More than 300 people from 52 Russian regions attended the forum, including government officials, cultural and theatre workers, teachers, professionals specialising in working with children and social work specialists, parents and children from all over Russia. The forum included discussions, master classes, short performances and full-length theatre productions.
During the plenary session, Maria Lvova-Belova noted that social theatre is an important area of work supervised by the institution of children’s rights commissioners. She added that for many children, theatre becomes a passion that unites them, unlocks their talents and capabilities, something that helps them find answers to important questions, resolve conflicts and decide on their future path, thanks to assistance from experienced teachers and mentors.
Maria Lvova-Belova stressed that social theatre contributes to social integration of children with disabilities, develops communication and teamwork skills, improves the overall cultural level while the topics of social theatre productions often relate to serious and highly relevant issues outside the realm of public discussion: bullying, isolation and the challenges of growing up.
Maria Lvova-Belova noted the importance of creating a single concept that would unite passionate and energetic people who want to get involved in social theatre.
As part of the nationwide inspection of the system for the prevention of social orphanhood, the Children’s Rights Commissioner chaired an expanded meeting with heads of agencies and institutions of the system for the prevention of child neglect and juvenile delinquency and members of the Commission for the Affairs of Minors and Protection of Their Rights of the Ulyanovsk Region.
During her working trip to the Ulyanovsk Region, Maria Lvova-Belova visited a specialised children’s home where she held a personal reception of citizens.