The goal of the project was to improve the emotional condition and social functioning of students with mental health problems as a result of the pandemic, to engage them in interaction, which was to be confirmed by successful activities and positive feedback from parents and teachers. Based on scientific sources and research, we decided that theater activities could be an effective way to overcome social difficulties caused by isolation. The goal of the project was to engage schoolchildren from Poland, Italy and Greece in activities that trigger their openness, confidence, creativity and allow them to overcome loneliness and adaptation difficulties. We set a goal to prepare theatrical performances involving designated students from the participating organizations. During the mobility, students and teachers were to work together on theatrical forms, participate in theatrical workshops, exchange experiences, and thus - through the language of theater - overcome any social and communication barriers. The goal was also to open up students to a wider community than just their peers, school or family, showing them the need to open up to older people and their needs.
The project touched on particularly important needs, not only educational, but also social. It was a response to the problem, indicated in post-pandemic reports, of students with social readjustment, breaking down barriers, dealing with trauma, rebuilding relationships, overcoming fears. We wanted to help students overcome these difficulties. Our motivation was to break down social and intercultural barriers, to open teachers and students to diversity and distinctiveness. For the young, targeted by the project, this was the first opportunity to get to know another country, its culture and distinctiveness. We assumed that interacting with peers from other countries is a special opportunity to establish lasting intercultural relationships, build their sense of self-worth and overcome stereotypical views and their own fears. In involving young people from three countries, we saw an opportunity to teach them tolerance and intercultural dialogue, even without fluency in the language, thanks to the universal language of theater. The project mainly responded to the needs of students, but we also wanted to reach out to the community of senior citizens, to influence their social activation, and at the same time teach teenagers empathy.