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I'm writing this post on November 4th, exactly one month since the Emotional Well-Being Art and Youth Work project in which I participated ended. The project aims "to increase youth workers’ competencies in using art methods to support the emotional well-being of young people." After having completed the training, and experiencing firsthand the power of the techniques we participants were taught, a question comes to my mind:
When does a project like this actually end?
And my answer is: it depends on any of us, participants.
The project was implemented by Creative Connections Norway, and financially supported by the Erasmus+ Program through the Norwegian National Agency.
The training was held in Balestrand, Norway. Balestrand is a small village along the longest and deepest fjord in the world (Sognefiorden). The magnificent natural setting of the fjord and the surrounding mountains, together with the care provided by the organizers, provided a perfect backdrop for submerging into a training focused on emotional well-being. Participants engaged in various activities designed to enhance their understanding of emotional health and well-being. This immersive experience not only fostered personal growth but also strengthened the bonds between attendees from diverse backgrounds.
The training was articulated through three different areas: Ebru painting, creative writing, and theatre. Workshops were facilitated by Tuba Ardic (Director of Creative Connections Norway), Andreea-Loredana Tudorache, and Elena Stevkovska.
Over 8 days, participants were encouraged and guided to delve deep into our emotions and use art as a way to search and care for our emotional well-being. Participants started to uncover new aspects of themselves, overcoming barriers and sharing feelings. This journey showcased the impact of artistic expression and created lasting impressions that would influence their lives after the workshops.
In response to my initial question, "When does this project actually end?", I realized that the strong sense of community we built is part of the answer. A project like Emotional Well-Being Art and Youth Work is a seed -and it is up to us, participants, to make it grow.
Carlos Gago Aragón — Inspiration Persona
Tuba Ardic is the Director of Creative Connections Norway
Elena Stevkovska
Andreea-Loredana Tudorache
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