​​"The process of making authentic social contributions begins with experiencing empathy & self-awareness. Knowledge, critical thinking, design thinking and action, support the intent to positively impact and improve individual lives, our world and its conditions." - Lavanya Agarwal

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RB provides a stimulating judgement free space for young people to go through new social-emotional experiences, a place for them to express themselves, learn without stress and apply their learnings to real life. The workshops are mentored by senior arts and design professionals, supported by creative expression facilitators, psychologists, development sector experts and leadership coaches.

 

The experience & process:

The programmes lean on the fundamentals of the Design Thinking Process to navigate the participants through a systematic journey. The experience may be broadly defined as follows:

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ARTS FOR IMPACT:

Red Balloon uses Arts, Design and other forms of creative expression as its primary tool to engage its young participants. We believe that creative and artistic engagement enhances the capacity to connect meaningfully with our self and others.

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Creative & Artistic processes encourage & allow:

• Self discovery and development which is honest, free and enriching

• Uninhibited creative thinking

• Activity based Learning

• Experiential Learning

• Connecting & sharing with others in an interactive manner

• Multi sensory learning 

• Inclusive dialogues

• The experience of joy and enjoyment

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Mediums such as drawing & painting, photography, creative movement, role play, film-making, drama, story telling, creative writing, new media, creative tech solutions and more are used by participants to communicate; as well as give form to their advocacy campaigns. The experiential workshops offers a productive learning and leadership experience in an enjoyable interactive environment. 

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DESIGN THINKING THE RB WAY

Red Balloon engages young people in an experience which uses the Design Thinking process to achieve its objectives of creating empathetic young individuals, increasing individual and community awareness and nurturing youth leadership. Our unique Design Thinking Model places as much focus on the doer as on the problem & solution. The model includes Empathy, Self Awareness & Hope as important guiding values within the process.

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ADVOCACY: A tool for learning & social change

We believe that the sharing or exchange of thoughts and ideas that surface as a result of knowledge synthesis (critical thinking) along with the process of knowledge dissemination to others is itself a highly effective learning tool for young people. This helps them not only internalise but also independently understand the subject. Moreover, advocacy is also a way to create collective awareness, encourage movement and action towards positive change.