Restorative Practices & Intercultural Dance Workshops — Suriname
Project Overview
As part of an international cultural exchange initiative, Professor Kelvin Cooper of Restorative Wellness Playground traveled to Suriname to facilitate a series of workshops focused on restorative practices, dance, and community engagement.
The program brought together educators, community leaders, and young people through movement-based learning experiences designed to encourage reflection, collaboration, and cultural connection.
Through movement, dialogue, and shared creative exploration, participants examined how restorative practices and dance can strengthen communication, empathy, and leadership within communities.
Program Organization and Collaboration
The workshops in Suriname were organized by Dr. Aminata Cairo, whose work focuses on leadership development, cultural engagement, and community empowerment.
Dr. Cairo invited Professor Kelvin Cooper to facilitate a series of sessions that combined restorative wellness practices with intercultural movement and dialogue.
Together, the program created opportunities for educators and community members to explore how movement and reflective practices can support both personal well-being and community development.
Workshop Activities
The workshops focused on integrating restorative dialogue practices with movement and cultural dance exploration.
Participants engaged in activities such as:
- Restorative practice circles and reflective dialogue
- Intercultural dance and rhythm exercises
- Somatic movement practices supporting body awareness
- Collaborative activities designed to strengthen trust and communication
These sessions demonstrated how movement and dialogue can be used together to support both individual reflection and collective engagement.
Participants
The Suriname workshops welcomed a diverse group of participants including:
• college faculty members
• community teachers and administrators
• teenagers and young people interested in movement and creative expression
Workshops were held at a commercial studio, creating an environment where participants from different professional and generational backgrounds could engage together in shared learning experiences.
Impact
The workshops highlighted how restorative practices and cultural movement can serve as powerful tools for community engagement and leadership development.
By bringing together educators, youth, and community members, the program fostered meaningful dialogue about identity, communication, and collective responsibility.
The Suriname project reflects the broader mission of Restorative Wellness Playground—creating spaces where movement, culture, and dialogue help strengthen relationships and inspire positive change within communities.
Project Partners
Dr. Aminata Cairo
Program organizer
Professor Kelvin Cooper
Restorative Wellness Playground
Participants
College faculty
Community teachers and administrators
Teenagers and youth participants