By implementing this project, we aimed to raise awareness on a national and international level about mental well-being, low proficiency in basic skills, learning difficulties, and the lack of key competences among young people in post-pandemic classrooms. Our goal was to equip students with the skills and tools necessary to minimise the effects of the pandemic, handle stressful situations, and overcome educational challenges. Through the use of creative drama methodology and coaching techniques, we sought to: - develop students' key competences using the universal language of theatre, - work on students' motivation and basic skills while promoting a partnership-based relationship in the educational process.
The project was initiated in response to the urgent needs of students that emerged as a result of the pandemic and remote learning. A significant increase in anxiety, social isolation, depression, insecurity, and a decline in motivation and basic skills among young people called for immediate action. The pandemic caused negative effects on the physical and mental health of young people, who often struggled to describe their problems or seek professional help. Research, including "Remote Education in the Times of COVID-19" and reports from the "Dbam o Mój Zasięg" Foundation and the Orange Foundation, revealed that nearly half of the students experienced a deterioration in their mental health. The decline in the quality of teacher-student and peer relationships further exacerbated the issue. In response, we chose creative drama as a tool to support students' mental health and build their self-confidence. Drama enables students to express emotions, reduce anxiety, and develop social skills while fostering intercultural exchange, breaking barriers, and promoting tolerance and diversity. Through the universal language of theatre, we effectively counteracted the negative effects of the pandemic.