Sarina's Big Little Caravan of Joy

It's a Wrap! The African Tour Ends!

2011-09-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Family, Friends, Students, Dancers, The Bedford Park Players, The Summerhill Players, The Vintage Dancers, and most generous and faithful supporters:

I am now back in Canada having returned from an unprecedented and hugely successful 3 month tour of Africa with my cherished charity The Big Little Caravan of Joy (BLCJ). This summer The BLCJ journeyed through 4 African countries, planting seeds of creativity and inspiration, for 1,000s upon 1,000s of individuals. The recipients of this year’s program were made up of child care workers, educators, artists, government officials, NGOs and primarily vulnerable and orphaned children. Traveling non-stop for almost 12 weeks, The BLCJ landed in Swaziland, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Ghana. Regional African artists (called “Team Joy”) trained with a child-centric methodology worked day in and day out in dusty fields, townships, remote villages and rural communities empowering children in their presence . Whether it was facilitating an arts based curriculum in primary schools, Arks and communities or leading workshops at day symposiums and national conferences, designed and implemented by The BLCJ (specifically The Empowered African Child Conference and The Empowered Noah Child Conference) the energy, dedication and inspiration that the was expressed and shared by Team Joy(s) will be felt by 1,000s of African children for years to come.

Rather than creating a report that would epitomize an encyclopedia’s worth of wins and successes, I instead have compiled succinct lists of accomplishments, key individuals and organizations that have contributed to the overall achievements of The BLCJ’s 2011 journey throughout Africa. It must be stated that without the support and kind hearts of many individuals here in Canada, America and Africa, who passionately believe in the transformative power of the arts, this tour would not exist. With profound appreciation I write this report in order to honour and acknowledge the hundreds of supporters and volunteers, the teams of brilliant artists, childcare workers and educators, and the 1,000s of vulnerable and orphaned children who participated in our 2011 program. Without their generosity, faith and commitment The BLCJ’s vision would have not reflected such radiant colour and exuberant spirit. I continue to be fully devoted to the teams of artists who have remained loyal, unwavering and wholehearted to the vision, as well to the sweet and innocent African children who have joyfully participated in our programs.

With deep gratitude and respect,

Sarina Condello

Founder and Director

The Big Little Caravan of Joy

Swaziland Accomplishments and Outcomes 2011

Accomplishments:

• Implemented a 6-day integrated arts program at Emabheleni Primary School, for 104 students in Hhohho region, in the rural community of Maphalaleni

• Donated $500 worth of school supplies to the Emabheleni Primary School. This included science materials, posters, chalk, classroom supplies, books etc.

• Facilitated The Empowered African Child Conference (EACC 2011) which was a day symposium designed to: cultivate, celebrate and empower the expressive and authentic spirit the Swazi child by drawing on the artistry of the performing arts and the magic of creative play. Over 60 educators, artists, NGOs, and government officials attended. The day symposium was financially assisted by the Ministry of Arts and Culture, Swaziland.

Outcomes:

• Developed the Artist-in- Residency Program that will integrate all four arts forms as taught by certified and trained Swazi performing and visual artists. The Artist-in-Residency Certification program would include 20 hours of theory and 30 hours of field work. This will include testing, analyzing teaching techniques and 3 field placements before entering as an artist in the schools.

• Developed the Primary Arts Certification Program which will be designed for Swazi Primary Grade teachers and will provide educators with extra training and specialization in one or all four art forms: music, dance, drama and visual arts. These specialization courses would take 12-14 hours, during a weekend of training, to complete each. The educator would receive a certificate of completion in the art form studied. All courses will be taught by arts educators in the country who specialize in the particular art form taught.

South Africa Accomplishments and Outcomes 2011

Accomplishments:

• Designed, implemented and facilitated a weekend national symposium held at Mangosuthu University of Technology entitled The Empowered Noah Child Conference for over 355 Activity Programmers and Ark Managers. The goal of the ENCC was to honour and educate those who care for the children and to provide them with the necessary tools and renewed inspiration to infuse each and every Noah child with something vital - joyful play!

• Facilitated 2 Performing Arts Camps with Noah, South Africa: Christianenberg Ark involved 100 children Siyanqoba Ark in New Castle involved 160 children

• Donated a year’s supply of art materials, costumes, metal trunks and soccer balls to Siyagoba

Outcomes:

• A certification course for all Activity Coordinators and Ark Managers based on Child Spirit ti be implemented in 2013

• Development of 4-5 South Africa Team Joys for sustainable roll-out programming through the year

• A certification course for South African artists so that Team Joy SA will grow in numbers

“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”

Nelson Mandela

Zimbabwe Accomplishments and Outcomes 2011

Accomplishments:

• Designed, implemented and facilitated a full day workshop for 30 artists and teachers in Gwanda

• Created and developed potential collaborative relationships with the Ministry of Arts and Culture, the Ministry of Education, SOS Children’s Villages Zimbabwe, Family Trust Harare, and SNV Zimbabwe

• Implemented a 5 day program arts based program at Mount Cazelet Primary School, Gwanda for 350 children

Outcomes:

• Designed a certification course in Arts Education for all Primary Educators in the region of MAT South

• Developed a 6 day Creative Empowerment Camp to be held in Victoria Falls Rest Camp for 40 sexually abused children who are part of Family Support Trust based in Harare

• Created a 5 day placement with SOS Villages and guardian workshops located outside of Bulawayo

• Implemented and assisted the ongoing development of an annual Children’s Festival that would celebrate child spirit and creativity in the MAT South region

Ghana Accomplishments and Outcomes 2011

Accomplishments:

•Created a 3 week tour for 7 Canadians that embodied cultural education and volunteerism experience

•Facilitated a 5 days performing arts camp for 150 children of Dagbamete. Metro TV did a news story on The Big Little Caravan of Joy’s work in Ghana. It was aired in Senegal, Nigeria and Togo and Ghana.

•Hosted a Grandmother’s Evening Feast to honour and celebrate the women who have contributed to child spirit in the village of Dagbamete

Outcomes:

•Ongoing training and development of artists in arts and education in the Volta region

•Developed a National Children’s Festival that will be held in Dagbamete, August 2014

•Designed a 5 day arts placement with Team Joy Ghana in the village of Dzogadze

• Developed the of permanent after-school arts training studio for the youth of Dagbamete. This would include a sewing centre and a visual arts studio and gallery.

The Bottom Line for 2011

Children who received 15-25 hours of arts based learning: 864

Adults trained in an art-based and child-centric curriculum: 465

Children who will benefit from the educators and artists training: 20,000+

Weight in pounds of the art supplies transported from Canada to Africa: 700

Hired artists for the entire tour: 35

Canadian Volunteers: 11

Kilometres traveled throughout the tour: 24,898

Crayons used: 2,500

The Big Little Caravan of Joy T-shirts distributed: 60

The Final Tally since 2006:

Children since 2006 that the BLCJ has empowered with an average of 20 hours of programming for each and every child involved: 3,914

Artists, educators, child care workers that BLCJ has educated since 2006: 546

A Big Thank you to the following individuals and groups for supporting the ongoing works of The Big Little Caravan of Joy:

Fundraising Communities
The Bedford Park Players, The Summerhill Players, The Vintage Dancers, many generous individuals

Supporting Organizations
Friends of Noah Canada Noah, South Africa (Especially Rachel Compaan)
US AID
PEPFAR, USA
Peopleʼs Educational Theatre, Swaziland
Ministry of Arts and Culture, Swaziland
Ministry of Education, Zimbabwe
Ministry of Sports, Arts, Culture, Zimbabwe

Individual Supporters:
Kevin Sullivan, Kristi Herold, Nicky Potter, Susan Warburton, Vivian Saffer, Bojan Vitko, Randi Kirshehnbaum, Sarah Ferris, Kyra, Quentin and Teya Vitko, Ruth and Tony Condello, Mark Greenspan, Russ Smith,
Cary Laudadio, Sheila Philcox

Team Joy South Africa 2011
Susie Mjwara, Busi Biyela, Sipho Mdletshe, Sabee Shozi, Mr. Fish/Sibusiso Dlamini

Team Joy Zimbabwe 2011
Andrew Moyo ( Co-director), Richard Ndlovu, Brain Ndlovu, Adrian Drivo, Musa Khulekani Sibanda, Bathabile Nyatin

Team Joy Swaziland 2011
Nicholas Mamba ( Co-director), Andrew Moyo, Sandile Ndzimandze, Musa Zikalala, Phumzile Dlamini, Wandile Mabaso

Team Joy Ghana 2011
Aku Richter (Co-director), Joe Dunyo, Andrew Dunyo, Sakora Dzamesi, Ledzi Agudzemegah

Canadian Volunteers
Damarise Ste. Marie (Co-director) EACC, ENCC, Swaziland, South Africa
Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison- ENCC, South Africa
Kristi Herold- ENCC, South Africa
Vivian Saffer- ENCC, South Africa
Nicky Potter- EACC, ENCC, Swaziland, South Africa
Jillian Green- Ghana
Gail Leger- Ghana
Miles Vitko- Ghana
Susan Beayni- Ghana
Sandra Laurin- Ghana
Jan Sutin- Ghana
Kate Westphal - Ghana

Thank you Karen Krakowitzer for seeing the importance and relevance of this material for Noah’s children. Also a big thanks to Dr. Greg Ash for creating this organization and supporting South African’s most vulnerable and sweet. A big hug to Daisy, Cno, Shku, Bongiwe and Numusa for your work and support too during this time. But the biggest thank you goes to the force behind the ENNC and that has been Rachel Compaan! She single handedly executed all aspects to the ENC conference with hard work, vision and dedication. Nicky Potter, you have been my guardian angel. Thank you for journeying not once but twice into the heart of Africa in only three months!
Thank you Nicholas, Sandile, Andrew, and Damarise for the heart and soul you have contributed to this journey!
Jamie, you simply set me up! Thank you dear man!

