Toolbox — For Training and Youth Work
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Manual
The purpose of this manual is to provide comprehensive, practical, and adaptable set of tools that use Commedia dell’Arte, Social Circus, and Theatre of the Oppressed to foster social inclusion among young people.
The goals of the manual are to:
-Explain how each theatrical method can be used to strengthen social inclusion, self-expression, and group cohesion.
-Provide practical exercises, step-by-step activities, and adaptable workshop structures suitable for diverse youth groups.
-Support youth workers and trainers in developing competences in non-formal education, artistic facilitation, and inclusive practice.
-Encourage the use of performing arts as accessible first steps for engaging young people who may face social, linguistic, or cultural barriers.
-Promote creative approaches that help young people build confidence, communication skills, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
In the context of increasing migration, cultural diversity, and social fragmentation across Europe, there is a growing need for methodologies that can engage young people beyond language barriers, create shared experiences, and support the development of empathy, cooperation, and active citizenship. This manual responds to that need by offering creative, participatory, and human-centered methods that can be applied in a wide range of educational and intercultural settings.
This manual is designed specifically for professionals who work with young people in formal or non-formal contexts, including youth centers, NGOs, schools, community organisations, and intercultural programs.
It is relevant because:
-It provides ready-to-use, field-tested tools that can be immediately implemented in workshops and youth activities.
-The methods included are highly inclusive, requiring no prior artistic or linguistic skills from participants.
-It helps practitioners address urgent social challenges—such as exclusion, discrimination, and cultural misunderstanding—through creative, safe, and empowering techniques.
-It supports educators in integrating art-based learning, emotional intelligence, and participatory methods into their practice.
-It contributes to the professional development of youth workers by broadening their methodological toolkit and strengthening their capacity to create socially engaged, meaningful learning experiences.
SALTO cannot be held responsible for the inappropriate use of these training tools. Always adapt training tools to your aims, context, target group and to your own skills! These tools have been used in a variety of formats and situations. Please notify SALTO should you know about the origin of or copyright on this tool.
http://toolbox.salto-youth.net/5321
This tool is for
This manual is designed for a broad spectrum of individuals and organisations engaged in youth work, education, and community development. It aims to serve those who seek creative, inclusive, and participatory methods to support young people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. The target groups include: Youth Workers Those working directly with young people in non-formal education environments such as youth centres, NGOs, community organisations, and social inclusion programs. The manual provides them with practical tools for fostering engagement, cooperation, emotional expression, and intercultural dialogue among youth, especially those facing exclusion or linguistic barriers. Trainers and Facilitators Professionals delivering workshops, training courses, international mobilities, and capacity-building activities. The manual supports trainers in integrating theatre and circus methodologies into their educational practice, enabling them to design dynamic, inclusive, and impactful learning experiences. Educators Teachers, pedagogues, counsellors, and specialists working in formal or semi-formal education settings. The manual offers accessible activities and methods that can complement traditional teaching approaches and help educators incorporate creativity, embodiment, and participatory learning into their classrooms or community projects. Secondary and Higher Education Students Young people studying pedagogy, social work, cultural studies, performing arts, psychology, physical education, or related fields. The manual serves as an introduction to applied theatre and circus methodologies, helping students develop practical competences, broaden their understanding of social inclusion, and prepare for future professional roles in education or youth work.
and addresses
Social Inclusion, Intercultural Learning, Peer education, Youth Participation
It is recommended for use in:
Strategic Partnerships
The tool was created by
Fundacja Innowacyjnej Edukacji, Teatro Metaphora, Drustvo CIK
in the context of
The C Revolution 2023-1-PL01-KA220-YOU-000161028
The tool has been experimented in
Trainings Courses, Multiplier events
The tool was published to the Toolbox by
Mateusz Górecki (on 15 December 2025)
and last modified
11 December 2025
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