Empowering through Narratives: The superhero journey in Grigio
Written by Alberte May Ahrentecht Jensen
Student at University College Copenhagen
Introduction
This past month, the boys in Grigios Journey have been involved in a project called “The Superhero Journey”, an innovative project designed to empower boys in Grigio’s Journey through narrative approaches and creative expression. By guiding the boys to create personal superhero identities, the project leverages storytelling and art to foster resilience, self-understanding, and personal growth.
“Can we take the superhero bracelets home?”
My perspective: I am a 27-year-old student from Denmark, studying Social Education at University College Copenhagen and specialising in social and special needs. I’m also pursuing a profile in social innovation and entrepreneurship and have been selected for a university talent programme. This programme allows me to apply my studies in a development project, where I’ve led, initiated, and communicated pedagogical development processes in practice.
My academic focus is on social innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in developing welfare services within educational institutions. Through my studies, I’ve gained insights into theories and methods for fostering innovation in pedagogy, equipping me with tools to design and implement meaningful social innovation projects.
I have explored how innovative approaches can enhance the autonomy and well-being of vulnerable groups, identifying key challenges in pedagogical practice. This curiosity has driven me to find new ways to address these issues effectively. With this passion, I was excited to create The Superhero Journey for the boys in Grigio’s Journey.
“I want to make a car that can help transport others. That is my superheroes accessory”
The superhero journey
The Superhero Journey is a creative, narrative-driven project empowering the boys in Grigio’s Journey. It began with a backstory letter: “A great challenge awaits those who dare. In two weeks, you must be ready. Each of you must create a hero that only you can imagine. Choose wisely, for your choices will decide your fate.”.
In the first phase, the boys explored superheroes to understand strengths, potential, and personal narratives. They discussed well-known heroes, identified their abilities, and coloured various characters to see diverse heroic identities. The first activity involved creating their own superhero. Using a large white sheet, a personal photo, paints, and brushes, they designed their hero’s body, costume, and strengths.
Next, they explored challenges superheroes face. Through a storytelling exercise starting with “If I had a superhero, I would…”, they engaged with thoughts on how to overcome obstacles. The boys then decorated superhero masks to connect emotions with creative expression. They explained their masks’ meanings and powers, deepening reflection on their hero’s identity.
Rooted in the work of psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, logotherapy is a meaning-centered approach that helps individuals find purpose through their experiences, even in the face of suffering. Logotherapy was incorporated in the project to highlight how struggles shape growth, reinforcing empowerment and purpose.
“My superhero’s superpower is to make other people happy”
To further explore their superheroes’ strengths, each boy crafted a superhero accessory from clay, symbolising their character’s mission. The boys created things such as a helping star, a hammer, and a vehicle. This encouraged self-reflection on their own qualities and how they could support others. They then developed their hero’s backstory and mission through group discussions and one-on-one conversations, personalising their characters to reflect their strengths and experiences. In another activity, they made superhero bracelets, where each bead symbolised a strength, serving as a tangible reminder of their abilities and personal power.
The project also explored the idea that superheroes, like real people, sometimes need help. Through art and narrative therapy, the boys explored difficulties and linked their superhero’s qualities to real-life challenges, fostering resilience and self-understanding.
For the final activity, the boys baked cakes, with each ingredient symbolising a strength. Flour for perseverance, eggs for courage, sugar for kindness. As they baked, they reflected on how these qualities helped them overcome challenges. Sharing the cake reinforced connection and mutual support.
“Can I put the paint on my hands and do prints on my superhero?”
Final outcome
This project was an eye-opening experience, and I learned so much along the way. The boys constantly surprised me. They never did exactly what I expected, but that’s what made it so special. They brought their own personality and creativity into it, adding value in ways I couldn’t have planned for. There were also plenty of unexpected challenges that needed to be solved, which pushed me to think on my feet and adapt.
The Superhero Journey had a noticeable impact on the boys’ self-awareness and emotional expression. Many of those who at first struggled to talk about their feelings or experiences, began to open through the lens of their superhero. By giving their character a personal story, strengths, and challenges, they indirectly shared their own. Some boys reflected on family situations, fears, or past difficulties. Others discovered strengths they hadn’t recognised in themselves, such as bravery, kindness, or the ability to help others. They became more confident in expressing who they are, and many showed greater empathy and interest in one another’s stories. The project helped them feel proud of themselves and what they had created, and it gave them tools to talk about their inner world in a safe and empowering way.
Seeing how the project impacted each boy individually made it all worth it. This experience has inspired me to improve and build on the idea, and I am excited to create similar projects in the future. The Superhero Journey will now be a part of Grigio’s Journey in the coming semesters, so more boys will get the chance to take part in it.
