The Participa City Game
Participa City is an educational simulation game that combines cognitive learning with emotional and experiential engagement. It raises awareness of discrimination and exclusion, encourages participants to reflect on biases and stereotypes, and explores alternative ways of responding to discriminatory situations.
Participants take on different roles and encounter everyday situations at various locations across the fictional city. After the simulation, they step out of their roles and reflect on their experiences together. A facilitated debriefing provides space to discuss different perspectives and possible alternative actions.
Participa City is designed to be guided by a facilitator and requires careful preparation. All information and materials needed to run the game are available on this website. Before using the materials, facilitators should read the Trainer Manual to understand the overall concept and methodology, as individual files are not intended to be used independently.
How does the Participa City Game work?
Watch the video for a quick introduction to Participa City and learn how the simulation works, how the different game elements come together, and what to expect from facilitators when preparing and playing facilitating the game.
Still have questions? Take a look at our FAQ section for further information. In the Trainer Tool Box, which you can find among the game materials, you will get practical guidance in the trainer manual and other helpful information.
Through realistic scenarios, the game illustrates how racist actions can harm individuals, hinder participation, and disrupt social cohesion. It aims to foster a deeper understanding of a discrimination-free society through perspective-taking and knowledge-sharing.
Target Audience and Impact
The simulation game is designed for professionals in administration, education and other fields that are relevant for equal participation. It enhances participant’s ability to advocate for democracy and equality in a diverse society. Supplementary materials, such as glossary, info material, action cards support deeper engagement with the game’s themes.
Methodology and Process
Partcipants engage in dialogues to negotiate values and positions at various stationswithin the game. Intermediate stations provide additional context and knowledge through media and infotrmational materials. Decisions made during the scenarios shape the course of the game, emphasising individual agency and the power of choice. The protected environment allows for sensitive topics.
Objectives of the Game
- Raising awareness of racism: Participants learn to identify everyday racism and reflect on their role as affected individuals, observers, or beneficiaries.
- Promoting self-reflection: The game highlights how deeply racism is embedded in societal structures and personal socialization.
- Understanding the impact of racism: It reveals the consequences of racism, particularly in institutional settings, where discriminatory practices may inadvertently arise.