Explore Yourself Through Art

One of the biggest challenges in contemporary Europe are the limited possibilities of young people with disabilities and social problems. To be able to develop their full potential it is of uttermost importance to create a healthy and positive environment for them, which can support them to improve their life. There are several ways and methods of working with such kind of problems. One that proved to be very successful is the application of artistic form of expression to solve difficulties with social interaction and communication. Art-making process, creation of something new by your own hands, thoughts and feelings can strongly support personal exploration and development and can give valuable new insights for solving personal difficulties. For young people with fewer opportunities communication through art can be very helpful in improving their self-confidence, self-realization and self-awareness. Self-expression through Art can be an easier and more direct form than verbal communication and expression through painting, music, dance, theatre can help tremendously to expand their capacities. Unfortunately the use of these methodologies is not very widespread in many countries and often doesn't form part of the curriculum for youth workers, especially in EECA region. The proposed training course therefore wants to gather 26 youth workers/leaders from 11 countries and provides them with the opportunity to learn about simple and effective methodologies, which they will be able to apply afterwards in their local context in their work with young people with fewer opportunities.