Ten Sing

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Ten Sing is a Christian youth program within YWCA and YMCA, engaging teenagers in creative performing arts. [1]

Contents

The programme is run in several countries across Europe. [2] [3] [4] There are a few small groups outside Europe. [5]

The programme, as part of YMCA Europe, is accredited with the European Union. [6]

Activities, goals and values

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The core of Ten Sing is a set of principles known as The Ten Sing Idea, which acts as a common agreement for all member countries of the European Ten Sing Group. This framework guides the program's purpose and activities.

Abstract

Ten Sing is a YMCA international Youth programme and YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association), which focuses on getting young people to express themselves by using their own culture through creative performing arts.

The main aims

Ten Sing is an international program for young people focused on leadership, democracy, and personal development. It invites young people to engage in a creative process using various cultural expressions like music, dance, and drama within a Christian context.

The five C's

The five C's "Culture, Creativity, Care, Competence and Christ" are equally important parts of the Ten Sing idea.

By young people, for young people.

Ten Sing is built on the philosophy that young people know best what their peers think, dream of, and desire. Therefore, the program is deliberately structured to be run by young people, for young people. They are expected to be actively involved in managing and taking responsibility for the programs themselves.

While this responsibility is central, it's not without support. The principle of "young responsibility, adult presence" clarifies that adults play a vital, though supportive, role. The adults' primary function is to act as mentors for the youth leaders, offering help, support, and advice when it's needed. They are a resource, ensuring a safe and stable environment while still empowering young people to make their own decisions and lead the way.

The whole human being

Everybody has talents that can be used in Ten Sing, and everyone should get the chance to be creative and active with his or her own mind and body, thus stimulating their spirit. This happens through a great variety of performing arts, such as music, dance, drama, video and other creative expressions. The Ten Sing programme focuses on "the whole human being", with spirit, mind and body. The programme uses a triangle logo to symbolise body, soul and spirit. [1]

Process before product

In Ten Sing, the process is prioritized over the product. This means the ultimate goal isn't just to create a fantastic final performance, but to use the journey of making that performance as a tool for personal and social development.

The Ten Sing philosophy is that by focusing on the creative process, young people are encouraged to contribute and grow. This approach allows them to; By working together in a regular, safe environment, they learn teamwork, collaboration, and how to handle disagreements and challenges.They get the chance to experiment, try new things, and even fail, which is seen as a crucial part of the learning process.The final performance is a tangible product of their hard work. It allows the participants to reflect on their journey and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, validating the new skills and personal growth they've gained along the way.

Open membership, Christian leadership

Ten Sing is open to everyone irrespective of gender, beliefs, abilities, talents, ethnic and social background. It is not necessary to be a Christian to be a member of Ten Sing. [1] Nevertheless, to secure the Christian context of Ten Sing it's important that at least one of the key leaders is a Christian.

Origin

Ten Sing originated from Norway in 1968. [7] The name "Ten Sing" is a combination of the Norwegian suffix "-ten" (en. "-teen") and the English word "sing" - a kind of language mixing that was quite common in Norway at the time.

The first Ten Sing group was started in Bergen by Kjell Grønner. It was inspired by Sing Out, which later became known as Up with People. The years that followed more groups were formed in Norway, and today there are over hundred groups all over Norway. The Norwegian YWCA-YMCA wanted to implement Ten Sing in other European countries, and the starting point was Germany in 1986. This was the start of Ten Sing Norwegen, now Ten Sing Norway. The name has no relation to Tenzing Norgay.

The first European Ten Sing Conference was held in 1987.

Key events in the European Ten Sing Group (ETS)

Ten Sing Norway

Ten Sing Norway is a one-year leader training program within YMCA/YWCA of Norway. During the year the participants visit YMCA and YWCA - festivals, Ten Sing groups, youth clubs and groups within YMCA/YWCA in both Norway and Europe. When on tour, Ten Sing Norway is holding seminars, shows, concerts and Ten Sing rehearsals. The participants live at Rønningen Folk High School in Oslo, and study Bible studies and Christian Youth Work at the University of Oslo.

Sources

International sites

National sites

References

  1. 1 2 3 "FAQs". Ten Sing Norway. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  2. ↑ "Participating Choirs". Cycle of Songs. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  3. ↑ "Ten Sing". YMCA Ukraine. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  4. ↑ "Our Activities". YMCA Czech Republic. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  5. ↑ "YMCA Empowering Youth: Ten Sing Festival 2011 in full swing!". YMCA International. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  6. ↑ "Accredited organization: YMCA Movement". European Union Youth Portal. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
  7. 1 2 "Celebrating 50 years of Ten Sing". YMCA Europe. Retrieved 2024-12-12.
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