‘Ninpo & Far Eastern Philosophy’ Project-

The ‘Ninpo and Far Eastern Philosophy’ project is part of the Mladi Most (Young Bridge) program of cross community youth projects, which provides space and administrative support. Every seminar has been organized in cooperation with organizations who provide exercise space and distribute participant applications, particularly Youth Peace Group Danube/ Vukovar, Croatia, Shueler Helfen Leben/ Sarajevo, BiH and The Leadership Adventure BiH/USA (The Institute for Multi-track Diplomacy) and several other small and developing NGO's dedicated to the peace process.

Presently the project involves participants from Mostar, the participants take part in regular weekly workshops. They are guided by a trained instructor to develop their physical ‘Ninpo’ skills and forms of self defense as well as ‘developing the intuitive mind’ through interactive and explorative techniques. Parallel instruction in exercises identifying and controlling aggression, analyzing conflict and philosophical discussions on morals and ideals. Individual’s awareness of self and others and the ability to articulate within a group are focused upon to develop communication, trust and collaborative work. The Code of Conduct, etiquette and the instructor’s close facilitation provide a respectful and supported environment for learning and exploration.

Every 2 months a seminar involves up to 30 participants from communities outside Mostar. The Mostar students introduce ‘Ninpo and Far Eastern Philosophy’ to beginners and in the process develop intermediary students alongside the Mostar group. Participants attend from Croatian, Republika Srpska as well as Federation towns and are located through existing youth networks. Following these events participants are given materials and assignments for further personal study and the opportunity to attend the consecutive seminar. Presently, previous seminar participants have requested further exploration and expansion of the project to their communities and friends, a new pilot outreach project is being researched and implemented. The first outreach workshop took place in Konjic December 10^th and involved an advanced student from Mostar setting up and facilitating the workshop. The group in Konjic was so impressed they asked if we could come back every week.

As students develop through systems and techniques innate to Ninpo they take on leadership roles, students are asked to guide less experienced or less developed students in either philosophical or physical instruction. The seminars and workshops provide the opportunity for students to lead both physical and philosophical sections of the program with beginner students or less advanced students. Having developed suitable communication and teaching skills they take demonstration roles, introduce discussion as well as plan and organize the seminars with support from the instructor.

The ‘NINPO’ project is designed to facilitate young people to:

• restore their confidence and individual identity,

• explore and develop their personal strengths, skills, ideas and realize their potential,

• and reestablish their communication, understanding and cooperation with others from diverse communities.

• Understanding and demonstration of the Etiquette, physical techniques and Far Eastern ideologies of peace, compassion, understanding, respect for nature, and self-awareness.

• Developed articulation and communication skills of individuals within group environments.

• Leadership and teaching skills developed through workshops, outreach sessions, demonstration and discussion.

• Exchange of cultural experiences through discussion and collaborative group workshops.