IMPLEMENTATION
DRAMA, a tool to promote inclusion and diversity took place in Paços de Ferreira, Porto, Portugal, from the 14th to 21th December.
| 14th of December 2023
Arrival
| 15th of December 2023
Morning Session
1. Getting to Know Each Other The day began with a "Getting to Know Each Other" activity designed to break the ice and help participants from different countries connect. Through interactive games like "Two Truths and a Lie" and "Human Bingo," participants shared personal facts, learned about each other's backgrounds, and started building bonds that will be essential throughout the project.
2. Rules Making Following the ice-breakers, we facilitated a collaborative session where participants created a set of rules to guide our time together. Divided into small groups, everyone contributed their ideas on how to ensure a respectful, inclusive, and productive environment. After a group discussion, we consolidated these ideas into a final set of rules, which were agreed upon by all and displayed in the meeting room.
3. Introduction to DRAMA as a Tool to Promote Inclusion and Diversity We then moved on to an introduction to DRAMA as a powerful tool to promote inclusion and diversity. The session provided an overview of how drama techniques can be used to explore social issues, encourage empathy, and bring diverse groups together. Participants engaged in a brief practical exercise that demonstrated the potential of drama to break down barriers and foster understanding.
4. Coffee Break A coffee break offered participants a chance to recharge and continue informal discussions. This was a valuable opportunity for further networking and to reflect on the morning's activities.
5. Discussing Expectations After the break, we held a group discussion where participants shared their expectations for the Erasmus+ project. This session was crucial for aligning everyone's goals and ensuring that the project meets the needs and aspirations of all participants. The open dialogue helped clarify objectives and set a positive tone for the rest of the project.
6. Secret Friend Activity To add a fun and ongoing element of surprise, we introduced the "Secret Friend" activity. Each participant drew an envelope containing the name of another participant for whom they will act as a "secret friend" throughout the project. The aim is to perform small, anonymous acts of kindness, fostering a supportive and friendly atmosphere.
Afternoon Session
1. Continuing Getting to Know Each Other: The Blanket Game To further enhance our familiarity with each other, we played the "Blanket Game." In this fun and interactive activity, participants were divided into two groups, separated by a blanket held up by facilitators. When the blanket was dropped, a participant from each group had to quickly name the person opposite them. This game challenged everyone to remember names and faces, and by the end, most participants could confidently identify each other. The activity not only reinforced memory but also added a playful, competitive element to our day.
2. My Country and inclusion and diversity Following the Blanket Game, we transitioned into an activity called "My Country," where participants showcased their homework presentations on their respective countries. This session allowed participants to share cultural insights, traditions, and personal stories from their homelands. It was an enriching experience that deepened our understanding of the diverse backgrounds present in the group. The presentations sparked engaging conversations and questions, further promoting cross-cultural exchange.
Next, we focused on the theme of inclusion and diversity through two activities:
Speed Dating: Participants engaged in a "speed dating" format, where they had brief, timed conversations with different partners. Each round focused on a question or topic related to inclusion and diversity, such as experiences with discrimination or ideas for fostering inclusivity. This activity allowed participants to hear diverse perspectives and build empathy by understanding others' experiences.
Border Game: The "Border Game" was the second part of our inclusion and diversity session. This activity simulated real-world challenges related to borders, migration, and social inclusion. Participants had to navigate complex scenarios that mirrored issues faced by marginalized groups, encouraging them to think critically about the concepts of inclusion and exclusion. The debriefing session after the game provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on their experiences and discuss how the lessons learned could be applied in their own communities.
The afternoon session was dynamic and impactful, combining fun, interactive games with deep, meaningful discussions on inclusion and diversity. Participants not only got to know each other better but also gained valuable insights into the importance of cultural awareness and social inclusion. The activities successfully tied together the project's core themes while fostering a strong sense of community among participants.
| 16th of December 2023
Morning Session
1. Visit to the Chapel of Senhor da Pedra in Gaia The day began with a visit to the Chapel of Senhor da Pedra in Gaia, a stunning location by the sea that provided a serene and reflective start to the day. The chapel, known for its unique setting on a rocky outcrop, offered participants a moment of tranquility and an opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the Portuguese coastline.
During the visit, participants were encouraged to reflect on the themes of connection and unity, both with each other and with the environment. The setting of the chapel, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, served as a powerful symbol of resilience and endurance, mirroring the bonds we aim to strengthen within the group.
Team Building through Shared Experiences The day's activities were carefully crafted to blend reflection with action, ensuring that participants not only shared meaningful conversations but also created memories together.
