Creative Workshops for Life Skills
Creative Communication Skills
๐๐ก On the first workshop on “Creative Communication Skills” the young participants aged 16 to 22 learned about the importance of communication, how to express themselves correctly and creatively, and what kinds of messages to use.
๐ฃ Trainer Angela Velinova introduced various techniques through interactive exercises, including the “I-message” technique, a form of non-violent communication that allows individuals to express their needs and desires, opening up communication around the reasons behind specific conflicts.
๐ฏ This communication technique is especially valuable for younger generations to connect with each other more effectively and easily.
๐ In the workshop, participants learned about powerful words for effective communication and communication tools such as press releases, press conferences, media briefings, interviews, and social media.
Team- work through sport psychology
๐ฅ The licensed youth worker specialized in sports psychology, Borko Naumovski, led the second creative life skills workshop.
๐ฏ๐ก Through interactive lectures and exercises, the young participants learned from Borko about the importance of teamwork, the necessity of always believing in themselves, and he introduced the topic of emotional intelligence.
๐ฃ Angela Velinova also joined this workshop, where, together with the participants, they simulated a press conference and produced a podcast discussing the importance of sports psychology.
Photography for social change
๐ธ At the third creative life skills workshop, the photographer Lazar Simeonov educated young participants on the power of photography, guiding them through the process of creating photos with a phone or camera, and then they crafted their own creative photos.
Simeonov is a documentary photographer and photojournalist with years of experience, having visited over 50 countries. Living abroad for 30 years, he has learned to speak six languages. He began his photography career with the mission to reveal the truth and fight against injustice. Aware that complete objectivity doesnโt exist in photography or journalism, he stands by the belief that a picture is worth a thousand words. He conveys his message through photography, a universal language that everyone can easily understand.
Thank you, Lazar, for a creative session that captured everyoneโs attention! โ๐ผ
Creative artivism
With the civil activist Nikola Pisarev: Art, culture, guerrilla actions, creative expression through civic activism were the topics of discussion and education that opened new horizons of thought and ideas for creative action.
Sport For Development
๐ฏ Discipline, self-control, teamwork, confidence, care for others, dedication, and accepting defeat are the most important skills we learn through sports, connecting us in daily life.
๐ Through an interactive and engaging workshop, trainer Nadica Jovanoviฤ educated the youth on the benefits of sports for development, which includes all forms of physical activity and inclusivity. This approach helps us understand ourselves, connect with those around us, act as a team, work toward goals, and improve in various areas. But most importantly, it builds us into compassionate individuals who listen to the needs of others.
Intercultural cooperation and Leadership
๐ฏ๐งฉ๐๐ปโ๏ธ๐๐พโ๏ธ Different cultures are a tremendous asset to society. Intercultural cooperation pushes us forward toward a future based on values, respect, and commitment. The more we care for diversity, equal treatment, and creating better opportunities within the community, the faster we mature and progress toward true leadership.
โ๐ผ In the sixth session, โIntercultural Cooperation and Leadership,โ of our creative life skills workshops, our trainer was Vladimir who has extensive experience in youth engagement and he leads the local branch of RYCO in the country.
โค๏ธ During the workshop, special attention was drawn to the exercise โWhat is your learning river?โ where participants used creative drawings to map out moments from their personal and professional lives, identifying points where they “stumbled” on a stone and reflecting on what they learned from each challenging moment. This exercise is invaluable for reflecting on where we were, where we are today, what weโve learned, and how positively we are evolving into compassionate and empathetic individuals.
Media Literacy
๐๐ก In the latest creative life skills workshop with Angela Velinova, we explored media literacy, the power of social media, and took a brief dive into graphic design. ๐ฅ Weโre proud that the participants are now more media-literate and can recognize fake news! โ๐ผ
๐ Social media is the most creative communication tool for young people, and we believe theyโll harness its potential for personal and professional growth with our support.