Spark

Creativity remains one of the most fascinating enigmas of the human mind; at once the essence of our shared humanity and the spark that sets each individual apart. Between the 2nd and the 8th of July, the picturesque town of São Pedro do Sul transformed into a vibrant center of imagination, hosting youth workers from Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Romania and Czechia who embarked on a journey into the depths of creative exploration.

Over the span of 6 days, participants immersed themselves in a deep examination of creativity, questioning its nature and exploring its impact. The trainer played a key role in guiding this process, not only by thoughtfully designing each session, but also by offering support at every step.

Divided into small teams, the youth workers explored various creativity-based methods in depth, examining their theoretical foundations, step-by-step application, practical examples, benefits and potential risks. Each group then transformed their findings into a short, hands-on workshop: first presenting the method, then actively demonstrating how it works in practice. Their peers stepped into the role of participants, fully engaging in the process to not only understand the mechanics of each method, but also to comprehend the experience of those it is designed to support.

In this lively and interactive session, the youth workers found themselves connecting not only with each other, but also more deeply with the training course’s theme and the environment around them. Working in teams, they were challenged with a series of tasks that required them to draw on the knowledge they had accumulated so far, while also stepping beyond the training space to engage with the local community. This blend of non-formal education and real-world interaction enriched their theoretical understanding and sparked innovative ideas for harnessing the surrounding environment as a resource in future work.

This training course was more than just a learning experience, it was a chance for youth workers to strengthen their connections, share practices, and exchange meaningful experiences. Leaving Portugal behind, the youth workers carried more than just memories. They returned home with sharpened tools, fresh perspectives and a redefined view on creativity. Throughout the course, creativity was not just discussed; it was experienced, celebrated, and woven into every activity. Now, with renewed motivation, the team is ready to bring creativity into the everyday lives of young people, transforming it into a practical and empowering part of their psychological and social development.