FOUNDATION EARTH-HEART

The project is an interactive theatre-based prevention programme combined with workshops, aimed at strengthening young people’s psychosocial competences and reducing risk factors related to violence, exclusion and, consequently, substance use.

The performance is based on the true story of Rafał and his brother. It portrays a recurring social pattern experienced by many young people: conflict, lack of dialogue, peer violence, emotional neglect and loneliness. The relationships and interactions between the brothers serve as a starting point for participatory workshops. Instead of a closed narrative, the performance creates a space for intervention, reflection and change.

The initiative combines theatre, music, somatic exercises and participatory methods to create a safe environment in which young people can explore emotions, rehearse alternative behaviours and develop awareness of their needs and boundaries.

The mission of the project is to strengthen emotional resilience, empathy and social responsibility, while reducing the tendency to cope with tension through risky behaviours or psychoactive substances.

Education through participatory theatre
The performance is delivered in the form of Forum Theatre inspired by the method of Augusto Boal.

Participants are not passive viewers — they become “spect-actors” who can stop scenes of violence, enter the stage and propose alternative actions.

This process enables young people to:
• recognise mechanisms of violence and exclusion
• understand emotional reactions and their sources
• practise non-violent communication
• experience agency and influence over social situations

The performance is supported by original songs that function as emotional and educational reference points.

Workshop component
During the activities, participants work on:
• emotional regulation and body awareness
• conflict transformation and dialogue
• empathy and perspective-taking while expressing their own needs
• building supportive peer relationships

Somatic techniques and Forum Theatre exercises are used to strengthen self-regulation, recognised as a protective factor in addiction prevention.

Social and preventive dimension
The project addresses psychological sources of risky behaviours such as:
• experiences of violence or neglect
• limited access to supportive communication
• chronic stress and emotional overload
• lack of belonging and being seen

By strengthening protective factors — emotional awareness and social bonds — the programme supports long-term prevention of addictions and risky behaviours.

An integral part of the project is the Manifest of Peace and Understanding, announced during events and encouraging young people to continue reflection and creative work after the performance.

Students can individually or collectively create artistic and literary expressions on old bedsheets — symbolic carriers of experiences, emotions and stories. These works are presented during exhibitions accompanying future editi

The program aims to educate young people through various form. The educational theatrical performance (based on therapeutic scenarios within the scope of health prevention) is engaging emotions and stimulates thinking, the competition stimulates creativity, and the online course allows for individual acquiring and consolidating knowledge. It all adds up for a comprehensive preventive program that not only provides information, but also inspires to be healthy and live/lead a conscious life. The mission is educating young people to live in freedom and sobriety, without addictions: nicotine, alcoholism and drug addiction.
EDUCATION THROUGH ART
Theatrical performance “Chemical Mood Change vs. Positive Emotions Without Stimulants” narrates a story of someone who hopes to change their life and provides an opportunity for viewers to understand what addiction really means and how to defend ourselves against them. Education about risky actions is one of the main goals of the play. The second, no less important, is to give alternative strategies. The script has been consulted and approved by methodologists in 2016, to be appropriate for young people from the age of 12.
LITERARY AND ART COMPETITION
The goal is to initiate reflection among young people and encourage them to express their own thoughts about addiction and its dangers. Young people are encouraged to engage in preventive thinking and to express their introspection through artistic works, touching on intellectual, emotional and sensory topics. Through these literary and artistic works the development of skills in these areas is supported.
PREVENTIVE COURSES on mental and physical health prevention. First of them is about mental well-being and addresses the issue of stress. Purpose of the course is to give young people tools how to deal with stress, so they don't look for relief in harmful substances. The second course touches more closely on the issue of physical health prevention - applies to popular energy drinks.