Introductory Session

Method:

1.   We gathered all the 6 children in the room. For some of them it was the first time in this group.

2.      We started off by introducing ourselves and describing the summer holidays.

Then altogether we discussed crafts, activities and receipes that they would like to do throughout the sessions. The list included small ‘karru’, horse-riding, Karru zghir, candle decoration, acting, tapestery, dancing, coconut balls, discussions on nail and hair care, session on how to apply makeup.  Another discussion on recycling. 

3.      Then, every girl was given a paper folded into 4.  On the first page they had to write their name, on the next two pages they were asked questions mainly : “name of favourite artist, favourite colour, hobbies and many more”. On the last page they had to draw a portrait of how they see themselves in 10 years time. (i.e. 21 to 24 years).

Results:  

The children were really participative and eager to start the sessions. 

The first session - They will full of ideas and every one of them showed interest.  We even suggested that they will sometimes prepare the craft themselves and all of them liked the idea.  They even planned how they will share the materials for the crafts.  Fortunately they all attend the same school so this makes it easier for them to organize a craft.  Another suggestion was that in these sessions we discuss some topics which they do not normally discuss with there parents or take them for granted.  For example, tattoos, how to apply makeup, and one of them even suggested discussing the issue of recycling and the environment. 

The second session – all the children completed the activity.  This activity has already been discussed in (3). The last drawing was the most impressive.  Their task was to draw a picture of how they imagined themselves in 10 years time.  The majority of them sketched a woman and baby in a pram or with more than one child! The woman was themselves and their children – no father figure in the scenario.  Moreover, the only thing that comes to their mind when they are between 21 and 24 – are children! 

Improvements:

1. They all participated

2. There were no arguments between themselves

3. Although there are more children then last year they seem to be enjoying themselves.

Additional information:

We finished off discussing with what to do for the next session and they decided to make chocolate balls.