon Wheelchair Basketball in the morning, where paralympian athlete Maria Markou and team leader Christakis Ioannou spoke with the participants and gave them a chance to try out wheelchair basketball. They encouraged the attendees to never give up on their aspirations by sharing their own tales of overcoming challenges and achieving success in their respective sports careers. Maria Markou emphasized the importance of determination and perseverance, while Christakis Ioannou highlighted the power of teamwork and support from others. The participants were inspired by their stories and left with a newfound motivation to pursue their dreams, regardless of any obstacles they may face.
Free time in Limassol:
The rest of the day, participants had free time to explore Limassol Centre. They could visit the local shops and boutiques, sample delicious Cypriot cuisine at the nearby restaurants, or take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Limassol promenade. Additionally, they had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the city's rich history by visiting cultural landmarks such as Limassol Castle or exploring the fascinating archaeological sites scattered throughout the area.
Day 6: 27 of October 2023
Laughter Wellness:
We started the day with a session of laughter and wellness.Laughter Wellness incorporates a series of cognitive-behavioral therapies and teaches simple and powerful self-care practices. It offers a refreshing approach to unlocking people's smile muscles and stretching their experience of joy while promoting multiple aspects of wellbeing. Laughter wellness involved laughter exercises, deep breathing techniques, and gentle physical movements. These practices help release endorphins, reduce stress levels, and improve overall mental and physical health. Participants felt rejuvenated and had a renewed sense of positivity.
Violence in my Life:
This is an activity in which people explore their experiences of interpersonal violence.We will ask the participants to think of a time that they have been hurt by someone in the past, share their stories in groups of 4–5, and choose a story to perform. The rest of the group observes. A facilitator (a joker) is necessary to enable communication between the players and the audience and ask the audience to comment or make suggestions as to whether role play should continue.
Do we have alternatives?:
It was an activity that aims to develop knowledge and understanding about the causes and consequences of bullying and to develop skills to confront the problem and create empathy with the victims of bullying.Each group took a scenario to work on and present their own version with possible solutions and alternatives.
Clay Therapy:
Throughout various applications of clay work within the realm of art therapy,clay has been seen to reduce negative mood and anxiety,awaken creativity,foster socialization, and heal from trauma.This therapeutic exercise allowed participants to explore and express their emotions in a tangible and visual form. By creating clay representations of anger, participants gained insights into their own personal experiences and developed a deeper understanding of their emotions. Sharing their artwork and discussing their feelings during the creative process can further promote self-reflection and provide an opportunity for healing and growth.
Day 7: 28 of October 2023
Anti-bullying Campaigns:
This workshop was focused on creating campaigns for social action as well as using communication tools to spread anti-bullying awareness.The main structure of the campaign was: identify the problem, create a message, choose the target audience, choose the channel, and evaluate the results. Then each team had to pick two papers—one topic and one format—and write a short plan of a campaign. Afterwards, participants presented their draft versions for social campaigns.
Day 8: 29 of October 2023
Cards Activity:
Valentina Oanta (participant of the training and psychologist) offered to create a card workshop in which each participant would select a string, choose a card with a goal in mind, and place it at the end of the string. Then, each participant would choose a card, consider potential opportunities or challenges along the way, place it in the middle of their string, and finally, write down how they felt after reaching their goal.Afterwards, we could stroll around and select a card from someone else, putting it on our string.After that, we discussed how we felt about the entire process, and she gave us instructions on how to apply it in our groups as young leaders.Afterwards, Valentina also gave us some useful advice on how to control the various emotions in our groups. She emphasized the importance of open communication and active listening, as well as the need to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone to express their emotions. Additionally, she suggested implementing regular check-ins and reflection exercises to ensure that everyone's emotional well-being is prioritized in a group setting.
ERASMUS+ ( Discussion-Dissemination-Evaluation):
We had a discussion with participants about the importance and the opportunities that can have through Erasmus plus in their professional but also in their personal life.Also,we explained to them what they need to do for the dissemination of the project and how important is to spread our knowledge and expand it through the world and creating at the end more inclusive societies
Evaluation and Youth Pass Ceremony:
Reflection, evaluation of the program through a questionnaire as well as through creative posters, writing of letters to each other, summarizing, and giving of youth passes.