Shared Meals: Throughout the day, shared meals provided informal yet vital opportunities for participants to bond over food and conversation. These moments of togetherness helped to reinforce the sense of community being cultivated within the group.
Afternoon Session
1. Heading to Porto After the morning activities in Gaia, the group traveled to Porto for an afternoon filled with exploration and friendly competition. The focus shifted from reflection to active engagement, with participants eager to discover the cultural and historical richness of one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
2. Exploring Porto: Group Competition To make the most of the visit, participants were divided into mixed-nationality groups and given a fun and challenging task: a scavenger hunt-style competition that involved visiting 10 iconic tourist spots in Porto. The aim of this activity was to promote teamwork, cultural exchange, and a deeper connection with the city.
Competition Details:
- Each group was provided with a list of 10 key landmarks in Porto, including famous sites like the Ribeira district, the Dom Luís I Bridge, Livraria Lello, Clérigos Tower, and others.
- The task was to visit each location, take a group photo or complete a specific challenge at each site, and gather as much information as possible about the significance of each place.
- Points were awarded for creativity, accuracy, and teamwork, with bonus points for completing additional challenges along the way.
Team Dynamics:
- The competition encouraged participants to work closely with members from different countries, fostering intercultural communication and collaboration.
- The activity required participants to navigate the city together, strategize on the best routes, and share knowledge about the landmarks, enhancing both their teamwork skills and cultural understanding.
| 17th of December 2023
Morning Session
1. Reconnecting Activities The day began with a series of reconnecting activities designed to re-establish the bonds formed during previous days. After an eventful day in Porto, these activities aimed to bring participants back together, refreshing their focus and reinforcing the sense of community within the group.
Group Check-In: Participants gathered in a circle for a quick check-in, where everyone had a chance to share how they were feeling and reflect on their experiences so far. This helped to reset the group's energy and prepare them mentally for the day ahead.
Energizers: We then moved into energizing activities, such as light stretching exercises or quick, fun games designed to boost energy levels and re-engage participants. These activities were important for setting a positive and lively tone for the morning.
2. Replacing Theatre: Using Drama for Reconnection The focus then shifted to a session on Replacing Theatre, where drama techniques were used as a tool for reconnection and reflection.
Introduction to Replacing Theatre: The session started with a brief introduction to the concept of Replacing Theatre. Participants learned how theatre can be used not just for performance, but as a means of exploring personal and group dynamics, expressing emotions, and addressing social issues in a creative and safe environment.
Afternoon Session
1. Drama Work Groups Formation In the afternoon, participants began working on the DRAMA project by dividing into three specialized groups:
Social Media Group: This team managed the project's online presence, documenting rehearsals, creating promotional content, and engaging the audience on various platforms.
Scenario and Decorations Group: Responsible for the visual elements of the drama, this group worked on stage design, props, and creating an immersive environment that aligned with the project's themes.
Actors and Realization Group: This group focused on character development, script rehearsals, and the technical execution of the performance, ensuring everything would run smoothly on stage.
2. Collaborative Work The afternoon was spent in focused group work, with each team contributing their skills to the overall production, laying the foundation for the upcoming drama piece.
| 18th of December 2023
Morning and Afternoon Sessions
1. Continued Drama Group Work The entire day was dedicated to advancing the DRAMA project, with participants working diligently within their respective groups to develop and refine their contributions to the upcoming performance. Each group focused on their specific responsibilities, building on the foundation laid in the previous sessions.
Social Media Group:
- The social media team continued to document the creative process, capturing photos and videos of rehearsals, set design, and behind-the-scenes moments. They also worked on drafting posts and scheduling content to maintain audience engagement leading up to the performance.
- Additionally, the group brainstormed ways to increase the project's visibility, such as creating teaser videos, interviewing participants, and sharing insights into the themes of inclusion and diversity that the drama piece would address.
Scenario and Decorations Group:
- This group made significant progress in designing the stage and creating the necessary props and decorations. They finalized the stage layout, ensuring it effectively conveyed the atmosphere needed for the performance.
- The team also began the hands-on work of constructing and painting props, setting up the stage, and ensuring all visual elements were cohesive and aligned with the overall vision of the drama piece.
Actors and Realization Group:
- The actors spent the day immersed in rehearsals, deepening their understanding of their characters and refining their performances. They worked on timing, expression, and interaction, ensuring that their portrayal was both authentic and impactful.
- The realization team focused on technical aspects such as sound and lighting, running through cues and making adjustments to ensure a seamless performance. They coordinated closely with the actors and the scenario group to align all elements of the production.
