Circus at the end of the Universe

The specific objectives of this training course are: 

• To explore the clowning attitude and meet the inner clown;
• To explore the concept of failure;
• To explore how the clowning attitude can help in dealing with emotional well being of both, youth workers and youngsters;
• To explore the topic of inclusion through the glasses of intersectionality;
• To develop circus related skills and explore how to transfer them to youth work.

During the TC we will explore circus pedagogy and principles of cooperative learning. After getting to know how circus lessons are made, we will see how this could be transferred to youth work, organizing social and community circus. Beside that, the exploration of the concept of failure and clowning attitude can be also used in youth work individually or working with groups, and this program will offer a chance to find your own approach and usage of these tools.

This training is shaped with the non-formal education approach, with group dynamics and creative activities that promotes active participation during the training course. The process is based in experiential learning, also giving some theoretical input and space for individual/group reflection.

Creative methodologies such as Clowning, Creative Writing, Participatory and Social Theatre, Circus disciplines will be used to dig deeper in the topics of this training course;

Creation of a Safe (enough) Space where every participants feel free to express ideas and proposal;

The learning process is shared among individual participants, the group of participants and the trainers. The program is flexible and sensitive to the participant’s needs;

ETS Competence Model for youth workers to work internationally will be used as a framework to reflect on the learning journey in relation to competences.

Participants have to keep in mind that the training is going to be long and intense, there will be a lot of group work that includes physical activities, touching each other (with consent). We expect that participants come free of other work and take full participation in the whole program, not skipping sessions as there is a coherent program planned - missing a part of it might result in difficulties to comfortably join the continuation. 

The learning process will be guided and facilitated by an experienced team. 

• Marco Marinelli: Hey there! I'm Marco from Italy, moved to the north from the south, but still keeping with me the warmth of the sun and freshness of the sea. I'm a circus pedagogue, youth worker, and activist working for Arterego APS (local circus organisation in Bologna) and for Giocolieri&Dintorni (Italian circus school network). I'm interested in the topics of social inclusion and diversity, gender equality, feminism, critical pedagogy by using creative tools and methodologies like Theatre of the Oppressed, embracing a holistic and systemic approach to youth work
• Linda Ulane: Hey! I am an educator in an NGO called "Radi Vidi Pats" (Create the Environment Yourself).  Mostly I cover topics of support systems for youngsters and youth workers and the importance of creativity. Besides this, I also work with burnout, environmental awareness and climate action topics, because without that - what's the point of anything else. I also am a writer and volunteer youth worker in Liepaja prison where I offer bibliotherapy workshops.  Besides that, I'm a healthcare clown in a hospital. It builds me and gives hope.

Do you resonate with this course and want to be part of it? This is who we are looking for: 

• Members or close collaborators of active Youth Organizations (staff or active members, paid or not) who are working regularly with young people. The organization should have a valid OID number. 
• Youth workers, youth project managers, youth support persons, social pedagogues, probation officers or other institution representatives that work with youth in their daily work. 
• People who are interested in gaining new competences in their existing work with youth.
• Good command of the English language; 
• People older than 18 years and with a legal residence (proven by documents) in the country they are currently residing in.