To create a brighter future for the younger generations, we must continually look for innovative ways to support every child’s unique journey. Recently, we wrapped up our participation in a deeply impactful Erasmus+ small-scale partnership: Drama Therapy for Children with Special Needs.
As the Latvian partner in this initiative, working alongside our wonderful coordinating school from Estonia (Viljandi Kaare Kool) and our partners from Türkiye (Emin Emine Teoman Özel Eğitim Uygulama Okulu 2.Kademe and BELDE ÖZEL EĞİTİM UYGULAMA OKULU 2. KADEME), we set out to tackle a major challenge: helping children with special educational needs develop the vital social and emotional skills they need to thrive.
The Covid-19 pandemic had previously isolated many of these students, increasing anxiety and communication difficulties. Through this project, we turned to the therapeutic power of drama, play, movement, and storytelling to provide a safe space for them to heal, express themselves, and build lasting confidence. This project wasn’t just about theory; it was about hands-on practice and international cooperation. Our team participated in four transformative training mobilities across Europe, each bringing back invaluable methodologies to our local community:
- Niğde, Türkiye: Teachers completed intensive training focused on a 12-session structured drama therapy approach using role-play and improvisation.
- Viljandi, Estonia: This mobility focused on specific body awareness exercises, creativity, and building trust within a safe group dynamic.
- Batman, Türkiye: Our sessions here concentrated heavily on theatre-based methods, exploring the power of voice, rhythm, and non-verbal communication.
- Riga, Latvia: Right here in Riga, We-Mean welcomed the partners to explore the renowned “Sesame” approach, diving into how movement, storytelling, and imaginative play can be used within a therapeutic framework.
- From Training Directly to Classrooms: After each international mobility, our educators immediately applied these creative methods locally, organizing workshops and running tailored support sessions for our students.
Now that the project has concluded, we are incredibly proud of the lasting impact left at every level:
- For Our Students (Learner Level): We saw firsthand beautiful transformations in our students. The drama therapy sessions helped children with special educational needs communicate more confidently, participate actively in groups, manage difficult emotions, and reduce anxiety-related behaviors. It has truly boosted their day-to-day inclusion and well-being.
- For Our Educators (Teacher Level): Our teachers gained a wealth of professional competence and confidence. Equipped with practical toolkits spanning structured exercises, theatre methods, and the Sesame approach, they are now fully prepared to integrate therapeutic, creative styles into regular school and workshop environments.
- For Our Organization (Local & European Level): Hosting and participating in these mobilities has reinforced our capacity for high-quality international teamwork. We developed tangible learning materials and piloted exercises that are now deeply embedded into regular practice, ensuring the sustainability of this project for years to come.
Though this specific project cycle has come to an end, the methods we learned and the bonds we built with our Estonian and Turkish partners remain stronger than ever. We are excited to carry the magic of drama therapy forward into our upcoming youth initiatives.
Thank you to everyone who made this journey possible: our passionate educators, our brave young participants, and the Erasmus+ program for supporting this vision! Keep an eye on our page for more updates as we continue building a better, more inclusive future.
Kind Regards,
NGO We-Mean
