MyLearning
An audiovisual research project (participant observation and coaching) and a documentary movie to promote the recognition of non-formal learning.

An image speaks a thousand words.

This is the idea behind the “MyLearning” project, funded by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe and realized by “Kids in Action”, a non-governmental organization from the city of Thessaloniki, Greece (check kidsinaction.gr for more information).

Synopsis

Romanos, a young Uzbek student of Pontiac Greek origins, decides to go on a one month learning experience abroad. In his everyday life, he is constantly searching to improve himself. During the experience, however, a love affair develops and changes the entire mission into an exploration of how to express feelings.

What we did

The project team of “Kids in Action”, under the coordination of Miki Ambrozy and Athanasios (Sakis) Krezios, has decided to film a group of friends and document their everyday life. They are from different Caucasian countries: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Georgia. They all live in Greece and speak Russian among themselves.
The protagonist eventually turned out to be Romanos.
The project involves an open and close coaching relationship between the movie-maker and the protagonist. Through this, the movie allows the viewer to enter the world of Romanos, his ambitions, fears and feelings as a young “Greek” living on his own.
The learning experience in the Netherlands was filmed in a direct cinema style, complemented by the protagonist’s own narration. This means that we see Romanos living the experience, narrating it, focusing on the learning, the values and the transformation he went through. We also learn about his background, his Greek life and we see him in his “usual” environment (a classic male flat he shares with other Russian-speaking migrants).

The Outcome

The outcome of MyLearning is a direct experience. By watching the movie, anyone can immediately enter the world of non-formal learning. Such experiences are dynamic, colorful and intensive, and create plenty of space for the personal and social development of the young person. This learning is followed throughout the movie.

© 2009 Kids in Action