n OSCS Case Study Final

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    1/20

    1. Background

    Our Shared Community Storyis an integrated holistic project, which

    surfaced individual talents and applied experiential social

    empowerment in public spaces in Beirut, Lebanon. In a journey,

    which started at Geitawi Public Library, moving to Monnot before its

    final stop at a public place around Kotobus (mobile library) in Rawdah Caf on Manara,

    three communities weaved a common story through different forms of expression:

    theatre/drama, music, arts, creative writing/poetry, and dialogue.

    2. Context

    a. Location

    The project was held in three public spaces in Beirut: Geitawi Public Library,

    Monnot Public Library and finally in Rawdah Caf on Manara around the Kotobus.

    These public spaces were carefully chosen to represent neutrality and create

    connection with the open facilities that public libraries and nature have to offer

    us.

    The libraries were transformed to a creative place, while maintaining the spirit of

    learning and reading with the neat shelves of books inviting the participants to

    browse them during their free time. The places were rearranged to

    accommodate open space, circle of chairs, and tables full of colorful material for

    the planned activities.

    b. Participants

    The public libraries hosted teenagers (10 -15 years old) from Ashrafieh, Beirut and

    Bchamoun, Mount Lebanon. The third workshop, hosted at Rawdah Caf in

    Manara next to Kotobus, enrolled 12 young adults (16-24 years old) from a

    youth leadership center in Burj Al Barajneh. The diversity of the participants in

    each workshop was a unifying strength, bringing in the power within each in

    www.nnow.org _ p.o.box 13-5274 _ beirut, lebanon _ t+ 961 3 20 07 16

    Our Shared Community Story

    A documentation of an experiential journey

    There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about(Margaret J. Wheatley)

    Our Shared Community

    Story

    Hosted by n

    In Partnership with

    Assabil

    Facilitated by:

    Hala Makarem

    Hala Fleihan

    Date:

    July October, 2008

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    2/20

    a coherent positive manner. All found their place as individuals interacting within

    a group whether as natural leaders, silent observers, reserved characters,

    comedians or singers. A harmonious rhythm of learning and play was formed in a

    way that attracted the participants to remain committed and excited to attend

    the whole program. A 12 year old, for example, commuted everyday from Beit

    Meri, Mount Lebanon to reach Geitawi, Beirut at 9:00 am.

    Participants were not only dedicated to remaining part of the

    consecutive three-day journey, but they also demonstrated active

    involvement and cooperation with one another. During

    an individual doll making activity, for example, when one

    completed his/her doll, s/he helped others who needed

    assistance.

    c. Guiding Principles

    Guiding values maintained the relationships throughout the working days: trust,

    non-judgment, friendship, cooperation, responsibility, imagination, creativity,

    acceptance, respect, fun and acknowledgment.

    3. Process Development

    a. Group Dynamics

    The cycle of workshops engaged groups of different backgrounds, genders and

    ages in activities that combined learning with fun. Group dynamics was a core

    driver in building connection and a trusted group environment. The purpose is to

    develop a sense of knowing and trust where boundaries are dissolved enabling

    free expression within a context of common working expectations.

    To that effect, at the start of each workshop, participants jointly set and agreed

    upon group norms, which included respect, Arabic and English as main working

    languages, no judgment, have fun, be on time, help each other, listen, nopressure, honesty (openness), take permission before public publishing, etc..

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    3/20

    The process of group formation begins with a form of identification, where

    individuals introduce themselves to the group. Initially, the participants

    experienced the flow of individuality and trust building as

    they created constellations around day-to- day common

    ground realities, such as find all born in the same month and

    those who have the same eye color. This built a sense of

    knowing in the group before being invited to create their own nametags using

    colorful art material available at nearby tables. Then every two shared their

    nametags, focusing on why the colors were chosen, what the drawings

    symbolized, personal information, plus one unique quality/characteristic about

    themselves that the group doesnt know, and one expectation. Partners then

    presented one another to the group, as they reaffirmed their understanding of

    what they heard. A technique that was practiced at the outset is active reflective

    listening skills; how to genuinely listen to one another without interrupting or

    being quick to make judgments.

    b. Creative Arts

    The impact of creative arts as a means of expression was then explored and

    experienced to strengthen individual creativity, group dynamics, and the building

    of a collective story. The creative arts were expressed through play, music,

    poetry, art, and theatre.

