Overview of ART-ivism

Halan We Grow is a youth empowerment initiative that unites civil society organizations from the Southern Mediterranean and Europe to address pressing regional challenges, including unemployment, gender inequality, climate change, and the erosion of civic spaces.

At its core, the project champions non-formal education (NFE) as a tool to build self-confidence, social inclusion, and active citizenship, with a strong focus on reaching young women and marginalized youth in rural and underserved areas.

Rooted in the values of gender equality, sustainability, and youth participation, the project aligns closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals — especially SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

The handbook offers practical tools, facilitation techniques, and interactive methods to support youth workers in bringing the project's vision to life, locally and regionally, through participatory, inclusive, and impact-driven non-formal education sessions.

What you will find in it

• Training design and methods — step-by-step guidance on how to structure sessions using interactive tools.
• A practical case example — a real-life example of ART-ivism in practice.
• Workshop examples — worksheets, visual aids and templates for planning, reflection and group activities.

The mission

To strengthen the role of youth work by delivering innovative, blended non-formal education tools that foster personal development, civic engagement, and social innovation. The handbook is an upgraded and expanded version of the DOUACT project, integrating lessons learned, deepened methodologies, and a stronger link to sustainability and gender equity.

The vision

A more inclusive and sustainable society where young people and communities lead positive change through creativity, learning, and collaboration.

An important note

This material is an essential guide within the Halan We Grow initiative, but it does not constitute a binding curriculum or regulatory framework. It offers flexible learning strategies and examples that can be adapted to local contexts. For further support, training, or clarification on any section, reach out to your national project coordinator or training facilitator.

ART-ivism (Art + Activism) is the intersection of art and social or political activism. It uses creative tools — such as theatre, storytelling, music, painting, and games — to empower communities to express their issues, dreams, and identities.

In the context of non-formal education, ART-ivism is a powerful approach to raising awareness, changing behaviours, and encouraging active participation. When used purposefully, art becomes a strong educational tool that promotes critical thinking and constructive dialogue among youth.

Why this course focuses on it

Across the modules that follow, you will explore what ART-ivism is, why it matters, how to facilitate it, and how to put it into practice in your own community — using the methods and workshop examples gathered in this handbook.