Context
Children raised in orphanages represent one of the vulnerable groups at risk of discrimination and social exclusion. They are also more susceptible to various dysfunctions, including low self-esteem.
The organization of anti-discrimination workshops, incorporating both theoretical and practical components, provided participants with an opportunity to actively engage in shared reflection on the role that multivocal memory—particularly the history of discrimination and harmful stereotypes—can play in shaping attitudes of respect and tolerance, increasing awareness about the mutual influences of different social groups, and building peer bonds while enhancing self-esteem.
Highlights
- Presenting the concept of multivocal memory in an accessible manner, including both theoretical and practical aspects.
- Utilizing a format that eliminates hierarchies of knowledge and power, encouraging active participation from all individuals in the discussion.
- Raising awareness about the impact of concepts such as “memory,” “society,” “equality,” “democracy,” and “human rights” on the daily lives and self-perception of young people.
Challenges
- HOW to use the concept of multivocal memory to empower vulnerable groups?
- HOW to teach young people about the theoretical mechanisms of discrimination and provide practical skills for countering it?
- HOW to build critical awareness about the mutual influence of different social groups on each other and individual members?
Solutions
- Moving away from lecture-based formats and opting for workshops that engage young people more actively, fostering democratic exchanges of ideas.
- Creating an open environment for honest answers, allowing children to draw from their personal experiences and articulate their beliefs, with respect for everyone else involved.
- Presenting a broad historical context of events and the long-term social processes that contribute to the creation and perpetuation of discrimination and exclusion.
- Ensuring that the discussion includes examples of positive attitudes, such as social engagement, empathy, mutual respect, adherence to democratic principles, and human rights.
Description
In the fall of 2023, the Fundacja Kultury Zbliżenia, in partnership with FestivALT Association, organized anti-discrimination workshops for children at the Janusz Korczak Home in Gdańsk (Poland).
The goal of the workshops was to provide theoretical knowledge about the mechanisms of discrimination as a form of violence, as well as specific practical skills. The development of the ability to engage in multivocal remembering—understood as identifying connections and contexts between past and present events—was a key component of the anti-discrimination narrative. The potential of this narrative lies in showing that the history of unequal treatment and the harmful effects of stereotypes is as old as humanity itself, and that a lack of understanding and empathy within a given group can have real effects on other social groups.
Children raised in orphanages face various deficits, including reduced concentration, trauma, low self-esteem, and lack of attachment. One of the challenges they encounter is a diminished sense of belonging and understanding of social contexts. As the workshop revealed, children found it difficult to answer questions about people they respect or to identify positive qualities in themselves and their closest environment.
At the same time, children are aware that belonging to a specific group (family, peer group, society) enables better self-understanding and provides a sense of security. Discussions about shared history, the role of stereotypes, mutual kindness, and the establishment of human rights strengthened the young participants’ awareness of the importance of community as a democratic structure.
The workshops revealed the potential of long-term therapeutic projects—both individual and group—that would enhance the children’s social competencies and broaden their understanding of historical events and their contemporary implications.
Conclusions
- The workshop format encourages greater confidence in participants when it comes to voicing their opinions and sharing their perspectives.
- Referring to specific historical examples helps raise awareness of the recurring mechanisms of violence and discrimination.
- Drawing on personal experiences facilitates empathetic engagement with the struggles of other groups vulnerable to discrimination.
Funding
The event was organized as part of the “MultiMemo: Multidirectional Memory, Remembering for Social Justice” project, co-financed by the European Union under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV 2021-2027) program.
Fotografie – Marek Brand