„A HERO is a person who uses their gifts and abilities to make positive changes in their lives and to make a positive impact in the lives of others." This is the definition that middle school students in rural, small urban and peri-urban areas of Dolj County hear in their classes. They participate in a non-formal values-based education programme called „HEROES”, a personal development programme that aims to increase self-confidence and to make integrity a principle of life.
The Association Aproape de TINEri,in partnership with Noi Orizonturi Foundation build character among middle school students in Dolj county. Increasing self-esteem and confidence in their own strengths, cultivating a sense of friendship and solidarity, understanding the importance of collaboration, personal development as active citizens by stimulating civic participation are some of the visible results of the project „#Youth in action in their local community”implemented with the financial support of the Active Citizens Fund Romania, programme funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Grants 2014-2021..
Starting from the lack of civic involvement that Dolj County is facing, the two organizations provide 200 students with the necessary tools for personal development as active citizens and involved in community life through non-formal education activities and programs: HEROES, Lego Serious Play, LIFE and the clubs called #TINEri. The "HEROES" programme has a completely different structure from traditional classes. The meetings combine parts of learning principles with practical illustrations and reflective exercises that are noted by the students in their diaries. The sessions also include team games or video materials that provide support in understanding values and personal ownership. Each pupil receives a diary booklet which includes the basic principles of the programme, illustrations from the lives of other teenagers and reflection questions through which pupils identify challenges, solutions, principles and values. Since 2013, the Association Aproape de TINEri has been implementing the methodology of the "HEROES" programme, which is based on a Canadian model, during which time it has reached more than 1000 students in secondary schools in Craiova.
Within the project „#Youth in action in their local community”more than 200 students participated in the activities of the "HEROES" programme. It included 10 sessions over 10 months, with sessions taking place once a month during the school's management hours. All 6th and 7th graders from partner schools participated in the programme. This activity will end in January 2022.
The sessions had as themes:
1. GIFTS AND SKILLS
2. SELF-IMAGE AND SELF-ESTEEM
3. SELF-RESPECT
4. THE POWER OF VALUABLE DECISIONS
5. THE ABILITY TO TOLERATE
6. HONOUR AND RESPECT
7. MOTIVATION
8. INTEGRITY: GOOD FRIENDSHIPS
9. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
10. ACT LIKE A HERO!
The "HEROES" manual, part of the programme with the same name, is a journal containing principles, real life stories and introspection exercises that students complete. It is a tool that leads to personal development, an educational tool that builds character through practical application.
The reaction of the students who were involved in the "HEROES" programme was quick to follow:
Cornel, 8th grade, Melinești, Dolj County
"With the help of the „HEROES” programme, I learned to socialize with others and to have more self-confidence. The „HEROES” handbook has helped me a lot with the stories it hides inside because it tells about people who didn't give up on their dreams and got where they wanted to be, as Abraham Lincoln said, ,,The path had been worn hog-back was slippery. My foot slipped from under me, knocking the other one out of the way, but I recovered myself & lit square, and I said to myself, ‘It’s a slip and not a fall.” The „HEROES” programme is a very interesting programme for people and especially for children because it teaches them to socialize more easily and to have more self-confidence, even if others say we won't succeed, this program taught us to keep our heads up and to be ambitious to do what we want to do to show others that their negative opinion doesn't disadvantage us."
Irina, 7th grade, Filiași, Dolj County
"The „HEROES” programme has helped me a lot on a personal level because it has given me much more confidence in my own strengths than I had. It also helped me to know my own limits and capabilities and last but not least, it helped me to make quality friends. The „HEROES” handbook was very useful because I could learn about other people's experiences and with its help I know how to react if I find myself in similar situations. Unlike school textbooks, which teach us theoretical things, the „HEROES” manual teaches us practically about situations and people and helps us to know and develop ourselves. In addition, as benefits, it has brought us recognition in our school by both teachers and peers and has given us the opportunity to do something for our school.I love the idea of this project!"
