What is the barazza group and its purpose?
The word 'Barraza' comes from the the Swahili language. It means 'Council'. This is a direct translate, however to expand the barraza group definition, it basically means a group of different individual statuses coming together to discussed different issues and trying to come up with a goal in solving the issue. Therefore, these 'barazza groups are often used in Round Square conferences to bring people together in discussing issues surrounding different topics such as human rights, animal rights and the environment. Our school also uses these 'barazza' groups as well for students to express their opinions. However, I was chosen as a barazza leader with two other people for my group 'We Smile Together'. The main role as a barazza leader is to facilitate the group of individuals. Therefore, in preparation for the Round Square conference we had to plan a few things. Also, we had to train to become great facilitators in preparing for the conference...
What are my personal aims which I would like to get out of the barazza sessions?
The main qualities which I want to achieve from being a barraza leader, taking part in the training and the preparation process is that I would like to become more knowledgeable. Since many delegates from around the globe will be coming to the conference, during the barazza session I would like to learn more about their point of views on different issues. Also, why they hold this point of view and whether it is due to the culture which they live in. Another quality which I would like to have is the ability to communicate effectively i.e. facilitating the barazza group and communicating my ideas through to the delegates.Lastly, in addition to my two aims, I would like more open-minded as some ideas or opinions which other delegates express may contradict what I have in mind. I will try to accept other viewpoints and try to comprehend them.
Things which needed to be plan before the sessions?
THE JUMP! FOUNDATION
The Jump! Foundation Logo
The Jump! Foundation is an organisation which trains youth to address leadership and also to become a responsible global citizens. Therefore, in preparation for the Round Square Conference, the barazza leaders went down to Koh Chang Island (Thailand) to train to become a better facilitator. We worked with the Jump Foundation and Justin Bedard, one of the founders of the Jump! foundation.
My aims and expectations before the trip down to Koh Chang Island...
Similar to the goals I want to achieve in facilitating the barazza group for the conference, through the program provided by the Jump! Foundation, I would like to firstly become a better communicator and also a better thinker in solving different problems. These problems includes the logical way of thinking which usually I find hard to approach. Hopefully, the activities provided by the Jump! Foundation will challenge me to become a better thinker, communicator and overall a great facilitator.
What did we do on Koh Chang Island...
On Koh Chang Island, the Student Stirring Committee (which included myself) had the privilege of doing activities with the Jump crew for 3 days. I my opinion, it was very tough. Small activities were combined together which made it tough as we had to do it consistently throughout the day with only a snack and lunch break. First, Justin Bedard and his crew taught us a few theories which in a sense linked into psychology. An example of what we learnt included a theory which involves, the 'TOURIST', 'PRISONER' and the 'ADVENTURER'. Individuals can be put into three groups, therefore a tourist will often let the time past by, in a sense enjoying life without putting in the effort. Tourists often agree with the decisions others make for them, they often have consensus. On the other hand, the prisoner are individuals who are often negative about life and complain without putting in any effort what so ever. Lastly, the adventurers are individuals who really push themselves outside of their comfort zones. They want to learn new ideas and are engaged in making their own decisions. We had to identify who are we out of the 3 types of individuals. In my opinion, I believed that I was more of a 'tourist'. This is because often I let others influence my decisions and don't make my own decisions at times which I truly agrees to.
Furthermore, a taste of what we did...
Moreover, the activities we did thereafter included team building skill activities, trust activities and activities which really challenged me physically and emotionally. An example of an activity which really challenged me emotionally/mentally was when I was the 'blind person', therefore I was blindfolded for over an hour. It was hard not to see pass an hours because I am so used to visual stimuli. The Jump! foundation had set up an obstacle where some other individuals could see but they cannot speak. This made it difficult to communicate to each other and every participant had to complete different tasks. It was very challenging in my opinion. However, later on we as a group figured out different ways to communicate. Without the ability to speak, we started to make noises through clapping our hands. Through clapping our hands we all came up with a system which included us clapping through the English alphabet. Therefore, clapping once is the equivalent of 'A', twice is 'B' and so on. Even though we came up with the system, it was still difficult as everyone had to keep their patience and stayed quiet. This was quite tough mentally.
What did I personally achieve and also what did I achieve which will contribute to the Round Square Conference (Barazza Group)...
I believe that through the Jump! program, I've under taken new challenges. This includes activities which I've never done before in my life which personally I found challenging mentally as well as physically. Moreover, I've managed to gain significantly 'team-work' skills which I can further be applied to the Round Square conference, therefore when working with others in planning the event. I believe that through the workshop, I've gained a better communication skill. This was gained through the 'public speaking' session of the workshop where in front of everyone, I had to talk about myself. This then furthered my skills in public speaking.
The foundation's vision taken from their website (referenced below):
'The JUMP! Foundation envisions a world where young people fulfill their true potential as individuals, community leaders, and global citizens.' - The Jump! Foundation.
Click below to view the link for a short article and photos composed by Denali Barron reflecting what we did on Koh Chang Island.
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