    Pre-story Activities

    Context SettingTo set the context of the three-working days, participants engaged in a

    brainstorming activity around the words Community and Story.

    Two groups were randomly formed, each group mind-mapped

    one word and then shared the outcome with all the participants.

    The generated ideas mapped out on two flip charts created a joining platform,

    establishing context, understanding, direction and community group work.

    The outcome of common generated ideas or viewpoints on Community from the

    three groups is mapped as follows:

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    4/20

    The outcome of common generated ideas or viewpoints on Story from the three

    groups is mapped as follows:

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    5/20

    Personal AwarenessTo further explore and get comfortable with the space of the library, a body

    movement in space exercise was introduced. Participants moved freely through

    the space of the library according to the speed/pace being called out (1 =

    slowest and 10 = fastest). Reflections from the participants when the movement

    was at a slow pace; they experienced silence, quietness, could hear footsteps

    and felt that there was more space. However, when they moved at a fast pace,

    they expressed that the space felt busy, noisy, crowded as people were

    bumping into each other, reaction time was less, no time to reflect and the

    amount of space was reduced. One participant expressed that this body

    movement in space exercise emptied something from inside and felt better.

    Once participants explored the space individually with

    awareness of the other being in the same space, every

    three formed a tree through body sculpting embodying

    the relationship that is being created together.

    Participants then reflected on the now in space Where am I and dreamed a

    little further Where would I like to be? and imagined What do I need to get

    there? Each person reflected individually on the dream questions before they

    grouped together to enact their discovered dreams through drama. Participants

    identified their dreams with awareness and use of their bodies.

    As an energizer activity used to raise awareness and heighten observation of

    individuals in the group, participants played the Wind Blows activity. All are

    seated in a circle while one stands in the middle calling out the wind blows

    those completing the sentence with an observation or category that

    individuals in the group have in common (ic. wearing jeans) then all those

    wearing jeans must get up and find a chair as quickly as possible. The person

    who is left without a chair calls out the next category.

    In Monnot where music was the form of expression, breathing techniques were introduced and

    practiced, bringing in the resonance of sound into the room. The participants first learned

    how to breathe from their abdomens in a slow deep manner. Then they added sound

    during exhalation. Observers from the outside hearing the sounds said it sounded

    like: bees, mosquitoes and sirens. The giggling and laughter combined learning

    with fun during this activity, preparing them for music making and sound

    testing.

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    6/20

    These small yet effective exercises strengthened group dynamics as it allowed

    trust building, cooperation and support to integrate into the groups values as it is

    formed.

    Imagination ExpansionAs part of identification using imagination, participants experienced an activity

    called object interpretation. Two natural objects were presented to the group: 1

    feather and 1 wooden stick. In the first round, participants were asked to identify

    what the wooden stick is not. Responses from some individuals in the group

    included: It is not a pen, lamppost, or lollipop. In the second round, they were

    asked to imagine what the feather could be. Identifications were expressed with

    action/movement. Some responses included: It could be a pen, hairpin, boat for

    ants, or a bookmark. In this exercise the flow of imagination was triggered and

    expanded, as participants allowed inhibitions of the mind to fade away.

    In another activity called object distancing and sensing participants were

    exposed to various random objects from nature and other material,

    and also had the opportunity to explore the garden area around the

    library to find one soft, one beautiful and one hard object. Then

    they were invited to create a sculpture from their chosen objects

    and share with the group. This exploration activity taught participants how to

    connect with their senses through object identification and construction, and

    later how to de-construct. Observations and reflections made from individuals in

    the group included:

    ~ Everything in nature has its place

    ~ An idea came to us when we started to work

    ~ We can do something from nothing

    ~ From a small thing we can reach to something big.