The Empowered Noah Child Conference Blew Us AWAY!

2011-07-06T04:37:00.000-07:00

I am filled with gratitude and absolute profound contentment! The Empowered Noah Child Conference was a brilliant success!! Over 350 Child Care Activity Coordinators and Ark Managers sang, danced, painted, chanted, played games, worked- out, took part in break away sessions, and ate until their hearts and bellies were content beyond belief.The participant’s excitement and enthusiasm was the heart beat behind the success of the weekend. Their hard working bodies and hands needed a good fun weekend to connect to their own child spirits! They came from all over South Africa by busses, taxis and trains. Some traveled over night to get there, others came from their townships close by. We were fortunate to book Mangosutho University and even though the professors and staff were on strike, we all entered with ease and grace. For many of the women and men this was the very first time they have ever been to a big city before.

This conference was a 5 star experience for the women and men who attended! We had floral arrangements on the table, conference bags equipped with t-shirts, books and great gifts, crafts, gospel singers, child dancing troupes, DJ music throughout, a Sharon and Bram sing-a-long, a trip to the beach, a braai and the list goes on and on and on! I had some of my Canadian friends there: Vivian Saffer, Kristi Herold, Nicky Potter, Damarise Ste. Marie, Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison. My Swazi brothers came: Nicholas Mamba, Andrew Moyo and Sandile Ndzimandze. And my South Africa Team Joy shone ever so brightly: Sussie, Innocent Sabee Shozi, Sipho Mdletshe, Busi and Mr. Fish. The biggest joy was watching a hundred women run into the ocean for the first time in their lives! It was a humbling and beautiful experience. What a blessed time in my life.

My facilitation team for the conference were between the ages of 23 and 70 years; 50% were Zulu and 50 % were Canadian; 50% were men and 50% were women. This created a brilliant message for the delegates. Simply, any age, stage or nation can connect to the child spirit!

Below is my opening speech. I dressed as a Zulu princess and I spoke in Zulu too.The crowd loved it; actually they went mad with spirited cheers! Thanks to all my supporters, kind hearts and my guardian angels. But most of all thanks to Rachel Compaan who pulled this entire weekend together! Without her dedication and devotion to the cause this journey would not have even started.

Sarina’s Opening Speech

July 1st, 2011

Before I begin the the day I would love to begin with an affirmation for the unfolding of this day: "May today there be peace within all of us throughout the day. May we all trust that we are exactly where we are meant to be. May we use the gifts that we receive during this weekend, and pass on the love and learnings and insights that has been given to us to all the children of our care. Let this new, inspired information and knowledge settle into our bones, and allow our souls the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. Let us remain in deep profound gratitude for all that work and energy that has been put forth so that we may enrich not only our lives but the lives of all of Noahʼs children. "Blessed be and amen!”

Thank you one and all! How beautiful you all are tonight!

You are taking part of an historic event. Never before in South African history, actually in African history, have so many child activity coordinators and Ark Managers have come together for one cause only-- to celebrate and honour child spirit. This event is designed for you so that you can be empowered as well! You are all here: 352 bright hearted individuals! You all touch the lives of 19,422 orphaned and vulnerable children. Imagine that! The benefits of this conference is staggering; almost 20,000 individuals will benefit from this sharing of new information and a new approach that will empower thousands of vulnerable and orphaned children and hundreds of child activity coordinators and child care workers. Are you happy to be here? Yes, are you happy to be here? I am so happy too!

Without the tireless work and support of many individuals this event could not and would not have happened. Firstly I want to thank US AID and PEPFAR for their financial support of this inspired event. With out their support we could not have gathered all of you together. I also want to thank my assistant Damarise Ste. Marie who has been part of this journey for a while. Her assistance has been a huge help to me. I also want to thank Friends of Noah Canada and Nicky Potter for letting my join there forces. It has been through this partnership that I has given me an easier route to all of you and Noah’s children. I want to thank my Team Joy in Swaziland and my Team Joy South Africa for helping me lay down the bricks of possibility for creative programming that touches the true essence of child spirit.

This vision could not have been executed without the tireless work of the Noah South African team. Thank you Karen Krakowitzer for seeing the importance and relevance of this material for Noah’s children. Also a big thanks to Dr. Greg Ash for creating this organization and supporting South African’s most vulnerable and sweet. A big hug to Daisy, Cno, Shku, Bongiwe and Numusa for your work and support too during this time. But the biggest thankyou goest to the biggest force behind this conference and that has been Rachel Compaan! She has single handedly held this vision and has executed all aspects to this conference with hard work, vision and dedication. You have an angel in this woman and I thank her. More gratitude will follow for many more.

I have been working and collaborating with Noah for the since 2005. So far I have trained 30 child activity coordinators, 20 artists and I have integrated my arts based program with The Big Little Caravan of Joy in 7 Arks. Working in the field I discovered that the staff of each Ark delighted in the activities I did with the children. And the children loved it ..So much that it moved me to doing something much bigger. I wanted to create a gathering that brought all of you together.

I wanted to see and touch each and everyone of you. I also wanted the opportunity to say to you that you deserve a big applause and a big thank you for taking the time to replenish, enrich, enlighten and renew your resources to do the most important work on this planet. All of you have been entrusted with the most influential role known to humanity. And there are no accidents. You are here for this relationship that you have with children is put in place to evolve your hearts and souls.

Like you, I’m an early childhood educator, and I never take this simple but profound truth for granted. We, as teachers of children, help create the fabric of who we are and, more importantly, who we will be as communities in the future.

Children are our most precious natural resource - and by “our”, I mean the world’s. Whether here in South Africa or in Canada, where I come from, or anywhere else on this beautiful planet, I truly believe that every positive interaction, thought and feeling that we facilitate for children contributes to a better world - for all of us. The art of teaching children affects eternity.

This conference is titled The Empowered Noah Child. As we move through the weekend we must understand what empowerment means. For the sake of this conference empowerment of a child means: to enable a child to become stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and makingFreedom comes with the liberty of creating and expressing one self. I comes have purpose. The only thing that can really trap the radiant heart, mind and spirit of a child, and a nation are the thoughts that are held in the mind. Unethical behavior, negative thinking, lack of expression, disconnection from community, culture, lack of self.

This of course should be given with love and respect. Deep profound love. The meal that is given to a hungry child alleviates hunger but given in love, the meal fills more than the hunger itself.

The love of the teacher, NGO, artist educator, child care worker equips the child to pass along this gain to others. That is how it works. This kindness and creative opportunity that you give to a child will create a chain reaction. One that many will feel in the future.

Bottom line for me: giving a loving, creative program that meets the needs of the young child is wisdom. For this kind of giving is subject to cause and effect.

But here lies the secret for all the educators in the trenches, wise and loving education comes from wise self love. Or in others words, wise giving comes from wise living.

If we are giving of ourselves we are giving to ourselves. And so this experience is completely for you! I love you all and will remain devoted to your cause for the next five years. Enjoy, celebrate and connect to your playful spirit this weekend. Learn new things and try your best to give them back to the children when you return home!

You are all so beautiful to me. Thank you!

Sarina Condello

The EACC DELIVERS BIG TIME IN SWAZILAND!!

2011-06-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

What a success; a huge success! I am absolutely thrilled with our very first ever African Empowered Child Conference ever! They came from all walks of child-based professions--NGOs, Educators, Social Workers, Curriculum Developers, Artists and the most amazing four girls that in every sense of the word embodied the spirit of our conference. I have added Nicholas Mamba’s speech that opened the conference and a few letters of gratitude that the teachers and student of Emabheleni Primary School.

Damarise Ste. Marie did a contemporary dance and I danced along with The People’s Educational Theatre. With almost 60 in attendance, the final consensus was that the arts must be part of the young Swazi child’s development in order to reach a level of empowerment so that they can evolve and thrive in the future.

