Obj 1: During 12 months of the project 20 youth workers with psychology, educational, artistic background from Romania and Portugal will develop their knowledge on dance therapy, and non-formal education methods about self-expression and non-verbal communication. Obj 2: 20 youth workers will develop their facilitation skills by involving 40 children with fewer opportunities from Romania and Portugal in dance therapy and NFE workshops on self-expression and non-verbal communication. Obj 3: By implementing local workshops with 20 SEN ( Sepecial Education Needs ) and 20 local young people, youth workers will raise awareness on the benefits of dance therapy and non-formal education workshops as a tool for inclusion. Obj 4:Help 40 young people from Romania and Portugal to express their emotions and feelings more freely and effectively, thanks to dance therapy and non-formal education workshops held by 20 trained youth workers from Portugal and Romania.
Both organisations work with young people with fewer opportunities, especially focusing on SEN children, and we've always wanted to provide them with more and more chances to integrate in the society and develop themselves creatively. We know that there are many children with special needs but still not enough educators and youth workers trained to support them and organise activities for them. When implementing activities the participants’ list is always full and especially during pandemic, when one of the educators was not available it was difficult to find a replacement. Moreover dance therapy trainings are not affordable especially for young, less experienced youth workers and veen educators. This partnership was an opportunity to develop personally and professionally for both our beneficiaries and youth workers. Dance therapy has many advantages and we wanted to spread awareness on this and provide youth workers with methods that will improve young people’s ability to express their emotions, relief stress, improve confidence and self-esteem, boost imagination and creativity. Dance movement is a therapeutic form of exercise which is great not only for physical health but also mental and emotional health.