STORY PREVIEW

2025

Decorating Connections: Bringing Students Together Through Shared Experiences

Liceul Teoretic Nichita Stanescu

Bucuresti

MENTOR

Maria Laura Preotescu

Step 1 FEEL

List the challenges or problems in your surroundings (school,neighbourhood etc.) that bothered you.

1. Limited interaction between students from different classes or social groups 2. Students tending to stay within their usual friend circles 3. Lack of shared activities that encourage collaboration and inclusion

State the problem chosen to work and why.

The chosen problem was the lack of meaningful interaction and connection among students. This issue was selected because it affected the overall sense of belonging within the school community and limited opportunities for students to build new relationships.

Who were the people affected by the problem? What were their primary concerns?

The primary people affected were students within the school community. Their main concerns were feeling disconnected from peers outside their usual groups and having limited opportunities to interact, collaborate, and socialize in an inclusive environment.

Step 2 IMAGINE

List ALL the different solutions you came up with.

- Hosting informal social gatherings to encourage interaction - Creating a collaborative activity connected to an existing school celebration - Organizing a series of school events designed to bring students closer together

Which solution from those listed above did you choose to implement and why?

We chose to organize a collaborative event focused on decorating the school’s assembly hall for the Christmas celebration because it was inclusive, creative, and accessible to many students. It also provided a clear shared goal that encouraged cooperation and social interaction through an enjoyable way.

Step 3DO

Describe very briefly the process of implementing your solution(s).

The event was promoted by visiting classrooms and inviting students to participate. Decorations were collected in advance, and on the day of the event the space was prepared before volunteers arrived. Participants worked together to decorate the hall, share a buffet, and enjoy a festive atmosphere.

What was the result or impact of your project?

The activity strengthened social interaction among students and created opportunities for teamwork. New friendships formed, and students interacted beyond their usual social groups in a positive and inclusive environment.

How many people were impacted by your solution(s)?

What did the impacted people have to say about your project? Provide 2 quotes or testimonials:

“It was nice to work with people from other classes and feel part of the same group.” “The activity helped us connect and enjoy spending time together, not just decorate the hall.”

What challenges did you encounter while implementing your project, and how did you overcome them?

One challenge was coordinating time and resources for a group activity involving many participants. This was addressed through clear planning, task distribution, and preparing the space in advance.

How long did it take to implement your solution?

7-15 Days

Which global goals does your story align with?

Good health and well being

Please explain briefly why do you think so?

The project supports quality education by promoting collaboration, inclusion, and positive relationships within the school environment. It also contributes to students’ well-being by fostering social connection and a sense of belonging.

Step 4 SHARE

How did you share your project with your school and community? Who did you share your project with? What was their response?

The project was shared through photos and videos posted on the school’s Instagram account, both as posts and stories. It was shared with students, teachers, and the wider school community, who responded positively and engaged with the content.

Approximately how many people did you share your story of change with?

More than 100

Briefly share your plan to sustain the impact of your project?

The project is part of a year-long initiative following the Design for Change methodology. Future activities are planned to continue encouraging collaboration, and a final video will be created to showcase the entire journey and inspire further student-led initiatives.

BACK TO HOME