PLAY. GROW. PREPARE FOR LIFE. Traditional Games for Life Skills, Rehabilitation and Preparation for Release

PLAY. GROW. PREPARE FOR LIFE.
Traditional Games for Life Skills, Rehabilitation and Preparation for Release
Project idea

We would like to develop a European cooperation project focusing on children aged 12–18 in custodial settings and the professionals who work directly with them.

Our starting point is simple: a child may be behind bars, but childhood does not stop there. Being in a custodial setting may restrict a young person's freedom, but it should not prevent them from learning, developing life skills and preparing for their future.

We want to explore how traditional games can be used as a practical educational tool to support this process.

The project will have two connected stages. First, professionals working with children will learn how to use traditional games and non-formal learning methods to support life skills and social and emotional development. In the second stage, trained professionals will adapt and use these activities with children in their own institutions.

The project will be developed together with European partners. We want to learn from different countries, compare experiences and create an approach that can be adapted to different custodial and youth justice contexts.

Why traditional games?

Traditional games are part of childhood in almost every European culture. They are often simple, accessible and can be played without expensive equipment or advanced technology.

But our interest in these games goes beyond their recreational value.

A game can create a safe and structured situation in which a young person has to make a decision, follow a rule, cooperate with others, deal with losing, manage frustration, solve a problem or take responsibility for an action.

These are also skills that young people need in everyday life.

PLAY. GROW. PREPARE FOR LIFE.