Alisia, 7th grade, School 37, Craiova, Dolj County
"The „HEROES” programme has helped me discover more about myself and I feel like I will eventually find out who I really am! It has also helped me change my behavior and be nicer to people! The „HEROES” handbook has many stories about people who have had certain problems, and it helps me to realize that in my life, I will overcome my problems too...in short, it teaches me not to lose hope. Compared to other (school) textbooks, this one really helps me :)). As I said above, this project really helped me and brought me many benefits and I'm sure it didn't only help me!"
Denisa, 7th grade, Bilta, Dolj County
"The „HEROES programme brought me: confidence, friends, courage, adventure, the first camp of my life, the first week alone, away from my parents. With the help of the „HEROES” manual I learned how to bond friends and how to classify friends, I discovered myself and increased my self-confidence, I learned what perseverance means. I was named a VOLUNTEER HERO in my school. The meetings I had made me understand and discover what needs to change and how to change my community for the better."
Sara, 7th grade, Negoiești, Dolj County
"The „HEROES” programme helped me to have more confidence in myself, to think twice before doing something, not to trust anyone. Compared to other manuals, the „HEROES” manual taught me about confidence, self-esteem, respect. Compared to how I was before, I have more self-confidence, I am more sociable."
Daria, 7th grade, Filiași, Dolj County
"The „HEROES” programme has had a great positive impact on me. I understood who I really am and how many qualities people have. I accepted myself as a person, and finally, Iazmin together with Teo and Irina, made me understand that I am not a useless person as I thought I was before, and that I can offer a lot to people. From them I learned what teamwork means and why it is important to listen to each other. They were the only people who gave me back the self-confidence I never thought I would get back. The „HEROES” Handbook is a handbook with many interesting stories that enriched my knowledge of the world I didn't know. The handbook helped me understand that the world needs our help and that we really can make the world a better place. I can say that this textbook is different from other textbooks. It has funny drawings, many real and educational stories that teach us what life is all about and how we can find escape from any problem. Also, the most important aspect of the manual in my opinion is that it teaches us that nothing is impossible!!! In the beginning, I was very shy. I was ashamed of myself, I considered myself useless, I didn't think I could do anything in this world and that I didn't bring anything good to the people around me. Well, this project helped me to think differently. It refreshed my mind and proved that I am much more special than I thought. That I am a strong person and that I am an excellent leader. That I can change opinions, make the world a better place and maybe, even save lives. It has helped me get rid of my shyness and fear of speaking up in front of people and expressing my opinion freely. But I wouldn't have achieved all these things if it wasn't for this project, which has been the best thing that ever happened to me."
Rebeca, 7th grade, Melinești, Dolj County
"The „HEROES” programme has helped me a lot. It helped me to realise who I really am, during the programme I gained more courage and self-confidence. I learned to distinguish between trustworthy and fake people. The „HEROES” manual, for me, is not just a manual. In it I found many useful things, but the most important thing for me is that when I opened it and started writing I felt like I was looking into a mirror.
In the future I will keep in mind everything I have learned from the „HEROES” handbook, and the people I have met throughout this project will be an example for me and I will try my best to pass on my knowledge and be an example for others as they have been and will be for me."
The project „#Youth in action in their local community” is financed through the Call #1 - Civic participation in underserved areas, small grants, Evaluation Session no.1 of the Active Citizens Fund Romania programme and is implemented by the Aproape de TINEri Association, in partnership with Noi Orizonturi Foundation. The project's objectives include increasing the civic involvement of 200 secondary school students from 3 schools in rural and urban areas of Dolj County by improving civic education through the values of the education programme "HEROES", as well as running 5 local action clubs with the aim of promoting active citizenship among young people to produce positive changes in their lives and the community; improving the capacity of head teachers to mentor secondary school students in 3 schools in Dolj county to become responsible and involved citizens in their local communities through training in teaching the "HEROES" programme; developing civic participation and increasing local problem solving through the development of youth leadership skills and civic mobilisation.