    ~ It takes time and effort to build and little time to destroy

    In continuing the imagination development process, participants were introduced to a word

    imagination activity using improvisation. In pairs, one person begins by saying a word that

    comes to mind then the other has to quickly think of another word associated with it,

    and so on. Some observations made by the facilitators were: the activity started

    slow, needed more modeling, then it picked up and all flowed and explored it.

    One of the participants in the Monnot library read a story to the group called

    Music in the Wind. Linking the story reading to the context

    that embraced the group, created a powerful atmosphere of

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    7/20

    learning, listening, interest and excitement, further enhancing the relationship

    between participants, libraries and public space.

    In Rawdah caf, participants created a community garden

    using various materials. Individuals found their space and

    filled the canvas with a lively garden of trees, colorful

    flowers, butterflies, birds, a pathway, a water pond, etc

    Initially the group as it came was incoherent, not well-

    formed, lacked trust, and hidden issues were not addressed. However, the

    community art activity created space for joint efforts and free expression. For the

    first five minutes of the activity, there was true silence and immersion, as

    creativity began to flow and people found comfort. Those who were quiet during

    the dialogue (mostly the girls), had the opportunity to be active in other forms of

    art expressions. A further observation made by the facilitators, was that

    individuals remained focus in their own space and did not move around to

    observe other drawings or add to what was being created. Also, the colors,

    engagement, and fun of the activity attracted a guest (8 year old) at the caf to

    join in and actively leave her mark.

    Story Character DevelopmentIn Geitawi Library, participants experienced the impact of

    creative play through doll character making. Each individual

    created his/her own character out of newspaper and art

    material. An observation made by the facilitators, is that there

    were great connections made between the participants and

    their doll characters. Personal identities were created for each doll and

    relationships began forming among other dolls in the group. For example, two

    dolls decided to marry and a ceremony was made in the garden to celebrate the

    union of an emerging partnership.

    Additional Observations:

    ~ One boy initially felt blocked while making his first doll, but then his

    creativity opened up as he generated ideas for another character,

    which eventually became the main character of the group story:

    Jaradiyeh.

    ~ Awareness of individual work but also the option of

    connection to others for generating ideas and

    encouragement.

    ~ Individuals were willing to reach out and help one

    another in shaping their doll characters.

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    8/20

    In Monnot Library, in line with the music-making theme, the participants got

    engaged in music instrument making. Random material such as, empty water

    bottles, tin lids, yarn, plastic cups, cardboard, cans, crepe paper, were recycled

    and used to create musical instruments. After much time building,

    experimenting, and re-adjusting the sound and tone of their instruments, the

    group experienced rounds of collective music making.

    Once the dolls and music instruments were created,

    participants introduced their character to the group and

    stories were ready to be told. Each person learned to

    build a six-part story. They formed groups for story

    sharing and selected one story or merged stories to re-enact through

    personification and embodiment personal body sculptures. An

    observation worth capturing is the choice of seeing the big pictureor

    maintaining the smaller viewpointwhich was reflected in both

    groups at Geitawi and Monnot. One group (of four) acted out one story

    extracting main themes from the various individual stories; in Geitawi they

    integrated the monster, in a library, a dance party and a bored person; in Monnot.

    Other groups (also of four) together acted out each story separately.

    Story makingThe community story began in Gietawi Library, continued to Monnot and ended

    in Rawdah Caf (Kotobus). In each group, it was co-created and developed in

    three-rounds, whereby each person added a sentence or an idea to the plot

    without any previous knowledge of what was going to be said or what will

    further emerge. In this way, each person has the opportunity to contribute while

    the others listen and think where to take the direction of the story next. One of

    the main characters was inspired from one of the doll characters: Jaradiyeh. The

    rest were co-created by the groups imagination.

