CELESTIAL CREATIVITY: UTILIZING DRAMA AND ART TO FOSTER CORE VALUES AMONG 21ST CENTURY YOUTH

Abstract

In this era, marked by shifting societal values and mounting challenges faced by today’s youth, nurturing a strong ethical foundation has become more urgent than ever. This study cultivates the transformative power of drama and storytelling as pedagogical tools for instilling core values in 21st-century young adults. Through this mixed-methods approach, participatory drama and narrative-based activities—collectively termed "Celestial Creativity"—were implemented across educational settings, engaging 100 students from diverse backgrounds aged–17-21 years. The Empirical findings based on this revealed a significant growth in empathy and collaboration, while the content analysis increased self-awareness, critical thinking, and a sense of social responsibility among all the participants. Beyond enhanced creative skills, students emerged from the program with deeper connections with their peers and a stronger sense of belonging and bonding, illustrating the profound humanizing impact of creative engagement. The study highlighted how creative expression, coupled with proper guided reflection, empowers youth to navigate moral dilemmas and develop resilience. This study advocates for the re-integration of experiential narratives and drama into educational frameworks as a cornerstone for character development, social cohesion, and holistic growth. The implications of this study provide compelling evidence for educators and researchers seeking innovative strategies to foster not only academically proficient but also morally grounded and socially responsible individuals prepared for the complexities of contemporary society.