Goal of the event:
Goal was to raise awareness among ESN members from all the sections. Some sections don't really implement the project because they think it is too hard and they don't have ideas. This event served to show them it doesn't take too much, it is not that hard but the message it sends is clear.
Short description of the event:
Most participants found about the event 5 minutes earlier. They had a short introduction where it was explained to them what is going to happen and what we planned to achieve with that activity. They all gathered in the main hall where the lunch was to be held. There we put blindfolds on them and led them to the tables. Tables were separated and we tried to mix as many people from different sections as possible. Then we served them lunch. They talked among themselves and ate. I walked around and talked to each group of people to see how they feel, what is their opinion on the activity, is it difficult for them etc. Basically they had small reflections during lunch. Goal was to make them aware about problems and difficulties people with visual impairments have. During lunch many of them took the blindfolds off because it was too much for them. Afterwards they discussed it a bit more.
How did your event go?:
It went well. Not all sections have event like this so it served as an example. It also made them think a bit more about our limits, the way we perceive things and basically about the project itself. They said the walk to the table made them insecure and they didn't know the people well and couldn't recognize them. They thought they were in the center of everyone's attention and they focused more on things they heard around them. Eating was a bit difficult for them also and many of them took the blindfold before the end. They thought it through and although it was interesting they realized how many obstacles people with visual impairments have and that was the goal. It was a lot of people but we didn't have any problems. Only thing I would change if I could would be the place. I would look for something more spacious for people, but this was NP and it was not up to me. Although it kind of added to the challenge in the end.
