The Unforgettable First Day of SeHeMe LTTA: A Journey from Stress to Success

Ines MANSOURI from PADIL

The first day of the Erasmus KA220 SeHeMe Learning Teaching Training Activity (LTTA) began with a sense of anticipation—and a bit of unexpected tension. As the clock ticked past the scheduled start time of 9:30 AM, organizers couldn’t help but notice the room’s emptiness. With each passing minute, the team exchanged nervous glances, silently wondering if something had gone awry. Was there a delay in transport? Did participants get the location mixed up? While no one voiced it, the growing concern was palpable.

A Slow Start Turns into a Rush of Energy

Finally, about an hour later, one participant walked in, then another, and soon the room began to fill up. Relief washed over the team as they saw participants chatting, checking in, and eagerly finding their seats. By 10:30, the excitement was in full swing as the SeHeMe LTTA officially kicked off with the first workshop, “Journalism for Social Change”.

An Ice-Breaker that Set the Tone

The morning opened with a dynamic icebreaker, and the organizer’s worries melted away as the room buzzed with laughter and animated conversations. This icebreaker wasn’t just about introductions; it set a warm and relaxed tone that encouraged everyone to participate. Soon, facilitators and participants alike were immersed in discussions, swapping stories, and, as one might say, breaking the ice in the best way possible.

Engaging Workshops and Interactive Modules

The core of the morning was Module 1, “Journalism for Social Change.” This session invited participants to delve into the power of journalism in shaping public opinion and advocating for social justice. In small groups, participants explored case studies of impactful journalism and analyzed news stories from domains like environmental justice, cultural preservation, and human rights.

Module 2, “Media Literacy for Critical Engagement,” took things up a notch. Participants were challenged to evaluate news sources critically. Using Poynter’s “9 Questions to Help You Evaluate the Credibility of News Sources,” they discussed the importance of assessing credibility and avoiding misinformation. Conversations were lively, as groups shared personal encounters with media narratives and how this awareness was shaping their perspectives.

A Joyful Atmosphere and Lasting Impressions

The once-quiet room had transformed into a vibrant hub of interaction, laughter, and learning. The organizers, who had started the day with anxious hearts, now couldn’t stop smiling. As the day wrapped up, everyone shared stories of new insights and personal growth. The laughter, the excitement, and the joy of connection were unmistakable, leaving organizers and participants looking forward to the rest of the LTTA sessions.

The first day might have started with a slight delay, but by the end, it was clear that the SeHeMe LTTA was on track for an inspiring and unforgettable journey.