The day was rainy, but despite that, quite a few young people had gathered for our opening event on September 23. As soon as you stepped inside, a table decorated with balloons caught your eye. This immediately raised a question of what might be waiting for us. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and curiosity.
The event began with a small warm-up game that helped to break the ice. We tossed a ball from one person to another and everyone shared a few facts about themselves. Then, we were asked to choose an animal card and explain our choice. Interestingly, both the clownfish and the rooster were chosen for the same reason – their unusual appearance. The bear and seal, on the other hand, were picked because participants had similar stuffed animals at home. These seemingly different choices revealed something in common: each story shared something personal about its teller.
After the games, the atmosphere became noticeably warmer and more open. Sharing thoughts felt easier, and listening came more naturally. It was exactly the kind of space where meaningful conversations take root. Next, we talked about what awaits us in the coming months and set our discussion rules together. The topics suggested by the participants were diverse and thoughtful. Topics included educational and gender inequality, environmental and climate issues, as well as philosophical questions that help us better understand ourselves. Other themes included what the pandemic has taught us about empathy and loneliness, how screen time shapes our thinking, and what lies behind the decisions that might lead a young person toward crime. We also selected some of the most intriguing topics to explore more deeply in our upcoming meetings.
Even though it was drizzling outside and the wind was howling, the atmosphere in the room was warm and full of life. It was an open space, space where you could simply be yourself, think, and connect with others. You could even say we ended up thinking more deeply than we had planned to at first.
