Before and After
Workshop objective
The main objective is to educate children about the causes and consequences of floods, with particular emphasis on how the community responds to crises through joint efforts. Through play and creative expression, the workshop seeks to reduce the fear and sense of helplessness that floods often cause in younger people.
Workshop programme and activities
1. Listening to a story about a flood and group discussion: The workshop began with a story based on real events in local communities such as Ploče, Komin and Rogotin. It was explained that air pollution creates particles that make clouds brighter, altering ocean temperatures and triggering major storms that cause floods. The children listened to "water dramas" in which cold water enters rooms, destroying furniture and toys. After the story, Mia and Luka shared their experiences; Mia described how her street looked like a swimming pool, while Luka admitted that his heart beat like a drum when he saw water where the pavement should have been. Luka stressed the importance of listening to adults and avoiding deep water, while Mia recalled how her rubber boots floated away like little yellow boats.
2. Puppet theatre scene - solidarity in action: In the second part of the workshop, participants used puppets to depict life in the village during a flood. The scene showed the arrival of the water, but quickly shifted its focus to helping others. The puppets represented neighbours helping one another.
3. Painting "before and after the flood": Through artistic expression, the children portrayed on paper the changes caused by a flood. One side of the paper showed cheerful life by the river, while the other illustrated powerful floodwaters and their consequences. This method enabled the children to put their experiences into words and express feelings of fear, as well as respect for nature.
4. Presentation of the work and video recording: The final part of the workshop was dedicated to presenting the children's work and recording a short video. The children made statements about what each person can do to keep nature in balance, such as reducing pollution and protecting the environment.
Workshop outcomes
• Development of empathy: Through stories about cherished belongings being destroyed, the children developed compassion for members of the community.
• Creative problem-solving: The puppet scenes and painting helped the children visualise solutions and learn the importance of solidarity.
• Empowering young people: Understanding the flood process (the influence of tides, channels and rainfall) transformed the children's fear into knowledge.
Conclusion
The workshop successfully combined serious environmental topics with play, encouraging emotional relaxation and self-confidence among the participants. The children realised that water can change the appearance of a place overnight, but it cannot wash away human kindness and unity.
