The project in a few words
“Changing the Narratives” was a youth exchange organized by Primi Piani ODV that aimed to explore the complex topic of youth mental health and deepen the reflection on the concept of mental and physical well-being among young people in today’s post-pandemic society, through the language of graphic novels, storytelling, and nonformal education.
The project focused on exploring the connection between mental health and art, delving into the concept of well-being among young people in today’s post-pandemic society. For this, the organization chose graphic novels as the main expressive medium because they offer a fresh and stimulating way to communicate complex and personal topics.
Objectives of the project
During the youth exchange, the project achieved the following goals:
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- Discover and use graphic novels’ potential as an artistic medium and show how it can be used to talk and share information about mental health,
- Improve participants’ artistic, storytelling, expressive and creative skills,
- Understand the potential that social media has for spreading positive messages and to learn how to use it in a constructive way,
- Deconstruct the assimilated stereotypes and stigma that people with mental health diseases face daily,
- Provide participants with tools to recognize and manage their emotions and present a new narrative where they will be understood and not excluded,
- Promote intercultural learning, active citizenship and social inclusion,
- Promote European values and the improvement of soft skills,
- Promote the Erasmus+ program and its opportunities.
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The results
Throughout the project, Primi Piani employed non-formal education methods with a “Learning by doing” approach. They wanted to stimulate the learning process and develop both soft and hard skills in the participants through artistic and creative activities. Everyone had an active role and could contribute their own thoughts and sensibility. They also organized workshops where professional artists taught drawing, storytelling, and graphic design skills to help participants create their own graphic novels.
By the end of the project, the participants had created 16 unique short graphic novels centered around mental health in young people. They utilized the skills and knowledge they had acquired throughout the program.
To showcase the outcomes, Primi Piani organized an event in San Donato Milanese during the “Civil Week” in collaboration with the local association “Sandocalling,” and the municipality. At this event, participants presented their work, participated in art and sustainability workshops, and had the opportunity to connect with local young people. It was a fantastic opportunity to share their creations and engage with the community.
Youth Exchange,
Italy, April-May 2023
Project Results
Click on the images to open the full graphic novel
Multimedia Gallery
Hosting Organisation
Primi Piani Odv is an Italian association active since the year 2007 that aims to stimulate active citizenship through the commitment of the associated volunteers and its associates, using non-formal education, multimedia and communication tools and, in addition, through the dissemination of artistic, cultural, creative and scientific content.
The main purpose is to select and disseminate audiovisual, photographic, artistic and textual content on social issues and to promote them, above all by, digital means through the Web and, when applicable, through press, printed publications and the organization of dedicated events.
