| DEKAPLUS.1 | Eco-Crafts from Eco-friendly clays in Cyprus | |
| Partner organization (who designed it) | DEKAPLUS | |
| Overall description (Tell us the story of this activity) | This activity brings together youth and elders to create eco-crafts out eco-friendly clay found in Cyprus, such as air drying clay. Elders teach stories and methods for making sculptures and ornaments, while youth use these techniques to construct their own creations. The activity promotes sustainable practices by repurposing clay, protects cultural heritage, and encourages intergenerational collaboration. | |
| Total Duration: | 3.5 hours | |
| Group size: | 10 | |
| List of materials: (from pens to papers to Wi-Fi to an elephant) | Eco friendly clayProtective gear (gloves, aprons)Tables and chairs for crafting stationsWhiteboard or flipchart for instructions | |
| Activity’s objectives: (what do you want to achieve by delivering this activity) | Promote sustainable practices through the upcycling of clay.Foster intergenerational collaboration by sharing traditional crafting techniques and cultural stories.Preserve socio-ecological memories through documentation and digital archiving. | |
| memory archive timeline: information, picture and link. e.g. short story. | The sculptor Nina Iakovou was one of the first Cypriots to take sculpture lessons at the School of Fine Arts in Athens, in the 1950s, where she studied under a number of prominent teachers in the field of Modern Greek Art at the time. Now, she has been creating clay sculptures for 60+ years.  Fragment of Traditional Cypriot Pottery, by Nina Iacovou Larnaca Archives – Phivos Stavrides Foundation | |
| Step-by-Step Description | ||
| Time: (mins) | Activity Description: Include all the steps needed, Include notes for the facilitation. | |
| 20 mins | STEP 1. (Welcome and introductions.) Facilitator shares an overview of eco-crafting. | |
| 40 mins | STEP 2. (Crafting Demonstration) Facilitator and elders demonstrate the process of creating crafts from clay. | |
| 90 mins | STEP 3. (Collaborative Crafting) Youth and elders work together to create crafts using clay. | |
| 30 mins | STEP 4: (Showcase and Documentation) Participants present their finished crafts, sharing what they learned during the process. | |
| 30 mins | STEP 5: (Reflection and Closing) | |
| Extra information we need to take into account. Notes for facilitation etc. (if needed) | -Use icebreakers to create a comfortable atmosphere. -Encourage participants to share what they learned. | |
| Preparations for the activity: (what do you need to do, who needs to do it, etc.) | Facilitators to: Source eco-friendly clay* and ensure all tools and materials are ready.Set up crafting stations and ensure accessibility for all participants. *Disclaimer regarding “air-drying clays”: such clays are actually polymer based and are not eco-friendly. Please use natural clay and keep in mind that uncured clay (that has not been fired in a kiln) even if natural can only be used as decoration and not for eating utensils, which could cause harm | |
| Evaluation of the activity: (Describe how you will explore what worked, what did not, what should be changed, what is the impact, was the objective achieved and to what extent…) | Conduct a short feedback survey or discussion: “What did you learn?”Ask participants how impactful the workshop was andlook for areas of improvement and execute accordingly. | |
| Expected Outcomes: What are the expected learning outcomes, social outcomes, or other benefits. Describe how it contributes to collecting and sharing socio-ecological memories. | Youth and elders gain knowledge about sustainable practices and traditional crafts.Stronger intergenerational bonds and mutual respect.Increased awareness of the value of upcycling and reduced waste. | |
| Appendices (If relevant – handouts, internet links, etc.) | ||
Eco-Crafts from Eco-friendly clays in Cyprus #5