Friendship

Objective(s) & Context

1. Encourage participants to talk about, and reflect on their friendships.

Duration

1½ hours

Group Size

15–30

Age Group

10 +

Skills

Communication, social and co-operative skills, creativity

Format(s) & Technique(s)

Sharing and reflection, arts-based work

Materials

Meta cards

Markers

Coloured paper

Stickers

Tape

Glue sticks

Yarn

Facilitation Tips

Depending on the participants’ level of reading and comprehension, they may interpret the quotes in a way that strays from the actual meaning. You may want to explain the quotes to them if they seem confused or ask for help. When selecting the quotes for the group, consider their age range and capacity.
This activity may trigger relationships that have been, or are, hurtful. Ensure that you have time to debrief with participants (either as a group or one on one) if this arises.
Having resources like pamphlets on healthy relationships,websites, or the contact of the school or community counsellor is a good idea.

Popular Education Prompts

This activity will bring up relational experiences that the girls in the group have, or are, experiencing.
You may want to take note of the themes that arise in the conversation in order to follow-up with another workshop that responds more directly to the needs that emerge. These themes are important in facilitating the next steps in healthy relationships and helping the group decide how they want to take action.
You may need to bring in additional information to respond to themes or questions raised in the group

Leading the Activity: Steps to Take

Preparation:

Prepare quotes about friendship. Write them on pieces of paper and then fold in half. Ensure there is at least one quote per participant in the group.
Place quotes at the centre of the room, on the floor or on a table.
Place all of the art supplies on the tables or floor to make them accessible to the participants.

Workshop:

Ask each participant to choose a folded piece of paper with a quote written on it.
Ask participants to sit in a circle. Go around the circle and ask each participant to read the quote and then share with the group what this quote means to them.
Once all of the participants have shared their quotes, explain that they will now create a personal card for a friend, using the quote.
Ask them to think of a friend that reminds them of the quote they have chosen. This card can be for any friend in the group or their community; it doesn’t have to be for another participant.
Remind them that the creation of the card is completely their own choice with the available materials that they have.