Final event of the Stories about the power of difference Project

Can young people and children talk about serious and painful topics such as violence and differences? Can they teach adults how to better handle conflict with each other? Who are the different people and are they a threat?

On these and other questions, fifth, sixth and seventh grade students from three capital schools in Sofia debated, created and told stories within the framework of the project "Stories about the power of difference", implemented by the association "Reflective Learning Bulgaria" and financially supported by the program "Europe 2022" of the Metropolitan Municipality.

On November 11, 2022 the final event of the project was held, where the students from the debate and storytelling clubs from 145 Simeon Radev Primary School, 31 Ivan Vazov HSFLM and 97 Bratya Miladinovi Secondary School (partners and participants in the project) presented to a jury and public debates and stories prepared by them. In the large and welcoming hall of 145 "Simeon Radev" Elementary School, students, parents, teachers and citizens gathered to experience, together with the debaters, how live debates happen. Project participants presented debates on the following topics:

145 "Simeon Radev" Primary School

"Verbal aggression causes more damage than physical"

31 HSFLM Ivan Vazov

"Being different is an advantage"

97 SU "Miladinovi Brothers"

"Better different than the same"

The topics of the debates are chosen by the children themselves, and in their preparation they are supported by teachers and school psychologists. Each debate took place with great excitement on the part of the participants, most of whom were appearing on stage and in front of an audience for the first time. All teams received positive and encouraging comments from the jury.

The presentation of the clubs from the three schools showed that the debate method develops exceptional qualities and skills in young people, which they can apply in their relationships and be tolerant of different points of view. Storytelling is a way for young people to reflect on different issues, as well as a way to ask their own questions about important topics.

Within the framework of the project, sub-castes were conducted with the students and teachers in the three schools. They, as well as a film about the project, were created by students Ioana Pencheva (Sociology student at St. Kliment Ohridski University) and Nikolay Dimitrov (Cinema student at New Bulgarian University). They will be available on the website and YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPc1vPdhqxR3mVcn9Rqg9Kw ) of the Association "Reflective Learning Bulgaria", as well as on the websites of the three schools - partners and participants in the project.

You can read more about the event here: https://reflectivelearningbg.com/aktyalno/final-event/?fbclid=IwAR1ORqd…;