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Circus as an educational tool

2020-1-ES02-KA105-0145872020Youth mobilityfinalized
Countries: ES|IT · Grant: €12,285
Inclusion - equityCreativity and cultureRomas and/or other minorities

Objectives

The methodology used to develop our concept of social circus is characterized by being a highly participatory empowerment tool. To facilitate this process, it is the responsibility of the professionals to adapt the circus technique to the characteristics of each individual-group and create a safe and welcoming environment that favors the free expression and experimentation of individual and group capacities. This project to promote social circus as an educational tool, aims to: Promote the development of self-esteem: When we work with groups in exclusion, it is common to find young people lacking in self-confidence. Through circus disciplines they will be able to make possible what a priori seemed impossible or very difficult. With each achievement and small victory, the confidence of the participants will increase, since they will realize that they can face new challenges and surpass themselves. Promote the development of autonomy and self-regulation: Through activities such as balancing and juggling, participants learn to control their emotions (such as frustration tolerance and patience), as well as setting realistic goals and developing strategies to achieve them. All this will foster in the participant a greater knowledge of himself. Promote the development of the feeling of belonging and the spirit of solidarity: The circus is based on mutual aid and collective work, therefore the activities are usually carried out in groups. This fact allows the development of a series of fundamental values such as solidarity, empathy, mutual aid and the feeling of belonging, in addition to favoring leadership and respect for group norms. Promote the development of the civic spirit: Many young people in a situation of marginalization are unaware of the feeling of belonging to a group. Through group activities, conflict resolution is handled in a non-violent way, the exchange of opinions and group decision-making, in the case of a democratic learning that works as a link of a group and connection with society. Encourage the development of communicative qualities: Intervening in front of an audience can be a challenge for some young people, either by providing an opinion or talking about feelings. The social circus aims to achieve the exchange of emotions among the participants, as well as the transmission of ideas and experiences. For this, oral communication and body language are worked on through mime. Encourage control of risk taking: Some circus performers perform tremendously audacious and even dangerous numbers. When it comes to teaching a new discipline, the rules go from being something imposed to a way to promote safety.

Project partners (2)