    The story reflected where each group was at regarding age, their surroundings, questions,

    and even desires. For example, some of the major themes that came out of the story

    were inspired by two popular TV series that was showing during that time.

    awareness

    through the art of

    conversation and

    freedom of

    expression

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    9/20

    Additional Observations:

    An effective decision making process was followed in the selection of

    the storys characters and their names. The participants experienced

    the difference between compromise, negotiation and the relevance of

    having their point of view listened to and acknowledged, even if it

    belonged to the minority group.

    The Arabic story script was captured by the participants using

    Internet/SMS language.

    Some participants felt frustrated and disappointed when the story was

    taken in a different direction.

    The facilitators attempted to steer the story making back to its original

    intention and context, however the groups intention was what

    mattered and that was accepted.

    With the older group in Rawdah caf, the story was taken to a world of

    incense. Some wanted to express domination and kept the story

    redirected to a dark place, even when others tried to bring it back to life.

    There was more group cooperation, involvement and acceptance

    among the younger participants.

    The Story script can be found in Appendix A

    Story TellingAfter the making of the story, various forms of story telling were introduced to

    each group. The method used varied at each workshop. In Gietawi, the form of

    expression was through theatre improvisation. Participants extracted the main

    themes and ideas from the story and with assigned roles for each person they

    performed the play. They used available material for decoration and costumes.

    Once the play finished, they were introduced to the

    concept of role and de-role, whereby during

    performance each person carries his/her role, but once

    the performance is done, every person de-roles or

    comes out of the role they played and returns to his/her original self.

    In Monnot, the group had an implicit expectation that they too were going to act out

    the story. However, they were invited to extract five main themes, words or ideas

    from the story and create lyrics to a song. Engaging their

    musical instruments, two groups performed their songs,

    leaving beautiful sentiments and meaning to remember from

    their journey. The song lyrics and poetry can be found in the

    Shared Community Story Production section.

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    10/20

    In Rawdah caf, the group was also invited to select five main themes, words or

    ideas from the story but instead they were asked to create poetry and an art

    drawing to reflect the meaning behind the story. Some

    observations made by the facilitators were that two out

    of the three poems were original and creative, but the

    third was taken from another source. Also, the art

    drawings did not represent or meet the purpose of the

    activity.

    EnergizersEnergizer activities (or warm-ups) encourage participant involvement, interaction

    and encouragement throughout the day. During Our Shared Community Story

    workshops, small effective energizers were used at the beginning of each day to

    bring the group together and begin work on a positive note. They were also used

    during the day to recharge the group after lunch or in between activities to

    increase the energy or enthusiasm levels, if facilitators sensed the energy of the

    group was low. Moreover, energizers heightened the effectiveness of the

    workshop by relating to a specific issue or activity, to make people think about,

    sense and/or learn lessons.

    Energizers used are the following:

    ~ Rubber chicken

    ~ The sun shines on/the wind blows for

    ~ Fruit salad

    ~ Imaginary ball

    ~ Untie the knot

    ~ Maestro

    ~ Transform the movement

    The participants asked to repeat the rubber chicken energizer several times throughout the

    workshop. It created laughter, fun, a sense of silly-ness, and relaxed tensions and/or any

    felt stiffness. Fruit salad was played to shuffle group dynamics and change seats

    when facilitators felt it was necessary.

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    11/20

    c. Dialogue

    One of the main areas of focus and development in the project was learning how

    to engage in strategic conversations and constructive dialogue,

    whereby participants shift from mental level debate and

    discussion to speaking from a deeper heart level where

    connection is made with the whole group.

