On May 8, a one-day workshop was held at the International School of Esch and Differdange as part of their day of solidarity. Accompanied by Delphine Giltay, coach, trainer and consultant, we experimented and learned together about workshop facilitation. The theme proposed to the students was “Change is up to you”, based on the famous multi-primed short film “Mercy’s Blessing”, shot in Malawi and shown at over 20 film festivals worldwide, winning 12 international film awards.

Exchanges, games and artistic workshops followed this short film to explore some of the principles and values that enable us to participate in the betterment of society. Three of these values were suggested for application in the classroom from the start of the day: kindness, listening and co-responsibility.

1. Large group discussion; 2. The three values that inspired the students’ behaviour and the classroom atmosphere during the day. 3. Drawing parallels between social challenges in Malawi and Luxembourg and reflecting on the root causes of these challenges.

1. Personal development and reflection

A discussion of the film gave the students the chance to talk about what had impressed them and what themes and messages had emerged from the film: the notions of sacrifice and altruism for the well-being of another person, learning to listen and to consent to the efforts to be made, the happiness felt when we please others, the injustices suffered, the judgments we should fight against, etc. were some of the topics discussed.

2. Team Building and Social Action

Following the analysis of these themes, the students drew parallels between social challenges in Malawi and Luxembourg, mentioning various challenges that particularly concern them: selfishness, materialism, addictions, judgments and intolerance to diversity. They then went on to identify qualities and abilities that are missing at the heart of the causes of the problems mentioned: generosity, volition, gratitude, courage, self-respect and self-confidence, and the importance of family ties and friendships.

They then reflected on the simple, concrete actions they could take to help bring about positive change in their environment and reduce suffering. Showing kindness to those around them, tolerance of differences, respect for others, compassion, and freedom of thought summed up their many aspirations. Together, they then turned over a cloth on which the many challenges had been represented on the front so that the back could be seen, filled with the commitments and motivations the young people had written down. They thus “turned” problems into solutions through cooperation, a beautiful image of what they could accomplish together on their own scale!

1. Exchange on concrete solutions found by young people to combat the problems they have identified and want to try and solve; 2. One of the students brings his or her own concrete idea for combating the problems identified by the class: prejudice, addiction, materialism, injustice, etc., and sticks it on the fabric; 3. The young people work together to turn the cloth from the face of the challenges to the face of the solutions: a way of representing the collective effort to improve their surroundings.

3. The arts 

In the afternoon, in order to illustrate and make the topics more concrete, the students prepared theatrical presentations and posters to convey the importance of friendship and mutual support, respect and empathy.

Preparation and presentations by young people on various themes: the importance of mutual support, friendship and respect.

At the end of the workshop, we asked the young people what actions they could take to become active agents of positive change. “Helping others with their needs” and “helping people around me more” were two actions mentioned several times, as were “being more attentive to others and helping”, “sharing”, “being generous”, and “making sacrifices”. 

“What imagination and creativity, but also what audacity for some who managed to overcome their shyness of speaking in front of everyone”, shared Delphine after the day. Thank you, Delphine, for coming to learn with us, and thank you to EIDE for your warm welcome. See you soon!