By the end of the conference all delegates were in tears as the young girls gave their most heart-felt testimonials about The Big Little Caravan of Joy and our Team Joy!

Without the help of Nicholas Mamba, Andrew Moyo, Sandile Ndzimandze, Damarise Ste. Marie, and the entire Team Joy this day would not be possible. A big thank you goes to Swaziland’s Arts and Culture Department for financially contributing to this day!

I hope you enjoy this entry!

Nicholas Mamba’s Opening Key Note Address for the very first

Empowered African Child Conference 2011 held on African Soil

Investing in educating children rarely trusts the hands of creativity in solving problems. Interventions are full of red tape-- rigid procedures, donʼt promote this. The whole country panicked as a result of our situation with HIV and AIDS. During this rush, to do whatever we could to fight this pandemic, there was a tendency to regard the Swazi citizens as incapable of dealing contemporary and socially relevant issues. I am sure you know this. Essentially we were all told that there is a monster out there - do this and donʼt do that.

During this race against time the methods that were put in place were not culturally sensitive. The techniques and practices at times would have a young child 18 or so talking to 50 year olds about sex. Not only was this a taboo but it made the message ineffective and almost was ridiculed. They older communities and families were insulted. Some sections of populations would not come to the party anymore. We lost a lot of ground because of this disconnection and we divided the population. I myself took part in programs of sensitizing young people about abuse and how it effects their lives. The young child would be made of aware of many things; the implications and repercussions of abuse and the many faces of abuse. The program aimed to empower the child to stand up against abuse. An interesting thing and fact about this activity is that all of them were about abuse; they were feeling the pressure of retelling their true story. Were we meeting the needs of the child? Bottom line, as much at this programʼs intention was to empower the child in actual in fact it created a conflict and much confusion in communities. However the approach shifted over the years. The partnership with the NGOS came with a new way to review and create programming that integrated the performing arts and culturally sensitive activities.

This to me was a much better methodology as it tries very hard bridge the gaps! It was very exciting as an artist to work on a program that dealt with the male population. It was an eye opener to participate in dialogue with these men. In some extent the men were demonized and vilified in many community dramas. After many discussions, it was very interesting to realize that everybody wanted the best for the country, in this country. But as leaders of art and change of our society we have always recognized the significance of empowering the child. We formed an association that dealt specifically with theatre and young people.

With this association we have worked with 40% of the students of Swaziland. Now through the support of the UN bodies and NGOs, we were able to use art as a vehicle to empower the child and also to give the young people of Swaziland all the information and life skills they needed during these times of struggle. All the regions of Swaziland were set ablaze in 2007 with our artists training and organizing performances in their respective constituencies. Some of the best works of arts that I have ever seen, of HIV performances, were crafted by children during this time.

But there was something missing.

However good those efforts were, there was still more that was needed to be done. In our hearts we knew that we were part of an exciting movement but there was something missing. These arts based methods were not age specific. We did not take into consideration age appropriate activities for the children; we just blanketing them as an age bracket. A six year old, with her two front teeth missing, would be discussing HIV, sex trafficking, abuse and the like.

In 2009, our relationship with the Yale University brought our team us to working with Clowns Without Borders South Africa. The gift that this relationship brought to the table was an understanding of the power of laughter and play. We worked in remote rural schools and for that week we infected the South East Swazilandʼs schools.

But something was still missing.

We were tapping into the element happiness with the children but we not tapping into their inherent nature and joy. Some of you may not know the difference between the two. Last year I was introduced to the difference. Simply stated happiness comes from receiving, joy comes from giving. Happiness is something that is fleeting, like we are all happy that we are going to feed you for free today. Joy is something that carries on despite circumstances.

Joy is an attitude of the heart. As happiness in life will eventually fade-- joy will remain in tact. Joy brings us peace in the middle of a storm. But the question is how do you unleash this joy in children? This brings me to the present time, to the now, to where we are all sitting in this room.

In the last two years I have had my artistic world revived! Ngingene Endumbeni!

I discovered during this time that the spirit of art safely holds us together and it is bigger than what we have been offering to communities at large. Particularly when it is applied to the mind of the child.

I have had the opportunity to go into a couple of schools and work with all the children where we created a production with the entire school body. And we are talking a population of 630 children at one school and at another 104! Scary but very possible. This project integrated all the art modalities for each and every child. It included a handful of visual arts projects, drama, song, dance and story telling. It culminated in a festival like day where all the showed off their creations and performed for the community.

It also included participation and performances by the teachers. The facilitators were called “ Team Joy”. It was humbling to witness the uniqueness of each childʼs creative work It is impossible for me to really give you the picture of what unfolded there. You really needed to be there to fully appreciate the impact of our program. Now I also want to say that I strong believe that it comes at the right time for our country. I am sure all of you are aware that the arts curriculum has been developed for the primary grades and is being implemented to some degree as practical arts.You may also be aware that there is a strong push in our education sectors for creative learning. As a result there is a new university which is 100% based in creative arts education. Our program as piloted in Swaziland at two primary schools provide some ideas on how the arts can implemented in its fullest form.

We recognize that intention alone is not enough to bring our dream to life which is why we are utmostly blessed when we developed a relationship with Sarina Condello of The Big Little Caravan of Joy. Sarina is a complex yet simple combination of a performing artist, motivational speaker, professor of arts and education which is all driven by her spiritual nature. She can soil her hands in the mud while playing with children, and also stand tall in high heels in a lecture room in honour in the young child. This is a quality that I deeply admire for I have realized that in order to put the interest of the child first we have to fight from many fronts, which is why we brought all of you together in your esteemed professions and competencies.

It is an honour for me therefore to be at the center of passing this gift to my fellow Swazi artists, our partners, the NGOs and the teachers. The goal for me is commitment. If we can all at least, in our daily programming, commit to some of these philosophies that would be a success to us.

Emabheleni Primary School

PO Box 3672

MBABANE

23 June 2011

Dear Friends,

We are kindly writing this letter to let you know about your support you did for our school.

We are very happy to visit our school to teach us different things. Now we can decorate in the wedding or party. We can make money by using the knowledge you gave us. You did a very important job to teach us that we must run away from danger through the games you have taught us.

We are thankful for visiting our school you have done just a perfect job to choose our school. We are grateful to teach us games and songs that we were never knew. As we are the students we thank you that you have visited some of the schools in Swaziland.

Please don’t end in our school that go all over Swaziland to teach them this good things.

Yours faithfully

Students

Dear Team Joy

Re: Appreciation for your special visit

On behalf of Emabheleni Primary School’s teachers, pupils and parents I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Big Little Caravan of Joy for making a stop in our school.

I am grateful that you made our school a pilot school in the different levels of art i.e. visula and performing art in which all pupils participated expressing a sense of creativity, exploration and enjoyment in the whole process.

The pupils who were withdrawn in class gained confidence and positive self esteem. Pupils who are less gifted academically saw themselves as achievers too.

May I also sincerely thank you and your team for the useful teaching materials you donated to us.

The fish, butterflies, flowers and photo frames they designed tell a wonderful story about their talents and future careers.

The pupils discovered their skills in singing, dancing, poetry and dramatising since this was interestingly performed.

This goes true for the saying that goes ‘Every child is a potential achiever’. May you be blessed and continue with this mission even in other schools in the country for the benefit of the Swazi child.

God bless you all.

Yours Sincerely

Sbusiso Ndzinisa (Principal)

Let's Imagine!

2011-06-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

Today is the day of a most historic event titled " The Empowered African Child Conference"! IT is about to be put in ACTION so that the lives of Swazi children will be uplifted to a place of sustainable empowerment and profound joy. I have worked so hard for the last year on this event and also "The Empowered Noah Child Conference". Without the guidance of the beloved Nicholas Mamba I do not think this would be possible to execute with such grace. I humbly thank him for all that he has done. Another big thanks goes to Sandile Ndzimandze who has been working hard in the background, helping us with all the logistics needed in order to put on such an event. And without darling Damarise Ste. Marie I would feel disconnected from the Earth. Simply, I love these Swazi men who have been by my side for the last 2 summers, making sure that this magical change for all the children in this country, would happen during our lifetimes! I thank them humbly for not only looking out for me but for working around the clock to support this work in their country.

I will also be proposing a new program for these children where they will not only imagine themselves entering a place of new-found freedom and joy but in actuality, they will be EXPERIENCING themselves that way! I will end the conference with these words, for it is within the sacred container of the imagination that we begin planting seeds of change and possibility for the future.

Let's Imagine

Let’s imagine that we all give children a chance to speak their truth.

Let’s imagine that we give children time to dance, sing, paint, dance and dance some more.

Let’s imagine that boys, girls, men and women can see the beauty in our differences and the power in our similarities.

