PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG PERSON

To analyse and better understand the social group of young people: their concerns, problems, and expectations. To discuss the impact of society on the choices and wishes of young people.

TIME REQUIRED

45–60 minutes

RESOURCES

Flipchart paper, coloured paper, scissors, magazines, glue, paper, adhesive tape, and drawing tools.

ACTION

In small groups, draw a portrait of a young person on the flipchart. On the same sheet, using the collage technique, the groups are asked to display the following:

The outside of a young person presents:

• Appearance?
• What s/he wants to possess (what are the core feature of a young person)?
• What positive and negative habits the person has?
• Behaviour?

The inside of a young person presents:

• What problems does the young person face?
• What does the young person want to reach?
• What does a young person care about?

Within their own groups, participants should discuss and evaluate the “inside” and ”outside” of a young person.

Participants prepare posters and afterwards make presentations to other groups

DISCUSSION

What did you understand during your group discussion?

What is common for young people?

How does the contemporary young person differ from the young person of 20 years ago?

Why do you think young people have these particular needs and concerns?

COMMENTS

Often using this method, participants portray a young person in a negative manner, seldom in a positive manner. The task of the workshop leader is to question the group’s work and to look at the portraits critically. The objective is to facilitate the participants and help them to identify the impact of the society on a young person’s choices and their daily life as a whole.