Project title: Cinematherapy: The Healing Power of Therapeutic Tools
Project code: 2022-3-CZ01-KA210-YOU-000093718_1
Partners have important steps to take for the inclusion of SEN youth. Each country approaches the topic of inclusion differently and it is vital for the future of SEN youth that European countries work together and exchange best methods and practices in the field. Our project represents a step in this direction. It brings together organisations and specialists from various European countries, each contributing with its experience to our main aim. Specifically: *Střední zemědelska škola a Střední odborna skola Podebrady offers lots of practical lessons, *Hitit Üniversitesi works with all types of organisations active in the field of youth, *Mehmetçik Anadolu Lisesi has a diverse population of SEN students. They implemented several projects on the topic, such as "How to prevent school bullying of SEN students", *PANEPISTIMIO KRITIS is a multi-disciplinary, research-oriented public educational institution, offering a vibrant social and intellectual environment for research and education, *L.O.V.E 2 L.E.A.R.N. Foundation innitiates exchanges, forums, conferences, educational initiatives, training courses, conducting researches and analyses regarding topics of the youth, *Liceul Teoretic "Avram Iancu"'s counsellor draws up individualized intervention plans for SEN students and is responsible for their implementation in collaboration with the teachers.
Czech Republic
Programme:
Day 1: *Ice-breaking activities; *Partner institution tour, familiarizing of the participants: each partner will present a PowerPoint about their country's approaches regarding SEN youth and integration of SEN youth, *Workshop - first foray into the concept of inclusion through artistic activities, specifically Cinema; Day 2: *Project implementation workshop - discussing essential aspects of the project; *Workshop in the Schools’ Club, held by the counsellors and trained staff, illustrating artistic methods used for SEN youth;
Day3: *Continuing the discussion regarding the project implementation; *Demonstrative lessons held by participants to the meetings, illustrating country specific approaches for SEN youth; Day 4: *Agreeing upon the final version of the project implementation plan.
Netherland
Day 1 *Icebreaking activities; *Partners will present themselves and gett to know each other; *Visiting of the host institution; *Illustrative workshop on how cinema and other artistic means can be used in activities with SEN Youth;
Day 2 *Meeting and workshop with representatives from the St. Maarten Youth Parliament; *Workshop at Saint Martin's Catholic Academy, which provides for the needs of children and young people with SEND;
Day 3 *Workshops and practical activities on the topic Cinema="Learning by doing" as the best way for participants to put into practice the theoretical knowledge; *workshop - creation of a short movie with the young people
; Day 4 *Meeting with authorities - Department of Youth - Government of Sint Maarten; *Lecture on The Situation of Children and Adolescents in Sint Maarten;
Day 5 *SEN youth rights in national and international legislation - visit to the Ministry of Justice in Sint Maarten; *Evaluation
Crete
Organizer: University of Crete
Dates: September 29 - October 5
Meeting Program:
Participants:
A total of 17 adults and 19 students.
Note: The team from St. Martin, Netherlands, did not arrive. Their journey ended in New York due to passport control issues. They stayed in New York for the week, waiting for cheaper flights home. Despite this, the program proceeded smoothly thanks to the professional approach of the participants and the organizer.
After the opening and university tour, we began working on the final output. We were preparing for the final performance on Friday with the theme "Who is a Hero." Under the guidance of the wonderful Rena Fortuna, we gradually worked through the program parts with ice-breaking activities.
We learned to move on stage, speak, trust each other, and painted posters. We prepared masks and filmed a hero-themed movie, which was part of the final performance. We worked on the music for the final performance in the beautiful hall in the old town of Rethymno. We worked with rhythm. It seemed we wouldn't have enough time to turn these activities into a theatrical performance. The opposite became true. On Friday, we stood together on stage, bowing to a full hall that applauded our performance.
In addition, we engaged in other workshops. We explored the significance of fairy tales, discussed the differences between books and films, and talked about music suitable for films and theater. We also traveled around the island, searching for the path for our inner pilgrim.
Journey of the Inner Hero to the Island
This activity focuses on time-lapse capturing of the inner world of students who participated in the LTT activity in Crete, their benefits, and a short resulting video diary of the inner hero. During the mobility in Crete, journeys were organized for all participants with an emphasis on the inner and outer landscape, and a workshop with discussion was held. We traveled through a gorge, by boat on the sea, and into history to the Venetian city of Chania. DEEP history in Knossos. We also explored the city of Rethymno.
From the conclusion, we created an e-book - the diary of the inner hero with guiding notes and personal experiences of the participants, which is available as a project output online for other interested parties.
The Czech team coordinated this project, which was no easy task. Nevertheless, the participating educators learned a great deal about working with students with special educational needs. They also learned to use video in teaching animal husbandry and theater in biology classes. A different perspective on students, a more sensitive approach, the use of technology, or even rhythm in teaching—all of this enriched the portfolios of the involved educators.
From the students, Zuzana wrote:
"The project has enriched me immensely and advanced me in many ways. The greatest benefit was understanding the power of film as a therapeutic tool and developing my communication skills in English. Thanks to the project, I have progressed in self-reflection and empathy, which will help me in my future personal and professional life. I learned to work better in an international team and understand different cultural perspectives. The project helped me discover new ways to work with emotions and address personal challenges through films. I gained valuable experience in traveling and living abroad, which gave me the courage for further international opportunities. I made new friendships with people from different countries, which broadened my cultural horizons. I would recommend this project to others because it allows for personal growth, improvement of language skills, and gaining a unique perspective on the therapeutic power of film. For high school seniors, it is a great opportunity to prepare for the next stage of life and possibly discover new professional interests in psychology and the arts. Last but not least, this international project allowed me to experience a unique atmosphere of collaboration and creativity, leading to unforgettable moments and experiences that I will cherish for a long time."