Let’s imagine that all Swazi educators, arts educators have time to rest, play, and get the support they need.

Let’s imagine that we all are present for our children and all the children we come across.

Let’s imagine that the system is designed not to judge our days by what our harvest has reaped but by the all the seeds we have all planted.

Let’s imagine that we allowed children to do what they love.

Let’s imagine that charity is an imperative aspect to our society.

Let’s imagine that early childhood education was viewed by our society as the one of the most important professions.

Let’s imagine that we all maintain the capacity for life long wonder.

Who knows? If we play it for all it's worth, we might just make it happen.

The times they are a-changin'!

2011-06-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Come gather 'round people

Wherever you roam

And admit that the waters

Around you have grown

And accept it that soon

You'll be drenched to the bone

If your time to you Is worth savin'

Then you better start swimmin'

Or you'll sink like a stone

For the times they are a-changin'!

Today was a great day! Great for so many reasons!

Firstly, we just got GREAT news that the department of Arts and Culture has contributed to our Empowered African Child Conference. If the government is backing this concept then the possibility of this inspired work unfolding with grace and speed is imminent!

Secondly, Team Joy is absolutely on FIRE!! The work we are doing, in this tiny little mountain school, is revolutionary in all ways. Culturally it is relevant and based in the Swazi Arts. The intention to empower all the children, regardless of HIV status or background, is a huge success. It is using a child- driven and child centric curriculum where child participation is 100%!!

And finally, I just finished buying, for the small school Mabheleni, supplies for each of the seven classrooms. This donation will be presented tomorrow at our community show. Costumes, face paint, sets, songs, dances and drama skits will be presented. The topic is playful, imaginative and age appropriate for young children. I feel blessed that I can contribute in this way. All of our fundraising back in Toronto is payed forward in the hope that we empower as many children possible!

This work is about creative play; play in its most authentic form. Play that unleashes the child spirit and creates a springboard for expression of many sorts.

Carl Jung, the famous philosopher said, “The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves.”

Child spirit is what enables children to walk into any space and instantly see a detail that our adult eyes, often conditioned by habit or distracted by other thoughts, no longer see. Child spirit is what propels children to ask so many extraordinary questions about the world they live in and people around them – like “do our toys die when we die?” and “where does wind come from?” Child spirit is what enables a child to play and connect and feel joy, even though one or both of their parents has left their lives so early and isn’t there to nurture, guide, love and bear witness to their lives.

And child spirit doesn’t only reside in children. All of us have child spirit inside of us – we are all born with it. I see it everyday as we are doing this work. Every single teacher that we are working with delights in using the same materials as the children do. They sing the songs, dance the dances with a huge smiles on their faces. For many adults, they have put it away, or had it taken away, consciously or unconsciously. Maybe it’s tucked away in a little box or hidden behind some trees over there - but make no mistake, it’s there in everyone of us, in all of us!

Play is vital. It is an intrinsic and irreplaceable medium that helps children understand the world around them. All of us are born with the ability to play and create. It is one of our greatest gifts. You only have to observe these bright Swazi children while they play and create in this school to see the wonder and power of this gift in its most effervescent and spirited form. This is a gift. A blessing. A joy!
Children are the masters of finding happiness and it is through their play that this is realized. It's what they do. Birds fly, fish swim and children play. It's also the way they learn and acquire cognitive, social and motor skills.

Embracing play as a learning tool can lead to a special kind of intelligence. I think the most alluring affect that play provides for the participant is the development of the ability to take notice and act upon the nuances of a given situation. Just like an artist, the person engaged in the moment has their eyes, ears, minds, bodies and hearts wide open. This heightened awareness enables them to tune their focus and in doing so it guides their work. I learned this very early on in my teaching. It is this very thing that has inspired me to pass it down to children that are underprivileged and vulnerable.

And so we continue are work with love, dedication and joy. I look forward to tomorrow's tomorrow and the tomorrow of Swazi's future in art education for the young child!

Namaste!

Swaziland is ready for a bright, buoyant and creative transformation!

2011-06-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Swaziland is ready for a bright, buoyant and creative transformation. The potential in this country is evident where ever we go. The Swazi children are impressionable and bright, and within minutes their creative work evolves into little masterpieces before our eyes.

Our Team Joy 2011 is an experienced one. This is our second year facilitating this project in the country. It is made up of the invincible Nicholas Mamba who directs The People’s Educational Theatre. I feel blessed to know this gentleman and have realized that we are kindred spirits. My assistant is none other but the graceful and enchanting Damarise Ste. Marie. She keeps me organized, well fed and is a fantastic facilitator in all ways. God bless that girl. And wow, what a dancer! Team Joy also consists of the extraordinary Andrew Moyo! Articulate, wise, masterful at almost everything, (and holy smokes what great pipes he has) Andrew is the glue that keep everything together. He will be my co-director with the Zimbabwe project that we will be spear heading this July. I am so excited to get started and meet all the little children in Bulawayo! Musawenkosi Zikalala is probably the most well rounded artist who carries with him the spirit of a child and the brilliance of Picasso! This man can juggle, direct, sing, paint, and the list goes on. Musa is a joy! Onendile Mabs has a heart of gold. His presence is present. He connects to the child with sensitivity and sweetness. His voice resonates with rich and deep undertones. Phumzile is the clown. She makes us laugh until we are crying. She is strong model for the girls under her tutelage. She is an unique and courageous spirit!

The school that we are visiting as artists, is situated in the mountains. No other art program has visited this school so everything we do, for many or all of these children, is for the first time ever creating and playing in this fashion. The teachers are eating it up!

My profound gratitude goes to Sandile Ndzimandze for being the professional of the group with his incredible insight and direction in helping us pull together an historic conference for the educators of this country titled: The Empowered African Child Conference.

We are going full out to implement this program for many reasons. The list is long, that’s for sure! Here are some of our reasons:

1.The arts are a central aspect to all cultures around the world. It a force that has been part of human’s existence. It is an activity that defines the human spirit. Children inherently know this, feel this and in actual fact express themselves in this manner. Swazis are proud of their identity. This program reinforces cultural identity in all ways.

2.The arts are one of the most important modes of expression people utilize to express who they are in the world. In a child’s world this is a simple solution to creating a safe platform to express their individuality. This is an imperative need for the vulnerable, underprivileged and orphaned children of Swaziland. This program is like oxygen to these children! We have found that the children in this country blossom when given an opportunity to express their unique nature.

3.Because the arts convey the spirit and identity of a community and culture, if facilitated by regional artists this approach can support inter-cultural comprehension and experiential learning for the child. If the child is exposed to the arts as part of their experience then they will invest in the arts as adults. Creating an arts appreciative culture in children will only reinforce this connection in future years.

4. The arts can be multi-cultural but they can also be trans-cultural. Connecting to the arts in a personal way and being exposed to different art forms from around the world teach children openness, acceptance and compassion. This understanding of empathy is crucial in creating communities that are not based in stigmas, stereotypes or even fear of other cultures. The integration of our Canadian team makes for an international program. Exposure to other artists from other countries opens minds and hearts.

5. The power of the arts definitively enhances children’s cognitive processes. Intellectual competence must entail problem solving skills so that an individual has the ability to resolve genuine problems or prevailing circumstances. Creative problem solving is influenced by creative individuals. The arts are constantly grappling with solving problems that unfold naturally in the process of art making. This lays down the groundwork for the acquisition of new found knowledge. Simply, this arts based program will give to the Swazi educational system more tools in order to create a well rounded and intelligent student who can problem solve with creativity!

6. School Curriculums around the world, and here in Swaziland too, emphasize forms of representation - true-false or correct-incorrect is the prominent approach in education. The problem here is that the preparation of the young Swazi mind is missing the development of the creative spirit. Yes- there is critical and creative thinking that transpires with the arts. Most are not aware of this. Simply stated: an arts based curriculum is every bit as effective as the mathematical and linguistic form of cognition that is now the traditional emphasis of the primary school years.

Embracing play as a learning tool can lead to a special kind of intelligence. I think the most alluring affect that play provides for the participant is the development of the ability to take notice and act upon the nuances of a given situation. Just like an artist, the person engaged in the moment has their eyes, ears, minds, bodies and hearts wide open. This heightened awareness enables them to tune their focus and in doing so it guides their work. I learned this very early on in my teaching. It is this very thing that has inspired me to pass it down to children that are underprivileged and vulnerable.

And so we bring this delicious energy, synergy and passion to the mountains, fields and towns of Swaziland, Africa!

TEAM JOY FOREVER!

Hello Beautiful Swaziland!!

2011-06-18T00:45:00.000-07:00

The time is NOW in Swaziland! The time is ripe for a new movement in arts education for the young Swazi child!

