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Theater workshops build trust for children from socially vulnerable families
🇷🇸 Serbia /Culture & Society

Theater workshops build trust for children from socially vulnerable families

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Organization "Orhideja" is holding summer theater workshops for children from socially vulnerable families in Belgrade, Knjaževac, and Niš.
  • The workshops aim to develop children's confidence and provide support, addressing needs that systemic aid may not fully cover.
  • These workshops offer children, particularly from marginalized backgrounds, a creative outlet and a chance to express themselves, fostering personal growth beyond material assistance.

Summer theater workshops organized by "Orhideja" are offering children from socially vulnerable families in Serbia a chance to develop confidence and find support. The initiative, taking place in Belgrade, Knjaževac, and Niš, targets children aged 9 to 14 whose parents cannot afford extracurricular activities or summer travel.

It's important that we understand their needs.

— Tamara MirčetićTamara Mirčetić from "Orhideja" explains the importance of understanding the children's needs during the workshops.

The program includes 20 sessions focused on acting, scenography, music, and movement. Organizers highlight that for many participants, this is their first exposure to theater and a unique opportunity to engage in creative expression. Beyond the artistic aspect, the workshops aim to foster crucial social and emotional development.

Tamara Mirčetić from "Orhideja" emphasizes the workshops' role in building self-esteem and providing a safe space for children to discuss their concerns. "It's important that we understand their needs," she stated, explaining that coordinators can offer individualized support once children open up. This approach aims to address the emotional and psychological gaps that may exist despite systemic assistance.

We expect the children to open up and talk about things that trouble them, pressure them, worry them, interest them, delight them, or scare them. When this opening up and connection with the coordinators happens, then we can truly understand their needs and provide an individualized response.

— Tamara MirčetićMirčetić describes how the workshops facilitate emotional expression and allow coordinators to offer tailored support.

Mirčetić also pointed out the limitations of existing support systems for socially vulnerable families, particularly for Roma children. While teachers in schools are often dedicated, she believes the system itself does not sufficiently address the deep-seated issues faced by these families. "Socially vulnerable families are part of the system, so the system itself does not 'heal' them," she noted, suggesting that without exceptional talent or luck, children from these backgrounds struggle to overcome their circumstances.

Socially vulnerable families are part of the system, so the system itself does not 'heal' them.

— Tamara MirčetićMirčetić criticizes the systemic support for vulnerable families, suggesting it is insufficient for significant change.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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