Blog
Spotlight On…Derek Debru
Derek Debru is a filmmaker and community artist who works internationally. Last year he joined PYE in Northern Uganda to run a participatory television channel at an arts camp that was being co-run with our partner organization In Movement. The camp was held at the Hope North facility for young people who have been affected by the violent civil wars in the region.
“Ever since I began working with film I’ve wanted to push the limits of what was possible and use it as a tool to do more than just represent,” says Derek.
Music for Groups: World Chant Medley
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Time required: 15 mins
Equipment required: none
Ideal Group Size: 20+
Age range: 8+
This is a great chant to bring a group together and allow them to start exploring their music abilities.
Facilitation Ideas: What Brings You Joy
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Time required: 30 mins
Equipment required: paper and colours (crayons, markers, pastels)
Ideal group size: 2
Number of groups: 3+
Age range: 9+
This is a great way to deepen relationships in the group, and to encourage positivity and active listening. It also asks the group to translate emotional content into colour and shape. This can help with learning to recognize and manage emotions.
What Skills do You Need to Become a Facilitator?
Do you think you know what skills are needed to become a facilitator? Join the conversation on our Facebook page.
In April, our PYE Third Thursday live web chat was facilitated by Nilisha Mohapatra from our partner organization, Dream a Dream India. Nilisha asked our community what skills they felt you needed to be a good facilitator.
Workshop Activity Ideas: Two Up Two Down
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Time required: 45 mins
Equipment required: two chairs
Ideal group size: 4+
Age range: 16+
This activity from Ruth Zaporah’s Action Theatre is an opportunity for participants to take a big creative risk. Be gentle and encouraging as they try it. It’s a great activity for learning about listening, timing, co-facilitating, team work and self-confidence.
Workshop Activity: Tone Train
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Time required: 5 mins
Equipment required: none
Ideal group size: 10+
Age range: 9+
A closing activity that allows expression without verbalization. Quick, and telling. This format, of going around the circle and adding is great for all kinds of quick circle activities. Closings, openings, energizers…it generally brings the group together, gives a sense of satisfaction, and allows everyone to get their voice out. You can do it with names, gestures, gratitude words, or more playfully with lists of silly things, etc.
Workshop Games: That’s So True
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Time required: 10 mins
Equipment required: nothing
Ideal group size: 10-20
Age range: 14+
This makes a powerful closing round after a workshop that has had some deep reflection or where people have been working closely together. We recall negative comments much more than positive ones. The purpose of this activity is to practice accepting compliments, whether we believe them or not. This activity requires that participants know each other at least a little.
Games for Workshops: Ten Poems
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Time required: 10 mins
Equipment required: paper and pens
Ideal group size: 2+
Age range: 12+
This writing exercise is a quick and simple way to improvise poetry. Makes a great closing round or energizer after a break.
Workshop Games: Sound Walk
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Time required: 30 mins
Equipment required: a place where youth can safely sit outdoors
Ideal group size: 5-15
Age range: 12+
This is a meditative listening activity that leads to a fun and silly sound circle. It helps the group tune into their sense of place, and helps build focus and awareness.
Facilitation Game: Sound Cloud
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Time required: 5 mins
Equipment required: none
Ideal group size: 10+
Age range: 7+
This is a quick and energetic closing activity.