The Big Little Caravan of Joy has arrived in Swaziland! Hurray, hurray!! We are now entering day four of our arts program in a rural school, up in the mountains. We are also gearing up for a symposium that will encourage, support and design a sustainable arts based program for the young children of Swaziland- The Empowered African Child!

Everything is put in place:

a great arts curriculum for the early years designed by the curriculum department
a governmental board that appreciates, honours and is designated to support arts and culture in the country
a body of teachers who are in desperate need of creative and inspiring educational resources
hundreds of intelligent and energetic artists that are ready to go
and here’s the kicker- almost 500,000 Swazi bright, creative children who are bursting with potentiality, are urgently needing and requiring empowerment in all areas of their young lives!!

The Deputy Prime Minister, Themba Masuku states:

“It is of paramount importance that children develop, grow and thrive in an enabling, protective and secure environment. The new strategy is to uphold the promotion, protection, and realization of children’s basic rights, and that this notion will be strategically integrated at all levels.”

Here are the hard cold facts as stated in The Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland.

The statistics for the young child in this country are gut-wrenching and unsettling.

1,018,449 is the population of the country.

52% of the population is younger than 20 years old.

In some areas of the country almost 40% are HIV positive.

There is a thirty-one year life expectancy.

There are 70,000 orphaned children and 60,000 highly vulnerable children in Swaziland.

22 % of children in the country live in a household with both parents.

33 % live without either parent.

The amount of psychosocial support needed to reach each and every child is overwhelming and staggering in all ways. But I know of a way that could bring joy, empowerment and effective pshco-social support for the children of Swaziland. Borrowing from a model that I experienced while being employed for 10 years at The Inner City Angels in Toronto, Canada, the concept is to create an arsenal of trained and certified artists that will rove the country supporting educators and giving these precious and bright Swazi children an opportunity to creatively express themselves. These artists, working along with educators, will provide hundreds of opportunities to grow and develop physically, socially, emotionally, mentally and spiritually so that they can facilitate an over all well-being and confidence in each Swazi child. The program would include culturally relevant art experiences, information sharing, dialogue activities, creative expression, experiences and innovation in all cultural and art modalities.

The Bottom Line:

These children are the most powerful asset in the country! Imagine if these assets were cultivated, honoured and revered in their developmental years!? If the young Swazi child is not given the opportunity create, express and creatively share with their community we then are unconsciously ripping and cutting the essential threads of potentiality. Without such a program that empowers the child though the arts we unknowingly are contributing to a frayed and fragmented spirit; especially with the vulnerable and orphaned children of this country.

The main goal of The Big Little Caravan of Joy’s work with children is to instill in them a sense of empowerment through culturally and socially sensitive arts experiences. This includes supporting the development of their self-esteem, helping to build their confidence, and allowing them to find their place in the world and creating a positive relationship with their environment. Empowered children will grow up to change the world!

Let the games BEGIN!

The goal of making this model sustainable in Swaziland is to honour and educate those who care for the children and to provide them with the necessary tools and renewed inspiration to infuse each and every Swazi child with something vital - joyful and creative play!

The Empowered African Child Conference

25 JUNE 2011, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

THOKOZA ANGLICAN CONFERENCE CENTRE, PHOLINJANE ROAD MBABANE, SWAZILAND

7 Days I leave for AFRICA and I am FREAKED!

2011-06-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Family, Friends and Loved Ones!

Thank you so very much for all your love and friendship! It is because of your dedication and belief in my work that the tour with The Big Little Caravan of Joy is actually happening! I am only 7 days from my departure for my three month adventure in Africa. I am flabbergasted, overwhelmed, scared and excited all at the same time!

My African Tour will travel to:
Swaziland, June 10th - 24th (100 educators, 300 kids)
South Africa, June 25th - July 17th (350 child care workers, 250 kids)
Zimbabwe, July 18th - July 30th (40 child care workers, 200 kids)
Ghana, July 31st- August 21st (20 educators, 250 kids)

In total:
1,500 Participants (Including all conference participants, children and educators)
50 African artists hired
13 Canadians volunteering
4 Countries in 3 months ... OH MY GOODNESS!!

The biggest news of course is my International Arts Conference in South Africa that will be taking place on July 1-3, 2011! This will be a HISTORIC EVENT IN ALL WAYS! This has never, ever happened before. 350 child care workers will be bussed to Durban to partake in a weekend conference. For many of these women they have never left their village or township before. For some, this will be the first time they see the ocean!! The Empowered Noah Child (ENC) and the EAC Conference in Swaziland is an international conference organized and directed by myself on behalf of Noah, PET and in conjunction with The Big Little Caravan of Joy. The goal of the conference is to embody the spirit of the performing arts, culture and play so as to give rise to the authentic and creative spirit of the Noah child. The programme has been created and designed specifically to inspire Child Activity Co-ordinators through the performing arts, and the magic of creative play in order to empower the young child. I am doing the same in Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Ghana too!

Please keep me in your prayers. It requires much grit, intrepidity and and will power to deliver this program to so many who live in challenging circumstances. My passionate purpose in creating light, where there is much darkness for small and vulnerable children, is much stronger than my lack of courage. For many times I am in utter disbelief with all that I have created and the whole thing can be quite intimidating!

I do hope that you will enjoy your summer! I send you a big hug from cyberspace.

Much Love,

Sarina

From the CEO of NOAH SOUTH AFRICA

2011-06-01T04:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Conference Participant,

Welcome to the Noah Empowered Child Conference.

We are honoured to host you at our Noah Conference, a significant and historic event for us. Never before have nation-wide members of the Noah staff been united in one place to meet, mingle and learn – we hope there will be many more such opportunities. We have teamed up with the vivacious Sarina Condello, founder of The Big Little Caravan of Joy, who will facilitate our time together along with an impressive array of speakers and performing artists to educate and empower us in our efforts to invest in the future of each Noah child.

This conference was born from the realisation that we need to empower and instil a sense of joy and confidence in Noah children, not merely investing in their social welfare. The children of today hold tomorrow in their hands. Through our making a difference today, they will reap the rewards into the future. We need to make sure their childhood is balanced, joyful and positive. Where their spirit is shredded, let us mend it. Where their hope is destroyed, let us recreate it. Where they have sorrow, let us bring them happiness. Where they are vulnerable, let us protect them. And let us teach them that they can own their own future. Too many children have to endure pain and disillusionment due to their circumstances, and if through our work, we can set our children on a path of upliftment and joy, we will begin to see a shift in the communities we serve.

Critical role-players to bring about this shift are Noah’s child care workers and ark managers, who dedicate themselves to caring for the well-being of our children. The hours devoted to caring for the vulnerable are many, and so often the burden is overwhelming, but we acknowledge here that they are the catalysts for change.

Our conference will allow for the spirit of every child we serve to be revived - giving them the freedom to be the children they are, the knowledge that they have the right to play, and the understanding that even through their trials and tribulations, there is happiness to be found. Our child care workers and ark managers will also benefit from a renewed sense of hope and joy.

Noah would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Sarina Condello for her fundraising for and facilitation of this conference, as well as the infectious and continued energy that she brings to the greater project. We would also like to thank USAID and PEPFAR for their financial and material support of the conference, and each and every organiser, sponsor, donor, speaker and performer who has given of their time and/or resources to help us invest in the Noah child. Further gratitude is extended to participants and guests external to Noah whom we hope will enjoy, contribute to and take something away from the conference. Lastly, and unequivocally, we would like to thank the Noah staff who are here to learn from and to grow during this unique conference, and who will take this knowledge back to the communities we serve thereafter.

Our aim over the next 2 days is, through the power of the arts, to reinforce the importance and relevance of playful experiences for the Noah child, to expand the skills of the Noah child care workers and Ark managers and to empower them with renewed understanding and meaning in working with children. It takes just one small spark to light a roaring fire!

Karen Krakowitzer

CEO, Nurturing Orphans of AIDS for Humanity

_______________

My Caravan of Joy in ACTION!

2011-05-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Darren Sheared for editing this small video of my work!

My lOGOS for my AFRICAN TOUR 2011!

2011-05-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

My Biggest Tour YET!

2011-05-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

3 weeks to go!

In 3 weeks I will leave Canada to deliver the following program to the children, artists and childcare workers of Swaziland, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Ghana!

THE EMPOWERED AFRICAN CHILD (EAC)CONFERENCE and the Empowered Noah Child ( ENC) Conference is a National Conference organized and directed by me in association with my non-profit organization, THE BIG LITTLE CARAVAN of JOY (BLCJ). The goal of this conference is to embody the spirit of the performing arts, as well as Swazi Culture and play, in order to give rise the the true spirit of the young African child. It is created and designed specifically to empower childcare workers through the performing arts, and the power of creative play so that the young child can benefit in the future. THE EAC will meet the needs for all child care workers, NGOs and educators inspiring them to connect to the child in the most effective, creative way possible.

