From 26 September to 2 October 2025, Inna Ryshkova, senior teacher of the Department of Management, Sciences, Humanities and Fundamental Disciplines, took part in the international training course ‘Building bridges – Through Art to community dialogue’, which took place in the Centre of national culture ‘Záhrada’ in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, as part of the Erasmus+ programme.

The training brought together 14 community leaders and youth workers from five European countries: Slovakia, Spain, Italy, Romania, and Ukraine. The project’s purpose was to master forum-theatre methods to create dialogue in communities and overcome discrimination against vulnerable groups of young people.

The programme was dedicated to studying Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed, an innovative social method that uses art to discuss sensitive topics and engage the community in actively seeking solutions.

The most impressive was the forum-theatre method, a unique approach in which the audience becomes active participants of the performance based on real community issues. Under the guidance of experienced trainers from the Diligo organisation, participants created theatrical scenes about discrimination, conflict and exclusion, and then worked together to find ways to resolve them. Particularly valuable was how this method gives a voice to those who are usually invisible in society – young people from marginalised groups who face racial, ethnic, religious or other forms of discrimination.

In a polarised society with growing social divides, forum-theatre tools are particularly important. They create a safe space for dialogue on complex topics, develop empathy and critical thinking, and engage young people in actively participating in solving social problems.

Upon returning home, the participant plans to use the techniques she has learned in her work with young people and students. She is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and skills with her colleagues in the new academic year. Participation in the training has resulted in the following:

- understanding of the power of art as an instrument of social change;

- practical skills in creating interactive theatre performances;

- new approaches to working with vulnerable groups of young people;

- experience of international cooperation and exchange of practices with European colleagues;

- expansion of methodological tools for dialogue in the community.

Participation in the training was a valuable experience for professional and personal growth. The knowledge and methods gained will be integrated into work with young people, as understanding the importance of inclusive dialogue and the voice of each community member is critical in the educational process and public life.

Special thanks to the organisers from Diligo NGO, trainers Andrii and Madlen, as well as all participants, for creating an atmosphere of trust, openness and creativity necessary for such profound transformations.