25/04/2025
Romania
participants
To provide, over the course of three days (23–25 April), a safe, inclusive, and sensory-aware environment for children with severe neurological conditions, where they could express themselves creatively, strengthen motor and cognitive skills, and experience emotional connection through guided handcraft and movement-based activities. Through the involvement of ESN volunteers and Erasmus students, the workshop also aimed to foster intercultural exchange, empathy, and non-formal learning for all participants. The program encouraged mutual understanding, supported the children’s well-being and personal development, and offered student volunteers the opportunity to gain valuable skills in inclusive education, adaptability, and compassionate communication.
During the workshop, the ESN volunteers and Erasmus students developed a wide range of valuable skills, both personally and professionally. They learned how to connect with children from diverse backgrounds and how to clearly explain activities in an engaging and accessible way. They adapted their communication styles based on the children's individual needs—using visual cues, simpler language, and non-verbal support when necessary. The students also learned to respond calmly and effectively to unexpected challenges during activities, to respect different family situations, and to recognize their own unconscious biases or privileges. Most importantly, they gained hands-on experience in creating age-appropriate, inclusive, and accessible activities that promoted connection, creativity, and joy for all children involved.
Wednesday - 23 April
1. Ball game with gestures - An energizing game where children passed a ball around while using and mimicking different gestures
2. Painting with sponges & stencils - Children explored their creativity by using sponges and pencils to create colorful artwork that encouraged artistic expression and gave each child a sense of accomplishment
3. Sounds, instruments, mime, dans - Children experimented with instruments, explored sound-making, danced freely, and engaged in mime to tell simple stories
4. We decorate spring paintings - Using various craft materials, children collaboratively decorated spring-themed paintings
Thursday – 24 April
1. Copy simple movements - An energizer where children followed and mirrored simple movements
2. We create our own bracelets - Children used colorful threads, beads, or recycled materials to design and craft their own bracelets
3. Dance with balloons/scarves - Children danced freely using balloons and scarves to explore movement and rhythm
4. Collages with leaves, sticks - Using natural materials collected outdoors, children made collages by arranging leaves, sticks, and other textures
Friday - 25 April
1. Claps, sounds - An energizer where children learned patterns and group coordination
2. Playdough - Children shaped figures or objects from playdough
3. Lifting, rolling balls - Children engaged in physical games involving lifting and rolling balls in pairs or small groups.
4. Dancing, photos, diplomas - The workshop concluded with dancing, group photos, and the awarding of participation diplomas
This activity is part of the project:
ECEM - Enriching Communities Through Engaged Mobilities