    The seats were arranged in a circle for activities that involved group sharing,

    decision-making, and dialogue. The circle was deliberately used for several

    significant reasons. First, the shape of a circle lends itself to

    creating safe space for participants to share. Second, an

    environment is created where everyone is visible and can

    be heard. Third, it helps conversations to slow down, and

    allows people to focus and listen. Fourth, it invites

    reflection, inquiry, curiosity and exploration. Finally, it creates equality and

    connection. For example, the conversation circle proved to be an effective

    decision-making tool during the story making activity and creating names for the

    characters.

    d. Co-Creating

    The original design of the project addressed the essence of co-creating within

    community members, and also across communities around shared stories that

    connect. The outcome of the project affirmed the impact and relevance of the

    co-creation process. As described in this case study, each group collectively

    worked together to produce an effective fun product that was a representation

    of their individual and group aspirations and work. The flow of the story between

    the physical boundaries of the libraries went smoothly, with no resistance at the

    next station on the reason they are not the initiators. Suddenly, the next stop

    found new directors and play writers who evolved the story as they saw fit for

    them, adding new characters, new dimensions and new colors. The culmination

    of the co-creation process was at the joint journey in nature (see Section 5 Sustainable

    Community Nature Bonding) where most of the contributors to the story met in an open

    space to re-enact their story, this time merging the stories into one, bringing in the

    drama and music all together. A beautiful scene was created amongst the purity of

    the environment with their choice of the picnic field explored, the vibrancy of all

    participants resonating, the newness culminating in a magical wedding dance.

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    12/20

    e. Reflection

    Several types of reflection and awareness methods were used throughout the

    day. For example, at the beginning of each day, the participants were invited to a

    check-in process, using name games and energizers and addressing group

    norms in order to establish a group and encourage participation. Time was also

    designated to raise questions and share concerns or comments. For instance,

    one participant eager to act asked, When do we have the play?

    Another method used was a reflection of the day exercise, in order to sense

    what participants were feeling and thinking. For example, in a conversation

    circle, they were asked to complete the sentence Today I Some captured

    responses included:

    Woke up very early

    Start with energy

    Start with sports

    Want to learn something new about each person in the room

    Am happy!

    With the same idea in mind, but to reflect on what happened the day before,

    participants completed the sentence Yesterday I Some captured responses

    included:

    Was happy because I met new friends

    Learned something new, like sculpture body

    Learned to work with new people

    Had fun

    Learned to work alone and with a group

    Acted a story

    Learned how to make a doll

    With the closure of each day, the group was invited to check-out and reflect on

    the process and quality of activities, the impact it had on them personally or as a

    group, or to share a thought that sums up the day for them. Some reflections included:

    Had fun in the library. Saw it differently

    Learned about values and morals

    Learned that we start somewhere but may end in

    another place (Instrument making)

    Breathing properly

    One team

    Learned how to work with others

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    13/20

    Didnt like check-in and check-out

    Want more than three days.

    Learned about new activities.

    Learned about each other.

    To close the workshop at each library and come together one final time as a

    group, participants engaged in a web-making activity. Using a ball of multi-

    colored yarn, together standing in a circle, each

    person said one good thing that happened and one

    new thing they learned. At the end, the group

    formed a web, symbolizing connection,

    commonalities, and togetherness.

    f. Connected Loop

    Our Shared Community Story provided a context for local communities to

    engage in bonding together and co-creating a simple common expression, while

    evolving and growing as both individuals and a group within a larger social

    environment. Using the whole-systematic approach design, it opened the way

    for self-awareness and group flow. It brought to light the importance of public

    places in enabling community development and social empowerment. It also

    demonstrated the essence of the fusion of the arts in building community spirit.

    Our Shared Community Story focused on the synergistic relationship required

    within the local social fabric, as the message and story emerged and was shared

    with all.

    4. Applied Skills Development

    In addition to the story making, the workshops introduced participants to a number of

    skills- either directly or indirectly- throughout the process. The main skills presented and

    applied by the facilitators were:

