Using diary excerpts from two young people, this activity plan explores thoughts and feelings and how diaries can be a tool for resilience. The students reflect on both the diaries of children who grew up in war and how diary writing can benefit them in their own lives.

Main age group: 13-16

Time needed: 1 x 45-minute period with a possibility for extension

Objectives:

  • Fostering empathy and compassion for children growing up in wartime circumstances
  • Building understanding about ways in which diary writing can be an act of self-reliance and resilience-building
  • Encouraging young people to try diary writing or journaling

Materials needed: Notebooks/papers and pens (each participant should have his/her own)

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Themes: Being a child in war/everyday life in war, Identity (who I am – emerging and changing identities), Family, Loss of freedom, Resilience, Children’s rights
Emotions and feelings: Defiance, Hope, Sadness, Isolation, Resilience
Types of objects: Diary entries
Methodologies: Facilitated dialogue and reflection, Creative writing
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