SEMINAR
Latvia
This candle-making workshop uses a simple craft to foster social inclusion. By bringing together diverse individuals in a shared creative experience, it promotes connection, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, with participants leaving with their own handmade candles as a tangible reminder.
Inclusive candle making workshop
Objectives. The main goal of this workshop is not just to learn how to make candles but also to explore how this activity can be a tool for inclusitivity. I had opportunity to lead candle making workshop with children, adults, families, eldery people, migrants, youth in NEET situation, Roma people, people from various social and cultural backgrounds and social risk groups even physicaly disabled people. And everytime, I see how the process of creating candles brings people together, regardless of their age, culture or life experiences.
Also candles symbolize warmth, light and unity, which aligns perfectly with the idea of creating an inclusive society.
Preparation. Materials and tools: soy wax. I chose soy wax because it is eco-friendly and safe to use, as it doesn’t burn the skin. Wicks, dye, fragrance oils, plastic straws for stirring. Recycled tin cans for melting wax – these are zero waste and cost effective. Glass jars for poiring the candles. The jars are compact and perfect for participants to carry home, even in limited airplane luggage space.
For the first time ever of my workshop, I decided to use a wax seal to decorate the candles. Each time I organize a workshop, I try to include something new and creative that has’ nt tried before. Experiments are part of non-formal learning, encouraging innovation and engagement.
How it went.
The workshop took a place in my accommodation kitchen. It was demanding for me to divide my attention among everyone, but the process of making candles is simple enough to follow. I noticed that participants with good leadership skills quickly understood the steps and helped others by explaining the process, creating a collaborative atmosphere. Some participants became excited, stayed beyond the allocated time to continue working on their candles and were inspired to continue making candles at home as well
Results.
All participants learned the basics of candle making. From melting wax to customizing their candles. Each participant had created their unique candle to take home as a small gift. Several participants expressed interest in continuing the acticity on their own.
What would I change. If I were to organize the workshop again, I would bring a wider variety of candle colors, as participants only had the option to choose between ping and red. I could have demonstrated how to use wax crayons to color the candles, providing more creative possibilities and options for customization
