"The power of creativity"

In the present world we observe mixing of different cultures, beliefs and views more and more often. This however creates attitudes of intolerance. Teenagers, who one day will have to face adulthood, may struggle with finding their place in a world full of divisions.
Rezekne is an example of a town where the youth are growing up in a multicultural society. Russians, Belarussians or Polish people are just a sample of minorities living in our town. There is also a growning number of tourists, exchange students and European volunteers. Unfortunately, at the same time we are observing behaviour full of invisible discrimination, prejudice, stereotypical thinking and hate speech. The international exchange „The power of creativity”, designed by the Eastern Latvian Center of Creative Service “Zeimuls”, is a response to the observed state of affairs. The theme of the exchange relates to particularly current issues, such as openness to other cultures, views and beliefs, as well as tolerance towards another person and self-acceptance.
The main issues that the project will address are intolerance, invisible discrimination, hate speech and stereotypes. Through the use of non-formal education methods in a series of stimulating creative thinking workshops, open air activities, theatre and art, the participants of the exchange will learn the attitudes of openness and tolerance. They will realise how important volunteering work and multiculturality are in everyday life. Moreover, the youth will have a chance to learn about their opportunities within the European Union, raise their self-esteem and acquire skills that will be useful in adult life, including alternative methods of decision making. They will start to think outside of the box in everyday situations. In addition, the youth will learn how to recognize their feelings and deal with them. These activities will include young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and prepare all the participants to live and participate in democratic, intercultural Europe.
We expect that the exchange participants will return home enriched with valuable new friendships, unforgettable experiences, thanks to which they will understand that they are all equal, no matter what language they speak. The youth will also realise their potential and mobility opportunities in Europe. In addition, the local community will be stimulated and enriched through their participation in the theatrical play prepared by the participants.
Main objectives:
• strengthening intercultural dialogue, by developing openness and tolerance among young people,
• overcoming prejudice and stereotypes towards other nationalities,
• promoting active citizenship attitudes among young people,
• developing creative thinking and communications skills.