Why do we ask ourselves these questions?

Developing a clear sense of ‘self’ is an important process when we’re growing up.

Identity is a person’s understanding of him- or herself
as a separate being. It relates to self-image and self-esteem. It determines how a person views him-
or herself in relation to other people.

Identity consists of two elements:

1. Experiencing yourself as a separate entity in relation to other people.

2. Recognition and appreciation of that entity by others (the social environment). Although it varies for each individual, most children will not reach a fully developed sense of identity until the end of adolescence (between 18 to 20).

Social situation

While working with children you should have some understanding of identity development or the lack thereof, both in individuals and groups of children.

Problems in identity development may lead to, or be linked to psychosocial problems such as: lack of self-esteem; insecure attachment; depression and anti-social behaviour.

What is the influence of I DEAL?

Children and young people can be supported in developing a positive sense of self through creative exercises about identity. In these exercises we help them to discuss their preferences and who they are, stimulate self-expression and give them the chance to share and compare with peers.

Assessment

This module is meant to be the start of any I DEAL cycle. Before moving on to any other themes, you start here by making the children aware of who they are.

Subsequently, they can start to think about who they are as a group and which of the available I DEAL themes are most relevant to them. What does the group want to work on?

Through a number of participatory exercises, you will be able to list the preferences of the group. Accordingly, together with the group, you prioritise the thematic modules to be covered during the I DEAL cycle.

An active role for the child
It is a conscious choice to let the children participate in naming the themes they will work on. Child participation is a right as defined by the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC). Participation is a vital aspect of child development. It makes them feel that their opinion matters. Active membership of a group makes a child experience a certain amount of control about what happens. Hence, he or she will feel good about, and responsible for, taking an active part in the sessions.

In other words: participation will increase the child’s sense of ownership and his/her sense of self.

Further information about child development, identity and assessment can be found in War Child Holland’s Reference Paper on Child Development.

Goals of the module 'Identity and Assessment':
In this first module, the children will form their group. You, being the facilitator, will assist them to define their group needs.

Sessions:

1. Who am I?
2. Who are we?
3. What are our strenghts and difficulties?
4. Where do we want to go as a group?
   

Session 1: Who am I?
Goal: The children have reflected on their individual identity and have begun forming a group identity.

In the first session, you will help the kids get to know each other. You are there to provide a safe environment, in which your participants feel free and comfortable to show some aspects of their personal identity.

Session 2: Who are we?
Goal: The children have created a group identity and a feeling of trust amongst all the children.

The second session aims at defining group identity. You will help to establish group rules, a group call and, most importantly, a group ‘feeling’.

Session 3: What are our strengths and difficulties?
Goal: The children have assessed their strengths and difficulties.

In the third session, you will challenge the children to become aware of their own strengths and difficulties. This does not only help to stimulate openness, but is also a prerequisite for the next step.

Session 4: Where do we want to go as a group?
Goal: The group has chosen which I DEAL modules they are going to do work on.

During the fourth session, the group members consider the issues they really need to work on – as a group! This prioritising process helps them to know what themes they will work on in the upcoming I DEAL modules.