By Tsvetelina Ilieva, SCAS E-games: Empowering youth work

Youth work  = work with young people in a wide variety of non-formal and informal contexts, with focus on personal and social development by one-to- one or group-based activities.  In youth work what you see is rarely what you get. On the surface it can appear that not much is going on. But: 1. Youth work is a lot more than activity. 2. It is about relationships and association - connecting and being with others - and the good that can flow from this.

Why we use games? Attract easier the attention of the young people; Create relaxed atmosphere; Provide for bigger motivation, creativity and innovation; a form of entertainment, for relaxation and amusement; Predispose for easier communication

How to choose the proper method? Few aspects to be taken into account:  In relation to the subject  In relation to personal preferences  The target group expectations  In relation to the settings

Types of games games individual presentationRole play group energizerssimulation confrontationworkshop mixed With a view to the target group:

Types of games With a view to the aims: Purpose Develop skills Change attitude Challenge prejudice Acquire knowledge Establish relations

Energizers They are used most frequently to:  set a mood or create an atmosphere in the group;  wake people up before or during an activity  introduce a topic in a light-hearted way, especially when a contradictory topic is introduced

Confrontation games Usually this method is used for: Challenging the target group to deliberate on aspects of the topic that might have never thought of; Challenging the participants by asking them defend a concrete statement, set by the facilitator/trainer, no matter whether they approve it or not; The competition-based character of the method motivates the participants additionally

Simulation games These are games used to replicate and teach behavioral models and processes that employ the use of a human in a particular actual or simulated role. Simulation games are practically designed to facilitate group development and understanding of differences. In what type of activities can we use them ??? Any suggestions?

Role plays The role play is an active learning method, based on exploring the experience of the participants, by giving them a scenario; Each person in the group has a particular role to play; The main point of it is to discuss and to learn more from one’s own experience and that of others;