The intention in the end is to empower and instill a sense of joy and confidence in each and every Swazi child. The EAC Conference will utilize the countries’ best performing artists, educators, government officials, NGOs and celebrities to create a strong voice in the investment of the African Child. Culminating with a great performances by world renowned performing artists, the conference will be a model around the globe on innovative ways to reach a child population that is in desperate need of joy. It is through this important dialogue with PERFORMING ARTISTS, EDUCATORS, NGOs and CHILD CARE WORKERS that child spirit will prevail and thrive in the future!

In addition to the scheduled conferences and meetings, the conference will also showcase performances with professional and child troupes from around Swaziland, which will serve as a grand reminder of the talent and gifts that the country has to offer. It will also put into place future arts based education for marginalized communities including: psychosocial support for orphans and vulnerable children through the Swazi, artists residency programs and follow-up residencies, creative arts camps, and local skills capacity development for educators, community care workers, and local African artists.

Without the help of US AID, PEPFAR, NOAH SOUTH AFRICA, FRIENDS OF NOAH CANADA, BEDFORD PARK PLAYERS, SUMMERHILL PLAYERS, KRISTI HEROLD, KEVIN SULLIVAN, NICKY POTTER and many other generous donors this journey would not be possible!

Conference topics will include:

The Power of the Arts The Performing Arts and HIV Education: Does it Work?

Creativity and the Child

Bullying and Ways to Stop It

Cooperative Games

Classroom Management

Teaching the Academics through the Arts

What is Child Spirit?

A Dream for the Future; A dialogue with Artists, NGO’s and Educators

Simple Songs to Delight the Child

Culture and its Impact on Community

Clowning and Humour as a Tool for Educating the Child

Art as Psycho/Social Therapy Stress

Reducing Techniques for the Educator, Child Care Worker and Performing Artist

Indigenous Culture and its Impact on Community

Count down begins! 20 days before departure!

Top 50 !

2010-11-09T18:49:00.000-08:00

GREAT NEWS!

I made it to the top 50 in the CBC Champion of Change Competion!
49 EXTRAORDINARY individuals have been chosen as Champions of Change for putting their hearts and souls into action by giving to others. I feel so honoured to share this moment of time with them all. Over 1,350 Canadians were nominated and The Big Little Caravan of Joy made it to this stage so far. Keep your fingers crossed and please hold onto the vision so that The Big Little Caravan of Joy can make it to the finals. Now wouldn't that be something?! The 10 finalists will receive $10,000 for their chosen charity. The top 2 will receive $25,000! This would be so awesome for the BLCJ next summer as I will need all the financial help possible to run my arts camps; (8 of them in 4 countries) and 2 National Educational Conferences held in Swaziland and South Africa titled: The Empowered African Child. A big thanks to all of you who took the time to nominate me. Check out all the other amazing volunteers that made it to the top 50!

On November 15th they will be announcing the Top 10 finalists. Also, a big thank you to my supporters. You all mean so much to me. And finally, a big hug and a kiss to the Bedford Park Players and Summerhill Players who keep showing up to dance, sing and play so that orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa can do the same!
Three cheers to us all!

My Fund Raiser has begun!
This cast called the Summerhill Players is very special to me for they are from my own community and they range between the ages of 26-75 years old. The generosity and benevolence that goes into a production like this makes you truly believe in the spirit of humanity. All of the actors, face painters, creations of the costumes by Gail Leger, hair and makeup design by Kimberly, Mike Irwin, making the animals in his back yard, Andy Berry who created the set in his garage and the list goes on and on. All bright beings donating their time for the bigger picture and having a blast while doing it too! This experience has two big bonuses: Firstly, it is a joyful experience that celebrates community that collaborates and creates together. Secondly, it is operates as fund raiser so that 1,000 orphans can do the same( act, sing and dance).~ How brilliant is that?! If it wasn't for Kristi Herold who pushed me to create this fundraiser the Big Little Caravan of Joy would not have its wheels! Nicky Potter, from Friends of Noah Canada, has supported my vision by inviting me to be a part of her charity!
www.noahorphans.ca

Why did I created the Big Little Caravan of Joy?
My intention in designing the BLCJ is to keep the inborn sense of wonder and playful spirit alive in the hearts and minds of the African child. In doing so, it very important to me that compassionate African Artists jump on board so they too can guide, witness and model this magnificent unfolding of the child’s bright light. For the children of Africa, this rediscovery and expression of joy and connection to their own culture, immediately raises the vibration of a community into a state of new found enthusiasm, pride and fortified hope.

How do I do it?
With my Courage Muscles -
And so it begins... the flexing and contracting of my courage muscles to keep this journey of The Big Little Caravan of Joy going strong... Sometimes the fear of keeping this charity moving and growing paralyzes me. Traveling to Africa by myself into unknown communities can be a challenging experience. This is how I keep doing it... First, I slowly start flexing my desired action in my mind. I inherently know that for me to exercise my real courage I need to face my fears straight on! I do want to make this one thing clear- having courage doesn’t mean doing foolish, dangerous things without a thinking of the possible consequences.

Then I slowly start to light the fires of my curiosity about the the new journey ahead. I start to let my curiosity guide me, my higher self inform me; and by doing so I always find something new and fresh waiting around the corner. I become so
intrigued with the unknown I actually embrace it!

And sometimes I just pretend to be courageous! If it is really out of my comfort zone I start taking steps to pretend to be courageous even though I am not feeling it at all! Soon enough I am doing the one thing that made me shake in my boots and soon thereafter I find myself having found the courage needed to move forward.

Another little thing I do is use my by beliefs to reinforce my desire to move forward- Simply, I go back to what I believed in the first place and I ask myself is this the one thing I believe in 100% with my heart. If it is a big yes then that will help catapult me into present and focused attention and action.

Courage is something we cultivate and must mindfully nurture in ourselves. This may mean taking chances which will lead to discovering our truest dreams and the confronting those fears that hold us back. Being a dancer I am always developing strength and a natural edge in a stretch or dance movement. Too far can be too much and the body can get injured, too little and my body is not hitting its potential. The perfect balance can create a muscle memory so that the dance can flow with grace! In many ways when one taps into courage it is like contracting a muscle- a courage muscle....All of us have courage muscles. Exercising courage could be interpreted in so many ways: standing up for something you believe in, standing up for someone else's rights, singing a song or dancing a dance in front of people, going on an international adventure; even trying a new food could be a courageous act for some. This "heart ~ work" of mine is constantly requiring me to contract my courage muscles.

My New Project!
A conference for 1,000 African Childcare Givers and Artists!

THE EMPOWERED AFRICAN CHILD 2011 is a National Conference that will embody the spirit of the performing arts, Swazi and South African Culture and play as to give rise the the true spirit of the young African child. Created to honour the day of The African Child this conference is designed specifically to empower childcare workers through the performing arts and the power of creative play so that the young child can benefit in the future. THE EAC will meet the needs for all child care workers, NGOs and educators inspiring them to connect to the child in the most effective, creative way possible.

This is what I hope to achieve:
*develop, support, encourage and expand the capacity with innovative ways in a teaching child-centric methodology of the arts for all delegates involved

*empower artists and teachers and positively create new ways of understanding and meaning in working together as a global community through the arts

*act as a model to create a sustainable arts program during the year for Swazi artists and educators nationally

*act as creative exchange for visiting artists and children from around Swaziland to come together to create new bodies of work and perform with and for the children

build new networks of experts in the field and relationships with artists and educators

*reinforce the importance and relevance of playful experiences for the Swazi child’s development

 And that is all for now! I will keep you posted on my standing with CBC’s Champion of Change! I am think this is such a great thing that CBC created. A positive form of news!

Thank you my friends for reading my Blog!

NEWS!

2010-09-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

OH BOY!
The Big Little Caravan of Joy is now a CHARITY!

On June 1st, 2010 Friends of Noah Canada (FoNC) and The Big Little Caravan of Joy (BLCJ) amalgamated to become partners in providing care and serving vulnerable and orphaned African children's needs. Thanks to the spirited and bold hearted Nicky Potter, (founder of FoNC) and the benevolent legal team of Trudy White and George Dzuro, the BLCJ now can continue to raise funds for creative programming for these childrenin desperate need of creative play.

The BLCJ’s creative arts camps acts as a springboard for children to explore, experiment and acquire new information about the world and themselves. I believe it is through the exploration of the arts that the dynamics of play will initiate: motivation, self-expression, personal and environmental connections and integrated experiences for all kids involved. I have first hand seen that active creativity in these camps helps heal, integrate and expand each child's potential.