- Focused on rehearsals and technical coordination. During discussions, the actors' group also explored new ideas around portraying diversity and inclusion in the theatre piece, enriching the narrative with these important themes.
2. Group Collaboration and Integration Throughout the day, there were several check-in points where groups came together to share progress, offer feedback, and ensure that all elements of the production were aligned. This collaborative approach helped maintain a cohesive vision for the drama piece and allowed for real-time problem-solving and creative input from all participants.
The day was highly productive, with each group making substantial progress towards the final drama piece. The focused work sessions allowed participants to delve deeper into their roles, whether in performance, design, or promotion, and contributed to the overall cohesion of the project. The continued collaboration between groups ensured that all aspects of the drama were integrated smoothly, setting the stage for a successful performance.
| 19th of December 2023
Morning Session
1. Visit to Citania de Sanfins The morning was dedicated to a cultural excursion to Citania de Sanfins, an ancient archaeological site. This visit provided participants with a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.
Cultural Exploration: Participants toured the site, learning about its historical significance and the ancient civilization that once inhabited the area. The visit was not only educational but also helped to deepen the participants' appreciation for local culture and history.
Group Reflection: After the tour, the group gathered to discuss their impressions and the cultural insights gained from the visit. This reflection allowed participants to connect their experiences at Citania de Sanfins with the broader themes of the Erasmus+ project, such as cultural diversity and historical awareness.
The visit to Citania de Sanfins was a meaningful cultural experience, enriching participants' understanding of the region's history and fostering a deeper connection to the local heritage.
Afternoon Session
2. Final Rehearsal
The afternoon was focused on the final rehearsal for the drama piece. Participants came together to polish their performances, make final adjustments, and ensure that all elements of the production were seamlessly integrated. The rehearsal was an opportunity to fine-tune details and prepare for the final presentation.
- Technical Run-Through: The realization team conducted a final check of sound, lighting, and stage setup to ensure everything was in place for the performance.
- Dress Rehearsal: Actors went through their scenes in full costume, ensuring that their performances were well-rehearsed and aligned with the vision of the drama piece.
3. Final Presentation The day concluded with the final presentation of the drama piece, attended by local guests and local social media. This performance showcased the culmination of participants' hard work and creativity throughout the project.
- Audience Engagement: The presence of local guests added an extra layer of excitement and importance to the presentation. Participants were able to share their work with a wider audience, receive feedback, and engage with the local community.
- Performance Highlights: The drama piece, enriched by themes of diversity and inclusion, received positive feedback from the audience, highlighting the effectiveness of the project's objectives.
Conclusion
The final day of the project was a success, with the visit to Citania de Sanfins offering valuable cultural insights and the final presentation providing a fitting culmination of participants' efforts. The drama piece was well-received by the local audience, marking a significant achievement for the Erasmus+ project.
| 20th of December 2023
Morning Session
1. Social Media Dissemination The last day began with a focus on social media dissemination. Participants finalized and shared content from the project, including highlights from the drama performance and other key moments.
- Content Review: The social media group reviewed and edited posts, photos, and videos to ensure effective representation of the project's themes and achievements.
- Engagement Strategy: The team developed a strategy for sharing content across platforms to maximize reach and promote the project's impact.
2. Discussion: Expectations Before and After the Project Participants engaged in a reflective discussion about their expectations before and experiences after the project.
- Initial Expectations: Participants shared their initial goals and hopes, discussing anticipated learnings and outcomes.
- Reflective Insights: They reflected on how their experiences compared to their expectations, sharing insights into their personal growth and project impact.
Afternoon Session
3. The next activity was the Youthpass presentation and delivery ceremony.
- Presentation: Each participant received their Youthpass certificate, which recognized their learning achievements and participation in the Erasmus+ project.
- Ceremony: The delivery ceremony was a formal event where certificates were presented, celebrating each participant's contributions and accomplishments throughout the project.
4. Secret Friends Reveal The final activity was a blinded game where participants revealed their secret friends.
- Revelation Ceremony: Participants exchanged tokens or notes revealing their secret friends, sharing appreciation and reflecting on their experiences.
- Celebration: The game concluded with a celebration of the connections made, creating a memorable end to the project.
The final day provided a meaningful conclusion to the Erasmus+ project, with successful social media dissemination, reflective discussions, and a celebratory Youthpass delivery ceremony. The secret friends reveal added a personal touch, reinforcing the strong bonds developed throughout the project.
The day concluded with a farewell party, providing a joyful and celebratory end to the project.
Participants enjoyed a festive atmosphere with music, food, and socializing. The party was an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the project, bid farewell to new friends, and reflect on the memorable experiences shared.