    ~ Team building activities for the essence of group formation and trust

    building

    ~ Deep Listening and Acceptance for understanding with no judgment

    ~ Creative Arts for touching the human heart, feelings and sensing

    ~ Alternative ways of expressing for freedom of choice to reach the same

    goal

    ~ Reflection and Inquiry - for objective assessment and feedback

    ~ Dialogue for speaking from seeing Self as part of the whole

    ~ Brainstorming for experiencing mind mapping and divergent thinking

    ~ Conflict transformation for finding opportunities to grow and understand

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    14/20

    ~ Connecting with senses for experiencing and awareness of all senses

    ~ Spatial relationship for establishing a

    relationship with the holding place

    ~ Improvisation

    ~ Re-enabling play and Role/De-role

    5. Sustainable Community

    a. Home Link

    The process designers and facilitators of the project idea n addressed thesustainability component of the project by running a complementary workshop

    for the parents of the teenagers, of which seven mothers attended. Although

    their initial expectation was to learn about their childrens experience in theprevious workshops, they were happily surprised to find out that they became

    immersed in a workshop that addressed their personal individual creativity as

    they experienced the same activities as their children. They engaged in group

    formation activities, divergent brainstorming on the words creativity and

    expression, collective community art canvas, and a

    dialogue forum around the question: What role can parentsplay in bringing out creativity and expression in childrengiven the society /culture values we live in?

    The outcome is summarized as follows:

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    15/20

    b. Nature Bonding

    As part of sustaining the bonds made with participants and continuing the

    experience of learning and play, nhosted a day trip at PicnicLand in Lebanons Metn area. Most participants from

    Gietawi and Monnot attended, meeting for the first time

    nearly two months after completion of the project.

    Everyone participated in bringing food and drinks for the picnic. Upon arrival,

    enough time was spent exploring nature, climbing rocks, and walking along

    pathways, swinging on the swing set or taking turns on the seesaw ride, and re-

    connecting with one another.

    When it was time for lunch, everyone joined in an effort to prepare. This required

    heating the grill for making burgers, cutting the necessary vegetables (tomatoes

    and lettuce), setting up the table and making fruit salad. In the spirit of the Fruit

    Salad energizer activity the participants enjoyed playing, each person brought

    with him/her a favorite fruit. The experience in preparing the fruit salad together

    symbolized the link between the shared community story activities in the

    libraries and the bonding in nature.

    After lunch, the finalized story was shared to all for the first time. Participants

    shared their thoughts about how the story unfolded and ended, which most

    were disappointed with. The facilitators explained how and why the youth at

    Rawdah Caf directed the story as they did, to provide context

    about difference in age, thought processes, and intention. In

    any case, the participants were excited to re-enact the story

    using props and clothing provided by the facilitators.

    The story acting took place outside in natures

    breathtaking space under the pine trees and the sunshines rays and in

    the silence of the bold mountains.

    c. Movie outing: Bedtime Stories

    After New Year, in January 2009, the group re-met to watch the movie Bedtime

    Stories with their parents, and have a light dialogue

    afterwards. Although the circumstances at hand did not allow for the

    facilitation of parent-child movie reflection dialogue, the group enjoyed the

    movie, had a nice snack, with the observation of the implicit dynamic

    awareness

    through

    experiencing

    and learning

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    16/20

    relationship between the parents and children invoking a sense of stepping-back

    as newcomers joined in unexpectedly reopening the question of trust and

    intention. Overall, the experience revealed the importance of parent involvement

    in all activities, the desire of the young generation for mentors, as one of the

    viewers mentioned my best scene was when the guy has told his nephews ..

    does not have a great mentor .. when they were at the hotel and grid

    marshmallows, and the longing to stay playful we learned that there is nothing

    wrong in acting

    6. Shared Community Story Production

    Outcomes of the shared community story produced creative musical lyrics, poems and

    snap shots from the play. A sample of each are captured below:

    Sample Lyrics from Monnot Workshop

    Mother is everything in our lives.

    A mother is a flower sent from Gods powers.

    Mom, why did you leave me? My heart is in pain. You said you loved me.

    I respect you as if I respect myself.

    Please help me find the love you showed me.

    Mom, why did you leave me? My heart is in pain. You said you loved me.

    After all I said, I dream of you beside me.

    ***

    Shes white and hes black.

    Shes rich and hes poor.

    Love is between and trust is poor.

    When love was there, faith came between broke their hearts into two different piece.

    Life is not fair between them.

