Little Artists. On Stage and in Life, Timișoara.

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Micii Artiști Guide. On Stage and in Life.

Practical exercises in emotional education, career exploration and personal development through music.

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As part of the „Micii Artiști. On Stage and in Life” project, we continued the series of activities dedicated to children's development with a new module focused on self-discovery, career guidance and developing social skills through play and interactive experiences.

Students from Școala Gimnazială nr. 13 in Timișoara took part in board game workshops and in-depth career exploration, coordinated by Larisa Cristea, career counselor, in a space built around curiosity and free expression.

The activities started from simple but essential questions for children's personal development: „What do I like?”, „What am I good at?” and „What can I become when I grow up?” Through play, dialogue and creative challenges, participants were encouraged to discover their interests, express their ideas and better understand what suits them.

The project contributes to building children's self-confidence and socio-emotional skills, giving them access to modern non-formal education methods based on play, collaboration and career exploration.

An educational initiative carried out with the support of City of Mara, in partnership with Fundația Alber.

Career guidance and personal development for children

In Romania, career guidance for children is often limited to theoretical information, without practical experiences to help children discover their real interests and abilities. The project proposes a different approach, based on learning through exploration and interactive experiences. Over 10 days, participating children had the chance to discover the world of professions in a way that was accessible and close to their reality.

The workshops aimed to develop critical thinking, collaboration and confidence in one's own choices, in a relaxed and friendly environment where every child felt heard and encouraged to take part.

Through this module, career guidance became a practical and relevant experience, helping children understand that, one day, every talent and every passion can become a successful professional path.

What were the career guidance workshops like?

The activities brought together more than 80 children in an interactive and creative space, dedicated to exploring professions and personal development.

The workshops were designed to support the development of social skills and self-confidence through non-formal methods and participatory experiences:

• board game workshops coordinated by Larisa Cristea, through which children learned about collaboration, strategy, patience and decision-making
• career exploration activities that helped participants discover different professional roles and imagine their own future
• communication and teamwork exercises, designed to encourage children to express their ideas and build self-confidence
• the „Living Library” activity, in which children had the chance to discover real-life stories and professional experiences directly from adults and parents involved in the project
• creative challenges and interactive activities that encouraged curiosity and active participation

During the „Living Library” activity, children had the opportunity to „read” people, not books — to listen to real experiences about professions, choices and career challenges. These meetings helped them understand that a career path isn't always a straight line, and that everyone can build their own journey. We thank the parents involved in this educational experience, who shared authentic life and career stories with the children!

What it was like for participants

What did the „Living Library” experience mean?

The „Living Library” activity gave children a different kind of learning experience, one in which they discovered real stories about careers, choices and personal development.

The children were curious, asked questions and began to imagine their own professional future. For many of them, meeting people who spoke honestly about their journeys was a source of inspiration and confidence.

Perhaps the most important lesson of this module was that it's okay not to have all the answers right away, and that discovering your own path is a natural process.

Why does career guidance matter for children?

Career guidance helps children discover their abilities, interests and personal values from an early age. Through practical experiences and interactive activities, children learn to express their preferences, collaborate and build confidence in their own choices.

Through projects like „Micii Artiști. On Stage and in Life”, children benefit from:

• building self-confidence and the ability to express themselves
• early exploration of career options
• developing collaboration and communication skills
• stimulating creative thinking and curiosity
• non-formal learning experiences tailored to children's real needs

Impact

The module dedicated to career guidance and personal development highlighted the importance of learning through play and real experiences in children's development.

Through interactive activities, board games and inspiring meetings, the little artists learned to express their ideas, collaborate and look at the future with more confidence and curiosity.

Over the course of nearly three months, 140 students take part in the „Micii Artiști. On Stage and in Life” project's workshops on emotional education through art, cultural experiences and career guidance activities, designed to contribute to children's well-rounded development and help them discover their own potential.

Partners

Partners: Școala Gimnazială nr. 13 Timișoara, Asociația Provident pentru Educație, Fundația Cărturești, Hotel Continental, 5 to go, Carpathian Jerky, Safala, Arty, Twinkle Star, Noi Hypermarket, Carul cu Miere, Florina Todor Photography, Flori în Culori, A’Clair by Alma Dulce, Cuina Bunicii, Iusti Flower Shop.

Media partners: Kanal D, Kanal D2, Radio Impuls, Ringier România, Revista Biz.