Page 13 - MY Book - My Voice

ChallengesSometimes, in my workshops in Norway, there can be six di erent spoken languages in the group, but no common language to communicate in. In Lebanon, usually all participants speak Arabic and just a few speak a little bit of English. The method in my workshops is therefore mainly nonverbal. I demonstrate in front of the group, we work on joint drawings, or I go around and do one–to-one guidance by demonstrating.The workshops are mainly an activity o ered to children and youth in their spare time. It can be challenging under the given circumstances to be able to follow up or work with the same children over time. In the workshops with children and youth I make sure to include social workers, teachers or other sta in the workshops to spread and build up local knowledge and experience in technique and methods in the local NGO or school.In deprived areas or from a sponsor’s point of view it is often paramount to include as many participants as possible in the activities. There are so many needy people, and sponsors appreciate that their money reaches a high number of people. This can sometimes a ect the quality of the workshops and be less bene cial for the individual participant. It can be a challenge to nd a good balance between reaching many and at the same time be able to do a good job. e following four pages: Warming-up exercises in Rashidiye camp, Lebanon and Hvalstad reception center, Norway 11