Story by Story for building Community

Storytelling can open up new perspectives and influence attitude and behaviors. At the same time, creating sories can be a healing process as creators observe and reflect on themselves, emotions, processes around and other people. Objectives of the Project *To enable 24 youth workers to get to know and experience the non-formal method of Storytelling. *To enhance the skills of 24 youth workers in guiding young people with fewer opportunities on the path of social inclusion using the method of Storytelling. *To increase the motivation of 24 youth workers to work with youth with fewer opportunities for their social inclusion. *To create a bridge of transferability of both theoretical frame and the methodology of the Storytelling method towards the community. Methods This Training Course will be based on non-formal learning principles which means learning by doing, learning to be, learning to be with others and learning to learn. We will use methods of improvisation theather, team building activities, brainstorming, disscussions, storytelling in various different ways, creative writing, outdoor activities, community work with real young people etc. Participants Youth workers, social workers, teachers, youth leaders that are professionaly involved in social, educational and youth work. Participants should *have a current and at least 1 year long experience in working with young people with fewer opportunities (as a volunteer or paid worker) *be ready for follow-up activities (sharing gained knowledge with colleagues within and outside the organization, organizning at least 1 follow-up activity with at least 10 young people) *have fluent English language skills Location and accommodation We will be staying in a guest house “Vonadziņi” in Gulbene district where the main activities will be organized. For about 2 days we will also visit Aluksne town where the community work in school is planned.