Project idea
The School of Inclusive Practices "PROfeel" project is chiefly aimed at educators, equipping them to work with teenagers exhibiting a range of mental disorders. By utilizing a specifically designed course composed of five interactive games, teachers are educated about the key disorders: autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, disorders related to stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as other unique perceptual characteristics in teenagers.
The project is intended for 144 participants. The gaming format enables them to experience the feelings of individuals with various mental disorders, understand the complexity of their lives, and subsequently, apply this knowledge to assist such children.
Relevance
In Russia, one in three children is at risk of developing some form of condition, with mental disorders representing the largest category. A child with mental disorders is a special child who, due to their psychological peculiarities, perceives the world differently.
Regrettably, mental disorders in children remain a relatively under-researched issue, with numerous unresolved questions. In consequence, educators often feel apprehensive about educating such children and teenagers, show reluctance to account for their unique needs, and lack the experience and knowledge to respond appropriately to various manifestations of these disorders. Modern children are significantly affected by stress, stemming from increased anxiety and societal pressures. Furthermore, certain illnesses are now becoming more widely recognized, with an increasing amount of information about them becoming available. In this context, teenagers begin to identify various symptoms in themselves and self-diagnose with various "conditions" in order to feel unique.
Therefore, there is a pressing need to implement changes in the operations of educational institutions, engage with parents, and inform them about what might be happening with children not only on a physical, but also on a mental level. People need to understand that mental disorders can be treated just like ordinary illnesses, and there is no need to fear or be embarrassed by them. And educators should have access to information and resources to help them incorporate the characteristics of children's manifestations of mental disorders into their daily work.
Social effect
Improvement of educational programs and approaches to teaching teenagers with mental peculiarities by developing and disseminating of game techniques for understanding the peculiarities of people with special health needs.
KPI
KPI
Project Results
All planned tasks were fully accomplished. The course was rated highly by 100% of participants.
Educators learned to differentiate between types of mental health disorders: autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, psychosomatic disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Participants were given a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of various disorders in adolescents and to broaden their range of techniques and support methods for teenagers. This will undeniably improve the quality of their work, both directly with adolescents and within their environment. Over 79% of educators are ready to integrate games into their future practice as their fear of unfamiliar behaviors in children with mental disorders has been replaced by new understanding in this field, hence enhancing their confidence in their work.
Games have proven to be an excellent tool for establishing the necessary level of trust and informal communication, which is essential for adults when interacting with any teenager.
Project progress after CSS funding
The materials developed during the project will be made freely available on the project's website. Socially oriented non-profit organizations (after registration) will be able to download the materials and conduct sessions independently for their audiences. The maintenance and technical support of the project website is covered by the "Games of the Future" foundation.
A payment form is provided on the project's website. Through the project's information support and raising awareness about the issues tackled, it is planned to attract donations from private individuals.
Informational and fundraising posts are published on the main website of the organization and on social networks. It is planned to attract funding from business partners.
The development of a series of games for working with adolescents suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder is planned to be funded through thematic grant competitions.
At the final general meeting with the specialists, numerous requests were received for the purchase of the course's game boxes, which are already under development.
