Capturing beauty of cultural monuments and valuing diversity

Training courses in the framework of the SOS Culture project are continuing in our SOS Culture youth clubs. Currently we are running training courses on Filmmaking, and Tolerance and Diversity. Both courses are very interesting and exciting for youth club members. Courses are not only theoretical, but also very practical where they can practice knowledge they gain during the training. Training is designed for young people to be informative, develop specific skills and competences and also be fun for them.

Diversity and Tolerance

Educating students about other cultures, races, and religions helps them to understand people who are different from themselves. Understanding leads to tolerance. Instilling critical thinking skills, creating role-playing, and cooperative learning have proven effective teaching tools. The course on Diversity and Tolerance includes all these necessary elements to be effective and have sustainable impact on young people. After the training course Anna, one of the members of Akhtala youth club told. “I learnt so many important things about diversity and tolerance. I understood how much it is important to be tolerant and respectful toward others. This is the way to build a peaceful world”. Naira who was actively participating in the course mentioned. “I will apply knowledge and skills I gained during this course. I believe that now I am enough informed and open to other cultures and people to overcome stereotypes and prejudices”. Young people were so excited and satisfied with the course that they asked the continuation. Mkhitar told. “I will tell about the course to my parents and friends. They should know who much it is important to be tolerant and respect diversity. I liked the activity when we created a story using knowledge on the topic. Short movies also were very interesting and we were actively involved in the discussion”.

Filmmaking

Three-day training course that took place in Alaverdi SOS Culture Youth club was full of impressions. Club members had all necessary equipment to start their journey and explore the world of photography and filmmaking. During the course they learnt about photography and tried to develop their skills to make not only beautiful photos, but also informative ones. The course included topics such as photography as an art, structure of photo camera, focus, distance and deepness, composition, light and speed in photography. The aspects that were tackled during the course were important as they are the basic of photography and they will help young people to capture the beauty of cultural monuments. Young people had chance to apply photographic knowledge and tips and experience outdoor practical activities. They choose important cultural and historical assets and started to take pictures. For the upcoming week young club members will be busy to accomplish their tasks. They need to prepare a material about topics which were chosen with the trainer- Odzun and Sedvi monasteries, the issue of Debet River and the case of destroyed Khachqar (cross stone). Samvel, who is very much interested in photography mentioned. “I liked the course and now while taking pictures I know how camera works and how to take good pictures”. “I was deeply involved in the course and I liked our discussion while watching photos and discussion them” told Artak, one of Alaverdi SOS Culture youth club members.

New and interesting courses will take place in Berdavan, Vargavan, Akhtala and Alaverdi in the upcoming weeks. We will keep everyone updated about the training courses and their results.