The Jesuit who came up with TOAST for our youth

By Sheise Thomas, SJ

Background: Witnessing the increasing mental health struggles among teenagers and youngadults, I felt compelled to create a safe and nurturing space for them to heal and rediscover themselves. As a Jesuit priest and an artist, I believed in the power of art and storytelling to connect with young minds on a deeper level. This led to the development of ‘TOAST’  – Transform Oneself through Art, Stories, and Theatre – a unique program designed to address the emotional and social needs of teenagers and youth.

My journey began with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by today’s teenagers and youth. I observed that many were burdened by academic pressure, broken families, and the pervasive influence of social media. These factors, coupled with the isolation and uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, had led to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm among young people.

Motivated by a desire to make a difference, I began interacting with students through my roles as editor of Snehasena and Tik Tik Life. These interactions revealed a profound sense of loneliness and disconnection among many youth, who often felt unheard and unsupported.

The turning point came during an interactive session with a group of high school students. At the end of the session, three boys approached me with tears in their eyes, expressing their gratitude for the safe space and feeling of love they had experienced. They shared that they rarely felt heard or understood at home, and the session had provided a much-needed sense of belonging. This deeply moving encounter solidified my resolve to create a dedicated program for teenagers and youth.

The TOAST Approach: A Holistic Framework: TOAST is a multi-faceted program that utilizes the power of art, storytelling, movement and experiential learning to foster personal growth and emotional well- being.

Art as Expression: The program incorporates various art forms, including drama, music, visual arts, rhythm, and movement, as powerful tools for emotional expression and self-discovery. Through creative activities like painting, rhythm work, breathwork, and movement, participants are encouraged to explore their emotions, identify their strengths, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.

As a Jesuit priest and an artist, I believed in the power of art and storytelling to connect with young minds on a deeper level.

Storytelling as Connection: Narratives, both personal and shared, play a crucial role in connecting with participants on a deeper level, fostering empathy, and providing insights into human experiences. Storytelling sessions, ranging from personal anecdotes to mythological tales, create a space for reflection, introspection, and shared experiences. Through these narratives, participants learn about different perspectives, develop empathy for others, and gain a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Mindfulness and Movement: Mindfulness practices, breathwork, and movement exercises are integrated to cultivate inner peace, reduce stress, and improve emotional regulation. These practices help participants become more aware of their bodies and minds, develop greater self-control, and cultivate a sense of calm amidst life’s challenges.

Key Modalities:

Safe and Nurturing Space: TOAST emphasizes a non-judgmental, non-competitive and supportive environment where participants feel comfortable expressing themselves openly and honestly. The program fosters a sense of community and belonging, encouraging participants to connect with one another and build meaningful relationships.

Focus on Human Connection: The program fosters meaningful connections among peers, encouraging collaboration, empathy, and a sense of belonging. Through group activities and shared experiences, participants learn to appreciate the value of human connection and develop stronger social bonds.

These interactions revealed a profound sense of loneliness and disconnection among many youth, who often felt unheard and unsupported.

Emphasis on Self-Discovery: TOAST helps participants explore their emotions, identify their strengths, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Through creative expression and self-reflection, participants gain valuable insights into their own personalities, values, and aspirations.

The ‘Story Telling Bicycle’ Project: A Journey of Hope: Recognizing the need to address specific social issues, we expanded TOAST to include the ‘Story Telling Bicycle’ project – an innovative anti-drug campaign. This initiative involves traveling to schools on bicycle, conducting interactive storytelling and engaging theatre sessions that creatively convey the dangers of drug abuse and promote healthy lifestyle choices.

The ‘Story Telling Bicycle’ project adds a unique and engaging dimension to the TOAST program. By traveling to schools on bicycle, we not only reach out to a wider audience but also symbolize the journey towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.

The use of bicycle as a mode of transportation reinforces the message of healthy living and encourages participants to embrace active and sustainable lifestyles. The interactive storytelling sessions incorporate a variety of creative techniques, including storytelling, drama, and music, to captivate the attention of young audiences. Through engaging narratives, we explore the consequences of drug abuse, promote the importance of making healthy choices, and empower young people to lead fulfilling lives free from addiction.

Transformation: Through ‘TOAST’ workshops and the ‘Story Telling Bicycle’ project, we have witnessed a profound impact on the lives of young people.

Increased Self-Awareness: Participants have reported increased self-awareness, a deeper understanding of their emotions, and improved self-esteem.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Many participants have experienced a significant reduction in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

Improved Social Connections: The workshops have fostered meaningful connections among peers, creating a supportive and inclusive community.

Empowerment and Hope: TOAST has given young people a sense of hope and empowerment, equipping them with the tools and resilience to navigate life’s challenges.

A Beacon of Hope: TOAST stands as a testament to the power of compassionate engagement and creative approaches in addressing the mental health and emotional well-being of youth. By providing a safe and nurturing space for self-discovery and human connection, and by creatively addressing critical social issues like drug abuse through the ‘Story Telling Bicycle’ project, this innovative program offers a beacon of hope for young people struggling to find their way in a complex and often overwhelming world. I believe that through continued efforts and by reaching out to more young people, we can create a lasting positive impact on their lives and empower them to build a brighter future.

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