After returning from Swaziland and South Africa this year with the BLCJ at the end of July of 2010 I was once again reminded at how powerful our creative spirit can be in elevating spirits even in the darkest situations. Part of my ethical framework when working with vulnerable and orphaned children in Africa is to dismantle the consciousness of fear and sorrow and replace that with the natural programming of love and creativity. I often go into areas that are quite heavy hearted. As I work in the field I do my utmost best to reflect back to the artists, childcare givers and to the sweet vulnerable children, their light and extraordinary potential to create and express their authentic truth and playful spirits. I know that I am also there to simply bear witness to all of their precious lives. I do believe that we are all infinitely wise, spirited with determination and creative. Just as it takes a good friend or loving parent to affirm us when we are down so that we can get back to our authentic selves the BLCJ’s purpose has the same purpose too. The mission of the BLCJ is to empower the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children by using the performing arts and creative play for health, development and joy. This also includes empowering the lives of of childcare workers, guardians, artists and educators with a child-centric methodology that uses a performing arts and creative curriculum for health, development and joy.

I know from my work with thousands that when we are not vital, creative and collaborating with and for community something in ourselves becomes static. When community is creating together and expressing their art and culture confidence and enthusiasm unfolds and vibrations are lifted with joy.

We must hurry slowly. Time is of the essence when it comes to supporting these little children.

My Team Joy in Swaziland consisted of the incomparable: Nicholas Mamba (artistic director of Peoples’ Educational Theatre) Andrew Moyo, Sandile Ndzimandze, Musa, ZikalalaWandile, Phumzile, Phumzile, Mensi

... and in South Africa: Shembiso Hlela, Sabee Shozi, Sussie Mjwara, Busi, Sipho Mdletshe

along with my awesome volunteers: Tully McLoughlin- a Yale undergraduate student and social/educational theatre researcher
Duncan Maccallum-local high school student in Durban and the brilliant Damarise St. Marie-a dance student in Quebec City.

They all made this work flow with grace, ease, joy and laughter.
Noah South Africa’s team was headed by Joslyn Walker who brought such support and guidance to the BLCJ’s vision! She was a star. Jamie Laughlin from Clowns Without Borders South Africa guided and connected us to individuals that created loving and compassionate expressive possibilities for thousands. Without these people and my Team Joy’s dedication and commitment this project would not have been possible! I thank them from the bottom of my heart!

This year I have discovered a way to create sustainability in this work - by educating educators! THE EMPOWERED AFRICAN CHILD (EAC) 2011, will be a national conference held in Swaziland and South Africa that will foster professional development in the arts for all delegates involved. Research indicates that introducing children to artistic processes, while incorporating elements of their own culture into education, cultivates in each individual a sense of creativity, cognitive development, a fertile imagination and emotional intelligence. The intention of the conference is to instill for each delegate a sense of joy and new found conﬁdence in working children in the arts. The EAC will utilize the country’s best performing artists and speakers, to create a strong voice in the importance, relevance and investment of an arts education for the Swazi Child. This conference will also provide hundreds of ideas for curriculum implementation, after-school, daycare and holiday programming for all children. In the next few months we will both be creating a detailed curriculum that will include keynote speakers, performers and workshop leaders. If you have any fundraising ideas or any organizations that would be willing to financially help with this vision please do let us know too! Look at what others have said about this conference and workshop experience.

Swaziland

Sandile, Social Worker:
“We can’t limit this experience to meetings and training. This is something that must be sustainable. We should be engaging other players, educators, NGOS and orphanages. This provide psycho/social support. The topic here should be how do we as artists reach the children? Their must be a forum so that the village North where there are many vulnerable children. It is not about just feeding the children.”

South Africa

Prince
“I learned the difference between reaction and response! This workshop made me believe in myself.”

Philisiwe
“Sarina is a kind and sympathetic woman. I realized that I was bullying my children at home and now I understand how to handle the children in a better way. I realized that I need to connect to laughter so that I can connect to the child spirit more.”

Sussie
“From Sarina I learned about how to connect emotionally with the children. I also learned how important and crucial the development years are for the child. I also realized that I love and care about children more than I was aware of. For me this was an inspiring workshop that was shared with love and compassion.”

Malibongwe
“For me Sarina’s workshop taught me to work with children you need to open your heart. It changed me for I was punishing children in a hard way before. My wish is to work with Sarina in the future.”

Thanks to each and everyone of you for believing in the spirit and joy of play, the beauty, truth and inspiration held in the arts and reflecting that back to me. A big THANK YOU to the following compassionate and generous people:

Summerhill Players
Bedford park Players
Vintage Dancers
Soul Dancers
Little Children at LBHS
Summerhill Community
Turning Pointe Dance Studio (Nicole Garland)
Toronto Sport Social Club
Mary Murphy COSTUMES
Circus Remedy (Anthony Lucero)
NOAH’ S SOUTH AFRICA PET THEATRE SWAZILAND
The National Ballet SCHOOL of CANADA
The Church of the Messiah, Reverend Tay Moss
Lawrence Park Community Church
Mike Evans, Gail Leger, Kimberly Irwin
Kwasi Dunyo
Amy Sky
Deb and Phil - hosting this event
Giuseppe Condello
Michael Foran
Darren Shearer
Sheila Philcox
Anne Bancroft
Pierre and Felicity Bannister
Laurence Acland
Bojan Vitko and Shari Morandin
Mark Greenspan
Sarah Ferris
Ruth and Tony Condello
Liana Condello

A Big HUGE THANKS to the following:
Randi Kirshenbaum
George and Kathy Dembroski
Nicholas Mamba
Trudy and George
Kevin Sullivan
Kristi Herrold
Nicky Potter & FRIENDS OF NOAH CANADA
Damarise St. Marie (you went far beyond your call of duty girl!)
Tully McLouglin
All the kids who I worked with in Canada, America and Africa
My friends and family who live far away
My 3 children for making me who I am today

Finally this is how I spent $23,000 this summer of 2010!

Where we traveled:
Mbabane, the capital city of the Kingdom of Swaziland; as well as Durban, a South African port city on the Indian Ocean; and Cape Town, the most South-Western point on the African continent.

Paid for all airfare, insurance, hotel, extra baggage fee, food etc.
Traveled to Swaziland and orchestrated a 2 day workshop for 30 childcare givers, artists, educators and NGO’s all fees, driving, food, manuals, equipment rental
Hired 7 artists for 2 weeks to create a program for the Esigangeni Primary School in Swaziland, payed them fare trade wages,
Paid for all transport ( car rental), lunches, manuals equipment, accommodations, rental of car, gas, supplies for the 2 weeks in Swaziland
Bought gifts of gratitude and healing for teachers, families and new found friends
Created a community event that fed 1,000 people to honour the child and create a celebratory, memorable event for all. 625-650 children performed for the community
Traveled to Swaziland to South Africa in vehicle
Created a workshop for 30 people in Durban for two days; once again paid for manuals, breakfast, lunches
Rented a car for a month AND hired a driver and bus for the same amount of time
All food, accommodations, staff meetings, meals
All photos, crafts supplies, and weekly breakfasts meetings
Hired 6 staff members for 4 weeks in South Africa
Huge donation of full kitchen supplies to an ARK
HOT DOG LUNCH for 500 children
Donation of to DOJO of equipment for Sabee
Bought 4 trunks to store equipment
Took sponsors and volunteer for final dinner
Trip to Capetown, accommodations etc.
Researched townships and history of SOUTH AFRICA through 3 tours
Established a new relationship with the township of LANGA and Chippa
Purchased costumes, hard hats and teacher fees for a month, for a troupe of 30 children called Happy FEET

Number of Beneficiaries as a result of this work in 8 1/2 weeks:
Children: 1,050 received between 10-25 hours of programming
Hired Staff: 14 staff members hired throughout the 2 months
Workshop Participants: 60
Volunteers: 3
Educators, NOAH childcare workers: 50-60
Government Officials and NGO’s: 25
Community Members: 600-1000
TOTAL : Approximately : 2,200

We almost tripled the beneficiaries this year and created 2 conferences as compared to last year.
Now this is called rocking out your passion and paying it forward to the sweet children of our planet!

News from The Big Little Caravan of Joy!

2010-09-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

OH BOY!
The Big Little Caravan of Joy is now a CHARITY!

On June 1st, 2010 Friends of Noah Canada (FoNC) and The Big Little Caravan of Joy (BLCJ) amalgamated to become partners in providing care serving a vulnerable and orphaned child’s need. Thanks to the spirited and bold hearted Nicky Potter, (founder of FoNC) and the benevolent legal team of Trudy White and George Dzuro, the BLCJ now can continue to raise funds for creative programming for these children in desperate need of creative play.

The BLCJ’s creative arts camps acts as a springboard for children to explore, experiment and acquire new information about the world and themselves. I believe it is through the exploration of the arts that the dynamics of play will initiate: motivation, self-expression, personal and environmental connections and integrated experiences for all kids involved. I have first hand seen that active creativity in these camps helps heal, integrate and expand each child's potential.