    An accident came in between.

    Each one went to another.

    And finally love was back

    Sample Poems from Kotobus/Rawdah Caf Workshop

    Life is Life

    It needs life to spark up a marriage

    It comes with a whole lot of a responsibility

    Then with a babycarriage!!

    Life is a bigjungle, be witty!!

    Sacrifice isnt negotiable, its a must!!

    You give and give and keep on giving!

    Dont act like pirates, be just!

    Take a final check on your limbsbefore leaving!

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    17/20

    7. Partnership

    Our Shared Community Story journey is the fruit of a successful partnership between

    Assabil- Friends of Public Libraries Association and n. Not only did Assabil provide thefunding (from Heinrich Boll), support and materials needed throughout the process, it also

    hosted the public spaces for which creation of the story came about.

    a. Librarians Inter-Cooperate

    The Librarians presence were also valued, appreciated and acknowledged,

    giving significance to the library functions. They were indirectly involved with the

    participants and overall journey, by sharing space, resources, food and taking

    pictures.

    Due to the success and impact of Our Shared Community Story, Assabil and n continueto partner in other community development and creative projects.

    8. Captured Highlights

    The libraries were transformed into a space for creative expression through

    theatre/drama, poetry, music-making, and reading

    At the end of the workshop in Monnot, a family registered at the Library

    The language of capturing the arabic story through writing was in Internet/SMS

    language

    The community art activity in Kotobus/Rawdah Caf attracted a guest (8 year old) at

    the caf to join in and actively leave her mark

    Participants captured the wisdom and lessons learned in the activities

    Flow of individuality then team work

    Coming together over decisions

    Cooperation was demonstrated through assisting one another

    Moved from judgment to acceptance

    High energy level invovlement and engagement

    Active engagement demonstrated by the participants bringing their own props

    and makeup for the play without being asked

    The facilitators continue to check-in with the groups regularly to

    maintain the sense of community and commitment

    Parents show interest in continuing activities and conversations

    together

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    18/20

    9. Anecdotes

    The n facilitators captured a few quotes of individuals in each group to highlight therefelctions, expressions, and realizations that emerged throughout the experiential

    journey.

    Geitawi Library

    ~ Had fun in the Library, saw it in a different positive way

    ~ Learned morals and values

    Monnot Library

    ~ We learned the basic of things

    ~ Learned that we start somewhere but may end in another place

    ~ Learned how to work with others

    Kotobus/Rawdah Caf

    ~Inspired new ideas for my work, got to know more about the group members

    I am coordinating at the center

    Mothers

    ~ Realization of common problems among the group provided individual hope

    and strength

    ~ Inquiry about oneself

    ~ This is the first time I do something in a long time for me

    ~ Librarian joined the workshop as a mother

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    19/20

    Appendix A

    Our Shared Community Story Script

    Written, directed and produced by OSCS Participants

    Location: LibrarySeason: SummerCharacters: Jaridiya (girl, 15 yrs old) and Sirilampino (boy, 18 yrs old)Language: Spoken Arabic + French

    Part 1Jaridiya bel maktabe 3ambto2ra 2ossa.

    Ken fasl el sef w fi ktir chob. Jaridiya ne connait personne et personne ne lui parlait.

    Jaridiya 3ambto2ra ossas wled w lkbar 3ambyetmaskharo.

    Sirilampino (aswad) eja 3al maktabe. Jaridiya btetkheyal kel jemle bto2riya.

    Sirilampino arrab 3laya w ballach yetmaskhar.

    Sirilampino ttafa2 ma3 as7aboenno kellon yetmaskharo 3laya. Ma kenet tred 3layon Jaridiya w

    saret enna hiyye b2alb l2ossa lli 3ambto2riya.

    Ejo dafachoua w wa2a3et w 7asset ennon keno 3ambyetmaskharauoa w 3tabaroua majnoune.

    Ballacho yodorboua w y2achtoua l2ossa.

    Ballachet tebke w chef2o 3laya w habbeto la Sirilampino.

