On 24 January, Phoenix Training Center joined project partners in Aveiro, Portugal, for an international training activity organised as part of the Erasmus+ Youth D.R.A.M.A. project. The activity centred on digital storytelling, creative drama and inclusive youth work.
The six-day programme brought together partners to pilot innovative educational approaches combining creative drama, artificial intelligence, digital storytelling and inclusive youth work.
Through interactive workshops, practical exercises and collaborative learning, participants explored how creative and digital methods can empower young people, promote inclusion and strengthen their ability to navigate today’s digital world.
The experience provided an opportunity to exchange good practices, test new educational resources and explore approaches that can be applied in formal and non-formal learning environments.
Day 1 – Understanding Media Bias and Promoting Inclusion
The first day explored the importance of representation, cultural awareness and inclusive communication in educational settings.
Participants engaged in group discussions and interactive activities designed to identify stereotypes, unconscious biases and barriers that can prevent young people from participating fully.
Particular attention was given to media literacy, social media influence and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
These sessions encouraged participants to consider how educators and youth workers can help young people critically evaluate digital content and engage responsibly with online information.
Day 2 – Using Drama to Encourage Participation and Empathy
The second day introduced theatre-based learning techniques as practical tools for creating safe and supportive educational environments.
Through improvisation, role-playing and collaborative performances, participants examined issues such as bullying, discrimination, social exclusion and emotional wellbeing.
These creative exercises demonstrated how drama can encourage young people to express themselves, understand different perspectives and develop stronger interpersonal skills.
The activities also highlighted the potential of drama-based education to foster empathy, confidence and meaningful dialogue, particularly when addressing sensitive social issues.
Day 3 – Tackling Cyberbullying and Online Hate Speech
Day three focused on the challenges young people face in digital spaces, including cyberbullying, hate speech, misinformation and online harassment.
Participants examined realistic online scenarios and discussed how major social media platforms respond to harmful content.
Using debates, group activities and role-playing exercises, they explored practical strategies for helping young people recognise online threats, report inappropriate behaviour and respond constructively to digital conflict.
The sessions reinforced the importance of digital citizenship and media literacy education in creating safer and more inclusive online communities.
Day 4 – Storytelling, Creativity and Conflict Resolution
The fourth day demonstrated how creative storytelling, puppetry and dramatic expression can be used to address interpersonal conflicts and encourage constructive communication.
Participants worked through scenarios involving disagreements, exclusion and communication difficulties, using creative approaches to explore potential solutions.
Storytelling provided a valuable opportunity to examine situations from different perspectives, while puppetry and performance allowed participants to address sensitive subjects in a supportive environment.
These activities highlighted the versatility of creative learning methods in youth work, school education, adult learning and community engagement.
Day 5 – Digital Rights, Privacy and Youth Empowerment
The fifth day explored digital rights, personal privacy, data protection and responsible online behaviour.
Through interactive exercises and facilitated discussions, participants reflected on the balance between digital freedom, personal responsibility and online safety.
The activities encouraged participants to consider how young people can become more informed and confident digital citizens while protecting their personal information and respecting the rights of others.
The programme also introduced practical approaches to organising online workshops and webinars, supporting the development of more accessible digital youth work activities.
Day 6 – Artificial Intelligence and Digital Storytelling in Practice
The final day brought together the programme’s key themes through practical activities combining artificial intelligence, creative storytelling and digital media production.
The session, facilitated by project partner HESL, introduced participants to digital tools and AI-supported techniques for developing educational stories and multimedia content.
Working collaboratively, participants created storyboards and short videos addressing important social topics, including racism, discrimination, bullying and harassment.
The activities demonstrated how AI and digital storytelling can support creative expression, critical thinking and social awareness when applied responsibly in educational contexts.
The session also emphasised the importance of ethical technology use, ensuring that digital tools enhance human creativity and meaningful learning experiences.
Turning International Collaboration into Educational Impact
The training activity in Aveiro provided an opportunity for the Youth D.R.A.M.A. partnership to test innovative educational methods, exchange expertise and strengthen international cooperation.
For Phoenix Training Center, participating in initiatives such as Youth D.R.A.M.A. reflects our commitment to promoting inclusive education, digital innovation and creative learning experiences.
By bringing together drama-based methodologies and emerging digital technologies, the project demonstrates how education can respond to contemporary challenges while empowering young people to participate more confidently in society.
We look forward to building on the knowledge and experiences shared during this activity and supporting the continued development of the project.
Explore the Youth D.R.A.M.A. Training Resources
The educational materials developed through the Youth D.R.A.M.A. project are available free of charge in six languages.
Youth workers, educators and trainers can access these resources and adapt the activities for use in their own organisations and learning environments.
Access the Youth D.R.A.M.A. training resources
To learn more about Phoenix Training Center’s international projects and opportunities for collaboration, contact our team.
