Psychodrama courses to 50 left-behind teens

Prologue: The Curtain Rises

Nestled among the green hills and clear waters of Huaiji County, Shidong Middle School is a place where many students’ imagination of the “world beyond” is shaped by the receding figures of parents leaving for migrant work. This summer, the Guangzhou Panyu Shining Star Common Growth Public Service Center (hereinafter referred to as “Shining Star”) partnered with Keru Knowledge (Shanghai) Cultural Media Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Keru”) to bring a group of volunteer teachers from afar to Shidong Middle School. Driven by their passion for drama and a heart for service, they joined the eighth-grade students in launching a four-day “Unlimited Potential Growth Project — Drama Psychology Camp.” The camp revolved around the real lives of middle schoolers, exploring emotional boundaries in an accessible way and infusing their youth with energy for growth.

Act I: Breaking the Ice, Starting from the Heart

Most of the students participating in the program were left-behind children, accustomed to hiding their thoughts and feelings in silence. “What they lack is not the ability to express themselves, but a safely held opportunity to do so.” When volunteer teachers of a similar age stepped into their world as young directors with interactive games, these children gradually began to open their protective shells, letting their inner light shine through. During group sculpture activities, the students were initially somewhat reserved and hesitant to make bold movements. The volunteers quickly noticed this and encouraged the students to be brave, leading by example with exaggerated gestures that seemed to say, “Be bold, it’s okay!” Slowly, the students became more engaged, and their movements grew increasingly expressive.

Act II: Creation and Rehearsal, Reflecting the Inner Self

In the “Mind Maze” segment of script creation and rehearsal, the volunteers asked the students: “When you think about the future, what are you most afraid of, and what are you most looking forward to?” “I look forward to working in a big city one day; I’m afraid of being stuck in this village forever.” “I hope to always have good friends around me; I’m afraid of being alone.” “I want to be the kind of person who helps an elderly woman up when she falls. I’m afraid of becoming someone who not only looks away but even kicks her—I don’t want to be an idle loafer.” These answers were the genuine voices of the children, and deeply moving moments for the volunteers. They also affirmed the relevance of the camp’s four core themes: family, friendship, love, and future development. Through these layered dramatic experiences, the students gradually opened their hearts, weaving their real stories and emotions into a co-created script. Drama served as a medium to touch their souls, evoking reflection and resonance.

Finale: The Curtain Falls, but Growth Continues

At the final performance, the volunteer directors watched intently from below the stage as the children performed with utmost seriousness.Their lines were delivered fluently, without stumbles or unintended laughter—the result was a smooth and powerful performance that left a lasting impact. Drama is a mirror—it reflects oneself, and it reflects others.From The Line of Friendship, we learned about tolerance in relationships; From New Year’s Eve Dinner, we experienced how to express ourselves within family bonds;From Emotion Simulator, we reflected on exploring feelings amid confusion;From My Future Style, we found direction amidst uncertainty.These were the children’s real and tangible gains from the experience.Every story holds a code to growth; every performance is a dialogue between souls. Although the drama camp has ended, life goes on.Everything experienced during these days has planted a seed in the heart of every participant.The connection formed between the volunteers and the children possesses a power that transcends all barriers—enough to light the way forward on each other’s journeys.