The utilization of public squares: considerations on the action of the social occupational therapist

Abstract

This work presents, as an experience report, the proposal which has been presented since 2015 as teaching, research and extension activity in social occupational therapy for undergraduate and graduate students from the Federal University of São Carlos – Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar). Starting from the proposal of working with poor young people from the urban area of São Carlos city, connected to the METUIA Program, which performs an extension program in such region since 2005, we weekly performed Workshops, Dynamics and Projects with the purpose of promoting spaces for interaction and socialization in a public square. The work methodologically used analyses from the participant objectivation at the workshops process, recorded through the production of academic papers and field journals, along with interviews made with participants. The results have shown the use of public spaces as a strategical possibility for the territorial and community work with the youth. The conclusion is that the squares can be a place for living and one of the elements on the constitution of social support networks for the young people from that neighborhood.

Keywords:
Social Occupational Therapy; Community-Institutional Relationship; Community Participation; Youth