    3azamito 3al 3acha w 3tazaro menna. W bi zet il la7za 7as Sirilampino bil l hob ili bedaleto fiye.

    Hiyye w bel 2ossa 2alit lal se7ra ino bada al 3asa il se7riye w eblit il s37ra.

    3emlo sahra bel library w 20rio 2osas w da7ako.

    2ararit il benet ino t7awwal il maktabe la 3acha deluxe. 3azameto la ye23od ma3a.

    Gharo 2as7abo w saro baddoun yejo. Ejo bas ma bedaleton nafes il chou3our.

    Ze3lo w ze3lit hiyye kamen la2anno hinne aktar shi tse2elo 3laya bas sema7eton.

    Ahla ghaneya w Sirilampnio fa2ir w raho il 2as7abo la 3and ahla la yente2mo.

    Ahla 2asasouwa w 7atto daghet 3laya.

    Sta3malit il 3asa l se7riye w 3azamit ahla 3al maktabe w as7aba 3ala 3acha deluxe bel maktabe.

    Ejo ahal Sirilampino.

    Ba3d yawmen ejo, ken fi serviteurs.

    Keno baddoun y fell oil 2ahele bas bel baguette magique khalleton yeb2o.

    Ba3d se3ten ra7 maf3oul il se7er w ghodbo.

    2eltloum eno ana habayto metel ma houwweh.

    3azametoun yoro2so kelloun sawa w Sirilampino w Jaridiya ghanno.

    Jaridiya hasset ino ahel Sirilampino 3o masare bas Sirilampino la2. Bi 7ebbo.

    Bi jibo ahla la Jaridiya il body guard y kassro il dene. Jarabo Sirilampino w

    Jaridiya y hellouwa ben ba3ed.

  • 8/14/2019 n OSCS Case Study Final

    20/20

    Ahel Jaridiya cefo ahel Sirilampino kteir mabsoutin sawa w 3azamouwoun 3al ra2es.

    Mbasato.

    Ahlo w ahla eblo eno y dall fi relation sawa.

    3azamouwoun kellon w ra2asso dabke sawa.

    Djawazo, w 3echo bel 2aser w jebo wled.

    Part 2

    Jaridiya w Sirilampino ra7o mechwar. Henne w ray7eh bya4mlo accident.

    Bet rou7 Jaridiya 3al mestachfa. Kenit 2isabeta mich khatira.

    Ba3den rej3it 3al beit. Bass Sirilampino ma reji3 3al beit dal bel mistachfa.

    Bass tsma3 Jaridiya 2enno Sirilampino bel mestachfa btnchel.

    Btez3al meno w ma ba2a bte7ke ma3o. W Sirilampino biz3al kamen.

    B rou7 la yis2l 3na, bit 2lou ikhta ano metet. 3m bit kezib 3ley.

    Sirilampino bi3seb w bijerib inse7a. Ba3d 3 sneen, Sirilampino bitzawaj w bynseha.

    Sirilampino bijeeb walad wahad, binit. Isma Malak. B rouh 3al hotel howi w martou w bi shouf

    Jaridiya. Awal shee ma by3rifa, ba3dan bytakad w bi rouh y7ke m3a. Jaridiya bi 2lou bada tsefr, w

    howi ray7 tye weda3a bi shouf anou howi 3ando walad ismou Sirilampino Jr.

    Bedo ykhdou. Jaridiya bitfakr shway w bit 2rir ta3tee el walad la Sirilampino. Ba3dan bi tal2 martou

    w bi safr ma3 Jaridiya w akhd bintou ma3o. Jaridiya sarit tita3laj w sa7it. Ba3d fatra bijeeb waladein

    w Jaridiya a3l asr w bi 2loun la ahlou ano rij3 jawaza la Jaridiya.

    Ba3d 10 sneen Malak bitseer mughanieh mash7oura w khaya Sirilampino Jr. sar bi sa3d bayo bil

    shighil w besheg3a iktho, w Malak bitshouf ima bil concert