What is the initiative and where is it implemented (city or country, for example)?
To help society recover from the hardships of oppression and economic crisis, the Egyptian non-governmental organisation AGORA Arts and Culture initiated a project that links art with education and social change, aiming to benefit rural areas. AGORA provides an opportunity for youth and adults in different regions of Egypt to enhance their identity through arts and crafts, connect with the environment and develop skills leading to income generation. It created a network of young artisans, primarily students and fresh graduates, who have specific artistic skills but could not secure employment. Copper shaping, sculpting and painting are among the skills displayed by the network members (DVV International, 2013).
How was the initiative established? How was it implemented?
Young artisans joining the network get access to additional handcraft training, collaboration opportunities and monthly markets. They gain financial security and often become trainers themselves, passing their knowledge on to people from rural areas. There are numerous programmes to support the initiative. One of the programmes, called Arts for Economic Development, contributes to building cultural industry, which, in turn, ensures socio-economic development in Egypt.
Art workshops for youth provided by AGORA motivate young artisans and create opportunities for skill enhancement. Moreover, AGORA has started a youth club in Alexandria that empowers young people and allows them to take agency and incorporate changes in their community to promote sustainability and development. More than 30 active volunteers are involved in the programme. There are four committees for Media and Press, Marketing and Public Relations, Community Outreach and Development and Youth and Volunteerism.
The Youth Club empowers members with new skills, motivates and consolidates a sense of achievement and facilitates belonging.
Another project implemented by AGORA is Explore the Arts – the programme launched in a school in Alexandria with the potential to incorporate in other schools across the country in future. The programme familiarizes students with art and culture and promotes creativity and innovation (DVV International, 2013).
Which stakeholders are involved in the design and/or implementation of the initiative? Which sectors do they represent?
Both the public and private sectors are represented by stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of the initiative. The leading agent is the non-governmental organization AGORA; schools and educators participate in projects implemented by AGORA. Volunteers, teachers, artisans, private organizations and individuals provide funding for various projects and ensure the successful implementation of the programme (DVV International, 2013).
What are the impacts of the initiative in terms of facilitating lifelong learning? Who does it benefit and how?
The initiative has a significant impact on the participants. The volunteers of the Youth Club in Alexandria explore their potential, realize it to the fullest, enhance their knowledge and develop new skills. Apart from acquiring practical skills by working on projects and gaining insight on how to plan and implement a specific strategy, draft a budget and raise funds, they can also supervise and train others. Engaging in projects allows them to learn organization and management and to express creativity and demonstrate artistic skills. For AGORA, team spirit is of utmost importance since commitment and support from the community can be an incredible source of inspiration. Thus, the Youth Club encourages cooperation and helps volunteers by reducing obstacles and providing training.
Networking opportunities at the club can also have a significant impact on the volunteers’ lives. Meeting new people and sharing experiences and knowledge results in professional and personal growth and expansion of horizons. The sense of achievement that the volunteers get from witnessing the social changes fostered by their actions is a great motivator.
AGORA organizes projects in public spaces, such as cultural festivals and art markets, to encourage open dialogue and expression through arts. One of the festivals, Start with Yourself, is held twice a year in different neighbourhoods. The festival provides a floor for performances and exhibitions, organizes workshops and offers preparatory activities that foster positive social changes. Not only is the festival entertaining, but also a non-formal learning event. The audience is encouraged to ask questions about the performances and open discussions on social, political and cultural topics. The programmes initiated by AGORA show that art can impact the public greatly and facilitate social change by providing learning opportunities. With engagement, art and culture promotion, theatre and cultural centre revitalization and the incorporation of art and culture in schools, art can thrive, which will, in turn, lead to social changes and improved quality of life (DVV International, 2013).
References
DVV International. 2013. Adult Education and Social Change. [Online] Bonn, dvv international. Available at: https://www.dvv-international.de/fileadmin/files/ipe_67_final_web.pdf [Accessed 4 November 2021].