This activity involves creating an obstacle course to reflect on how unsettling it might be to have to move from one country to another without knowing what is laying ahead.
What you need
Masking tape, paper or big objects, blindfolds
Before you start
- Put a line of tape at either end of your space (a start and finish line)
- Scatter some objects like chairs and tables around the room. If you don’t have these then use paper sheets on the floor.
What to do
Start by telling participants they need to cross a minefield to go from one side of the room to the other. The challenge is that they need to cross with their eyes covered and someone else will guide them verbally.
Ask the participants to get into pairs and then go to the start line. Ask one of the participants to close their eyes (could cover eyes with their hands, a jumper or a blindfold).
Each time someone gets to the finish line, they can open their eyes and switch roles to guide the other person to them.
Discussion questions
- How did you feel being guided through the unsafe environment?
- How did you fell guiding someone?
- Was it different for those who had each role as a first?
- What were your major difficulties in both roles?
- Where you bothered by external influences? (I.e. other people indications)
- If going through the minefield is exercising your right to move, what would be the ‘bombs”?
- Do you think what you felt is similar to what people trying to move feel?
Tips for facilitators
- You might decide to change the obstacles positions.
- You can set a maximum amount of time for the whole group to pass and make it more cooperative.
This activity is from IFM-SEI’s On The Move Resource which is a handbook that explores the topics of migration, refugees, visas and regional youth work in order to educate and fight for world where a child or young person’s rights are not dictated by where they are born. This resource highlights that it is vital for young people to understand the issues around migration and mobility as a first step in being able to identify and get practical skills to help tackle these human rights infringements. It includes practical guidance on how to include refugees and migrants in your youth organisation and its activities. Find it here.