Four days of workshops to answer the question “Who am I and what is my role in society?”

As part of the Aline Mayrisch high school’s project week, which allows students to engage in intellectual, sports and cultural activities different from the usual curriculum, Unity Foundation was invited by two teachers to meet with the 23 students of the 7th grade C6. Based on the theme “Who am I and what is my role in society?”, determined by a survey of the students’ questions and requests, a four-day program was prepared with the head teacher and the English teacher of the class.

Developing oneself and participating in the betterment of society

Engaged in development education and considering that the well-being of the individual is intrinsically linked to that of society and vice versa, Unity Foundation proposed to answer the question of the theme by getting the young people to reflect on how their individual identity and their place in society are constructed and realized. To this end, the goal of the workshops was for them to discover their immense potential and talents and to reflect on how they can flourish by putting their interests and talents at the service of the betterment of society. At the same time, in order to identify what needs to be improved and to give direction to their efforts, the youth were encouraged to analyze the forces that shape society and to discover and use the powers of empathy, listening, and co-responsibility throughout the week. 

Luana presents the principles that all students have committed to during the week.

A dense program throughout the week

Before the program began each morning, a group of young people, prepared in advance, introduced the workshop session with an artistic presentation related to their talents and the theme of peace and empathy. The first day was dedicated to musicians performing John Lennon’s “Imagine“, the second to actors performing a play about empathy and intergenerational issues, and the third to a hip-hop dance about peace. 

The three groups of artists made us very proud and brightened each of our days!

The first day was dedicated to the UN’s “Agenda 2030”, which identifies the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. A focus on SDG 4.7: “Quality Education for Sustainable Development” allowed them to explore the knowledge, values, and attitudes that help promote sustainable development and lifestyles, human rights and gender equality, a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity. 

Youth learn about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the knowledge, values and attitudes that contribute to SDG 4.7.

Students note what they consider essential to the dignity of every human being.

The second day was devoted to empathy and how this ability is at the heart of solving many of the societal problems they have identified: harassment, racism, intergenerational conflicts, etc. 

After viewing a short film about the story of Aliénor, a young French woman who responded to the isolation of the elderly during the pandemic by creating the “one letter, one smile“ platform, students discussed the definition and expression of empathy in everyday life.

The third day was dedicated to the themes of altruism and the promotion of justice through the short film Mercy’s Blessing and a discussion with its director. Finally, the last day was dedicated to finalizing the class art project, which consisted of sharing the experiences and ideas of the week through two visual and oral art productions. 

Recognizing that each student has different ways of learning and expressing themselves, we were keen to offer a variety of activities to explore the themes: games, short films and guided discussions, drama, music, drawing, writing and project planning. While the games bring joy and break down the barriers of shyness between participants while facilitating the exploration of the concepts discussed, the short films inspire and raise awareness by touching emotions. The discussions allow students to exchange points of view, help them express themselves and find points of convergence, and finally, the arts elevate feelings and allow for the internalization of ideas. 

All of these workshops were related to the same goal of unlocking the power of individuals to act. They allowed the youth to engage in a journey of reflection and personal transformation by answering questions such as: What talents, potentials and privileges do I possess? How can they enable me to contribute to solving the various problems around me? What choices can I make in my habits and behavior to promote well-being around me? What would I like to change and what is holding me back from taking action? How can I turn my desire to act into sustainable action? 

Unforgettable encounters around the film Mercy’s Blessing

The third day was the highlight of the week. The class prepared in advance to welcome students from an international integration class at the National School for Adults (ENAD).

A warm welcome prepared by one of Aline Mayrisch’s students for the guests from ENAD.

After a few get-to-know-you activities, they all watched the award-winning short film Mercy’s Blessing together and then welcomed the director for a question-and-answer time. The school principal, who came to watch the film and meet the director, was as moved as the students. She reminded the students of their privileges and the struggle of Aline Mayrisch, after whom the school is named, to open the first high school for the education of girls in Luxembourg.

May Taherzadeh surrounded by some students.

The principal and a student from ENAD take the floor to share their thoughts.

A time of discussion in small groups allowed the young people to reflect on engaging and profound questions and to confront the stories and realities of the young people of ENAD, coming from different countries, material situations and cultural backgrounds. 

The youth and speakers were divided into small groups to discuss some of the themes brought up by the film: sacrifice, privilege and how to promote justice.

The groups were fortunate to be surrounded not only by the director, but also by members of the Unity Foundation Board of Directors who came especially that day to participate in the program. One such member shared an exchange from her group: 

Words Instead of Walls Art Project

A collaboration like this provides a unique opportunity to conduct larger projects with participants, including art and service. As part of this week, the “Words Instead of Walls” project was established on the theme of empathy. Its title metaphorizes the lack of communication, listening and understanding that can degrade human relationships and create superficial human distances. Words come to replace these walls… Simply words, empathetic words that translate sincere listening, mutual understanding and the desire to help each other. To translate this metaphor into art, some of the young people drew the tree of the empathic world, whose roots are, among others, listening, caring, understanding, and whose fruits are social justice, the manifestation of universal love, peace and individual and collective well-being. Another group focused on writing texts related to the theme, which they then learned to declaim and sing in Luxembourgish, English and French.

Creation of an empathy tree as part of the art project. The tree named “An Empathetic World” grows upward and stands upright with its strong roots of listening, courage, love and non-judgment. This tree bears beautiful fruits such as peace, justice, mental, physical and moral comfort, unity in diversity, beauty, etc. The leaves of the tree are prepared to travel on a school wall while sharing messages of empathy.

Collaborating with teachers and bringing our learning together

Unity Foundation worked closely with the head teacher and the English teacher of the class to choose the themes for the week, develop the program of activities and discuss the practical organization. This close cooperation was useful and enriching, both in terms of ensuring the coherence of the program and the flow of the week, but more importantly, in learning from each other’s perspectives and experience with the teaching methods and approaches chosen during the week. 

Among the many lessons learned during this week, we remember that each activity, especially the transitional or relaxing games, must embody and contribute to achieving the general or specific objectives of the project. They are also key to creating an atmosphere conducive to sincere and open interactions among participants. Similarly, the fact that young people can reflect on the values they wish to apply together and make decisions about certain parts of the program and project encourages them to take more ownership of their education and discover their potential. Their involvement also allows teachers to see the other “sides” of their students and to discover talents and strengths that may be hidden behind behaviors that are considered negative or disruptive. 

Facilitators were also encouraged to reflect together on how to create an atmosphere of trust and encouragement, including building genuine relationships with them, of trust and friendship. 

Unity Foundation is now looking at appropriate ways to continue to nurture the evolution, transformation, and upliftment of young people, as well as encouraging and accompanying teachers to incorporate student service projects and activities and methods that continue to deepen themes such as empathy and co-responsibility, while meeting the demands of the school curriculum.

A new impetus

This week-long workshop experience with this class has generated a new energy, enthusiasm and hope in all participants; students have come out of it more united, teachers have strengthened their bonds with students and discovered new ways to generate enthusiasm for learning, and all facilitators and other contributors are curious, happy and most of all, eager for more!

The intrigued looks, the amused smiles, the focused faces, the loose tongues: the week put young people at the heart of development issues and in the front line to be active agents of change. All this in a joyful, profound and artistic atmosphere. 

A representation of the words used by the week’s participants to summarize their appreciation.

You want to know more about our workshops and collaborate with us? Contact us via email or telephone to meet up with 621 656 996 and via info@unityfoundaiton.lu