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Creative social problem solving in refugee and immigrant youth integration

2019-1-LT02-KA105-0063082019Youth mobilityfinalized
Countries: LT|AM|SK|IT|TR|EL · Grant: €14,764
Migrants' issuesCreativity and cultureIntegration of refugees

Objectives

International and national studies show that refugee and immigrant youth face social integration problems all over the world (Ukasoanya, 2013; Rogers-Sirin, 2014; Maydell-Stevens et al., 2007; Ogunsiji et al., 2012; Wilkinson 2008; Montgomery, 2008, Zydziunaite, 2012, Bartkeviciene, 2015,). Refugees and immigrant youth face acculturation difficulties, lack of social networks, language barrier, lack of information, discrimination issues, problems in a labor market. There is a great need for specialists working with young refugees and immigrants to develop creative social problems solving skills in the integration process of refugee and immigrant youth. The need of the project is proved by the idea that a development of creativity using art techniques helps to discover new ways of solving problems, foster independent thinking, spontaneity, self-esteem and self-empowerment and also invoke our higher powers, which become a part of our regular education. Moreover, creativity gives a chance to people to make decisions or solutions for challenging questions/problems. People can make appropriate choices only if they are aware: aware of ones feelings about relationships, aware of feelings about events in the world, and aware of a deep pain and suffering happening globally (N. Rogers, 1993). International research results show that Creative Art Techniques is an effective tool of self-awareness, social problem solving in the context of community integration (Bartkeviciene , 2014; Recollet, D., Coholic, D.,Cote-Meek, S. 2009; Kay, A.,2000;). The main goal of the project is to develop creative social problems solving skills of youth specialists working or seeking to work in the integration process of refugee and immigrant youth. The project goal will be achieved through following objectives: to create possibilities for youth specialists to learn Creative Art Techniques focused on solving social problems of young refugee and immigrants through theoretical and practical ways; to develop personal and intercultural competences of youth specialists; to create international network of organizations working with Creative Art Techniques in the field of refugee and immigrant youth integration. During the project training participants take part in experiential and reflective workshops and will learn creative art techniques such as intuitive unconscious drawing, creation of soul collage – Soulcollage technique, consciousness art game POINTS OF YOU and other techniques through theoretical and practical ways.

Project partners (6)