I Care About Kids - Discovering the Value of Traditional Play and Creative Expression

The programme focused on the educational value of traditional puppet theatre and storytelling as powerful tools for children's cognitive, emotional, and social development. Participants first explored the history of puppetry and discussed how puppet games have been used for generations to support communication, imagination, and creative thinking among children.

Following the introductory session, participants worked together in international teams to design their own puppet performances. They developed short stories, created characters, and prepared interactive presentations that encouraged collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. The activity demonstrated how simple educational methods can help children express their emotions, build self-confidence, and improve their communication skills in an enjoyable and engaging way.

Throughout the workshops, participants exchanged ideas on how traditional games and artistic activities can provide meaningful alternatives to excessive screen time. By combining creativity with teamwork, they explored practical methods that youth workers, educators, and families can apply to encourage children to participate more actively in social and cultural life.

The day also included opportunities for reflection, allowing participants to evaluate the learning outcomes of the activities and discuss how these methods could be adapted within their own organisations and local communities. Sharing experiences from different countries enriched the discussions and highlighted the importance of intercultural cooperation in developing effective educational practices.

By participating in these collaborative activities, Kicsi Szívek Gyermekoktatási Központ Egyesület continued to strengthen its expertise in non-formal education while contributing to the project's shared objective of supporting children's healthy development through creativity, active participation, and international cooperation.