Abroadship.org joined British Council Active Citizens Programme. Programme is sponsored by British Council and coordinated by Asha Centre. Together with Rekindling Education, Kristine Grigule and Elena Baions, Abroadship.org develops a Character Development Programme for Young People called “Gravity Jam“.

Gravity Jam– a Character Development Programme for Young People

The programme is designed for college students and focusses on enhancing navigation skills regarding professional and personal life choices. This Programme targets SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural), issued by OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) requirements, through a holistic and human-centred approach, in three stages:

  1. PastSelf-Awareness: identifying your core values;
  2. Present – Reality Mapping: to what extent are your values reflected in your choices, behaviour and activities?
  3. FutureTraining practical navigation skills: where do you want to go and what stategies can help you to get there? Developing your own personal Value Compass.
Gravity Jam – a Character Development Programme for Young People - abroadship.org

Gravity Jam – a Character Development Programme for Young People – abroadship.org

The aim of the project is to contribute to the general wellbeing of young people: becoming a competent (authentic and autonomous), moral (for yourself and your environment) and happy (flourishing in everyday life) agent.

What does Gravity Jam mean? The ‘Jam‘ refers to both ‘jamming’ – learning to be flexible with life challenges and learning to improvise and enjoy the ride, and to the ‘jam’ you spread on your sandwich! We aim to create a personal ‘jam’ – your own personal flavour of your own core values!

‘Gravity‘ refers to a quote of Billy Connoly. When visiting homelessness initiatives in Seattle, Connoly was so moved, that he said:

“when you find someone who’s doing something absolutely right for the very best of reasons, it shifts your centre of gravity and silences you and it’s a lovely thing. It’s just happened to me.” – Billy Connolly’s Tracks Across America, 2016

This Character Development Programme aims to inspire, support and move young people in such a meaningful way.

The South East of England Active Citizens Team are, from left to right: Justinas Brikys, Kristine Grigule, Lucinda Miedema, Elena Baions

British Council Active Citizens Programme

Active Citizens is a British Council leadership education programme that promotes intercultural dialogue and community-led social development. More about the programme: https://www.britishcouncil.org/active-citizens. For a short explanation check out this video: