The training in Cyprus has been done in Pissouri Village from 5 to 11 of February 2023. In the training took part 3 trainers (one from each partner country) and 12 participants (3 from each country except from Cyprus that we had more participants). In the following folder you can find the infopack of the training.
Name Games: We did some name games in order to get know each other.The participants were standing in a circle and one by one was introducing his name and then he did a sound,then all the group repeated the name and the sound until all of the group had told their names and sounds.At the end,one participant went to the middle of the circle and just did one sound and the rest of the group had to remember which person made that sound.
Introduction of the training: We did an introduction of the training and the program Non Formal Education Activities for the inclusion of people with disabilities.We explained the aims and detailed analysis of the work that will be done from all organizations in the 3 countries.
Fears,Expectations and Contribution: Participants had the opportunity to express their expectations,their fears and their contribution in the program in a paper. Afterwards, we checked it one by one with the whole group,we answered questions and it helped us to better understand the needs of the group.
Meeting in the offices of Pissouri Community Council: We met with the president of the Community and members of the board and discussed what they have done until now for people with disabilities and suggestions of what they can do more in the community.At the end they received presents from Pissouri Community Council.
Inclusive Workshop: The workshop aimed to promote empathy and awareness about people with dissabilities.Participants will be divided in 3 groups.Each group represents a different kind of disability (blind,kinetic and mental).Each group had to find a way to integrate the disability they represent and act accordingly.For,example the group with visual impairments worked together and were being blindfolded during the activity except one person that was their guide and give them instructions how to move on the place. The group with kinetic disability worked together the whole time without being able to get up from the chair.The group with mental disabilities worked together by being forbidden to use a common language (English).At the end,they shared their thoughts and emotions about this experience and possible solutions in order to create an inclusive society for all people.The workshop implemented by ACFJC from Romania organization.
Take a Step Forward: Through this activity participants raised awareness about inequalities of opportunities and fostered empathy about people with disabilities. In this activity participants take on roles and move forward depending on their chances and opportunities in life. Scenarios described specific physical or social characteristics. Each time, the participants were asked to take one step forward, when they were socially advantaged according to the character they were given.We modified the role cards and it was related to different kind of disabilities and other factors (poor,rich,educated,gender,age) in order to make participants think how the other factors expect the disability can also affect their quality of life.At the end participants reflect on their emotions and thoughts about their roles and these situations in general.
Mirroring Activity: Mirroring movement is a simple play activity that involves copying someone’s movements, like you’re in a mirror.Mirroring movement activities helped participants with disability or mental disabilities (autism,down syndrome,ADHD) improve their physical coordination and gross motor skills.These activities also gave them a chance to work together, building relationships and empathy for others. Participants also get to experience taking the lead and following others and learn to be mindful,to focus on the “here and now”.
Movement Conversation: This activity is performed in pairs. They take turns moving in front of each other trying to transfer a message,a feeling,a thought.The couple talks non-verbally,only with movements.It is very important that the participants observe or “listen” to each other in each other in non verbal conversation and to respect each other by waiting until the movement stops and then to respond.
Walk in my shoes: An activity performed in pairs. With instrumental music one of the pair moved in space the way he feld at the moment. The other pair observed him and drawed his movements in space on paper. After the observation, they changed roles in such a way that the pair who drew the movements now passes those same movements in space while the other pair watches him.It’s an activity that promotes non verbal communication and fosters empathy and creativity.