workshop: overcoming differences #4

On the final day of the workshop I was reviewing images and noticed that the kids were insulting each other, which would likely lead to physical or verbal confrontation. This sparked a conversation between myself and the participants discussing why they insult each other when they know how it feels for the society in which they live to constantly insult them.

Asking questions allows for discussion and can break down barriers placed by stereotypes and fear. To address the issues of divisions within the group, participants were asked to pair up with someone they didn’t either know or have conflict with. They were asked to create a video portrait of their partner, using the interview techniques they had learnt, to inquire about the others life and situation in Lebanon. This exercise was designed to create dialogue and to also show how “interviewing” is really a way we can bridge gaps between one another.

Some of their comments follow.

Douaa: interviewing the other person, we got to know each other. I didn’t know Misha was from Sierra Leone. Misha and her mother came because there is war in their country and no food.
Wissam: I learned more about Sara. I met Ramez who came because the war. He came to school to learn.
Sony: I met Mona. She was born here. She likes pizza and spaghetti with milk. She likes cabbage.
Sara: We learned about Lebanon and we saw the school.
Mona: Wassam has been here for three years and has one sister. He is from Egypt.
Sara: Wissam has a 13 yr old sister he came with both of his parents. He’s been here for three years. He’s 14 but says he’s 15. He’s in the 3rd grade and likes bugs and cats.
Hanin: I met May. I benefited from everything. I learned how to make a story, how to take a picture and how to interview each other.
Mona: I met Louage and his favorite food is chicken and meat. He came because of the war and he has six brothers and sister.

Watch the video (mb)

<<< back to workshops | << previous page