Icebreakers: These activities can be carried out at the beginning of any session in the project for introductions and for bringing about an informal environment.

Activity : Icebreaker - First Name Introductions

Objective:

• To start proceedings on an informal note
• To introduce each participant

Duration: 10 - 15 Minutes

Procedure: Each participant is asked to introduce himself/herself in turn by simply adding an adjective before his/her name that begins with the same letter. For example:

• I am lucky Laila
• I am serious Suresh
• I am jolly Jack
• I am tall Tina

This can be done when seated, but becomes more fun and active if the participants stand in a circle. Ask each person to accompany his/her name with a movement or gesture (jumping, shrugging, twirling) while stepping into the circle. When they step back it is the next person's turn.

Comments: This exercise can serve as a reference point for the rest of the project as participants will remember amusing adjectives for each other. Most importantly, an atmosphere of informality is established. The physical movement relaxes participants and puts them at ease with others.

To Learn More: 'Participatory Learning and Action, A Trainer's Guide' by Pretty Guijt, Thompson and Scoones, 1995, London.