After returning from Swaziland and South Africa this year with the BLCJ at the end of July of 2010 I was once again reminded at how powerful our creative spirit can be in elevating spirits even in the darkest situations. Part of my ethical framework when working with vulnerable and orphaned children in Africa is to dismantle the consciousness of fear and sorrow and replace that with the natural programming of love and creativity. I often go into areas that are quite heavy hearted. As I work in the field I do my utmost best to reflect back to the artists, childcare givers and to the sweet vulnerable children, their light and extraordinary potential to create and express their authentic truth and playful spirit. I also know that I am there to simply bear witness to all of their lives. I do believe that we are all infinitely wise, spirited with determination and creative. Just as it takes a good friend or loving parent to affirm us when we are down as to get back to our authentic selves the BLCJ’s purpose has the same role too. I know from my work with thousands that when we are not vital, creative and collaborating with and for community something in ourselves becomes static. When community is creating together and expressing their art and culture confidence and enthusiasm unfolds and vibrations are lifted with joy.

We must hurry slowly. Time is of the essence when it comes to supporting these little children.

Many of my friends have donated time to this cause, big cash and little cash, supplies, kind words, love, student being-ness (which has directly paved the path for me) care, concern, prayers etc. Some of you have danced, sang and acted for this cause, others have showed interest in my where abouts and what abouts.

My Team Joy in Swaziland consisted of the incomparable: Nicholas Mamba (artistic director of Peoples’ Educational Theatre) Andrew Moyo, Sandile Ndzimandze, Musa, ZikalalaWandile, Phumzile, Phumzile, Mensi

... and in South Africa: Shembiso Hlela, Sabee Shozi, Sussie Mjwara, Busi
Sipho Mdletshe

along with my awesome volunteers: Tully McLoughlin - a Yale undergraduate student and social/educational theatre researcher
Duncan Maccallum - local high school student in Durban and the brilliant Damarise St. Marie -a dance student in Quebec City.

They all made this work flow with grace, ease, joy and laughter.
Noah South Africa’s team was headed by Joslyn Walker who brought such support and guidance to the BLCJ’s vision! She was a star.
Jamie Laughlin from Clowns Without Borders South Africa guided and connected us to individuals that created creative possibilities for thousands.

Without these people and my Team Joy’s dedication and commitment this project would not have been possible! I thank them from the bottom of my heart!

This year I have discovered a way to create sustainability in this work; by educating educators! THE EMPOWERED AFRICAN CHILD (EAC) 2011, will be a national conference that will foster professional development in the arts for all delegates involved. Research indicates that introducing children to artistic processes, while incorporating elements of their own culture into education, cultivates in each individual a sense of creativity, cognitive development, a fertile imagination and emotional intelligence. The intention of the conference is to instill for each delegate a sense of joy and new found conﬁdence in working children in the arts. The EAC will utilize the country’s best performing artists and speakers, to create a strong voice in the importance, relevance and investment of an arts education for the Swazi Child. This conference will also provide hundreds of ideas for curriculum implementation, after-school, daycare and holiday programming for all children. In the next few months we will both be creating a detailed curriculum that will include keynote speakers, performers and workshop leaders. If you have any fundraising ideas or any organizations that would be willing to financially help with this vision please do let us know too! Look at what others have said about this conference and workshop experience.

Swaziland

Sandile, Social Worker:
“We can’t limit this experience to meetings and training. This is something that must be sustainable. We should be engaging other players, educators, NGOS and orphanages. This provide psycho/social support. The topic here should be how do we as artists reach the children? Their must be a forum so that the village North where there are many vulnerable children. It is not about just feeding the children.”

Andrew Moyo, Community Facilitator, Artist:
“We should be inviting organizations and hold more forums of this nature. The Children’s Protection Network, Children’s Consortium or simply we should be going to them. We as artists have lack of resources. Everything goes to UNICEF. We need more recognition for current work in the arts. A children’s festival might be a great idea.”

South Africa

Prince
“I learned the difference between reaction and response! This workshop made me believe in myself.”

Philisiwe
“Sarina is a kind and sympathetic woman. I realized that I was bullying my children at home and now I understand how to handle the children in a better way. I realized that I need to connect to laughter so that I can connect to the child spirit more.”

Sussie
“From Sarina I learned about how to connect emotionally with the children. I also learned how important and crucial the development years are for the child. I also realized that I love and care about children more than I was aware of. For me this was an inspiring workshop that was shared with love and compassion.”

Malibongwe
“For me Sarina’s workshop taught me to work with children you need to open your heart. It changed me for I was punishing children in a hard way before. My wish is to work with Sarina in the future.”

Thank you to each and everyone of you for believing in the spirit and joy of play, the beauty, truth and inspiration held in the arts and reflecting that back to me. A big THANK YOU to the following:

Summerhill Players
Bedford park Players
Vintage Dancers
Soul Dancers
Little Children at LBHS
Summerhill Community
Turning Pointe Dance Studio (Nicole Garland)
Toronto Sport Social Club
Mary Murphy COSTUMES
Circus Remedy (Anthony Lucero)
NOAH’ S SOUTH AFRICA PET THEATRE SWAZILAND
The National Ballet SCHOOL of CANADA
The Church of the Messiah, Reverend Tay Moss
Lawrence Park Community Church
Mike Evans, Gail Leger, Kimberly Irwin
Kwasi Dunyo
Amy Sky
Deb and Phil - hosting this event
Giuseppe Condello
Michael Foran
Darren Shearer
Sheila Philcox
Anne Bancroft
Pierre and Felicity Bannister
Laurence Acland
Bojan Vitko and Shari Morandin
Mark Greenspan
Sarah Ferris
Ruth and Tony Condello
Liana Condello

Big THANKS to the following
Randi Kirshenbaum
George and Kathy Dembroski
Nicholas Mamba
Trudy and George
Kevin Sullivan
Kristi Herrold
Nicky Potter & FRIENDS OF NOAH CANADA
Damarise St. Marie (you went far beyond your call of duty girl!)
Tully McLouglin
All the kids who I worked with in Canada, America and Africa
My friends and family who live far away
My 3 children for making me who I am today

Finally this is how I spent $23,000 this summer of 2010!

Where we traveled:
Mbabane, the capital city of the Kingdom of Swaziland; as well as Durban, a South African port city on the Indian Ocean; and Cape Town, the most South-Western point on the African continent.

Paid for all airfare, insurance, hotel, extra baggage fee, food etc.
Traveled to Swaziland and orchestrated a 2 day workshop for 30 childcare givers, artists, educators and NGO’s all fees, driving, food, manuals, equipment rental
Hired 7 artists for 2 weeks to create a program for the Esigangeni Primary School in Swaziland, payed them fare trade wages,
Paid for all transport ( car rental), lunches, manuals equipment, accommodations, rental of car, gas, supplies for the 2 weeks in Swaziland
Bought gifts of gratitude and healing for teachers, families and new found friends
Created a community event that fed 1,000 people to honour the child and create a celebratory, memorable event for all. 625-650 children performed for the community
Traveled to Swaziland to South Africa in vehicle
Created a workshop for 30 people in Durban for two days; once again paid for manuals, breakfast, lunches
Rented a car for a month AND hired a driver and bus for the same amount of time
All food, accommodations, staff meetings, meals
All photos, crafts supplies, and weekly breakfasts meetings
Hired 6 staff members for 4 weeks in South Africa
Huge donation of full kitchen supplies to an ARK
HOT DOG LUNCH for 500 children
Donation of to DOJO of equipment for Sabee
Bought 4 trunks to store equipment
Took sponsors and volunteer for final dinner
Trip to Capetown, accommodations etc.
Researched townships and history of SOUTH AFRICA through 3 tours
Established a new relationship with the township of LANGA and Chippa
Purchased costumes, hard hats and teacher fees for a month, for a troupe of 30 children called Happy FEET
Number of Beneficiaries as a result of this work in 8 1/2 weeks:
Children: 1,050 received between 10-25 hours of programming
Hired Staff: 14 staff members hired throughout the 2 months
Workshop Participants: 60
Volunteers: 3
Educators, NOAH childcare workers: 50-60
Government Officials and NGO’s: 25
Community Members: 600-1000
TOTAL : Approximately : 2,200

We almost tripled the beneficiaries this year and created 2 conferences as compared to last year. Now this is called rocking out your passion and paying it forward!

of being an artiste

2008-07-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

Aloha,

I am just recovering from the most creative explosion ever, one that has left me utterly exhausted and wanting just wide open emptiness. Soon my boredom will have hit its edge and I will begin my new journey- an odyssey once again into the unknown. I am somewhat unnerved to what will unravel in the next two years.. I hold my breath and PLUNGE in, knowing that it will be sometime before I pop up to a Big Sky once again.

Dr, Hen Lew will be my new mentor. This Hawaiian Shaman will teach me the process of Hooponopono in August. Traditionally this healing method would have all Polynesian community members sitting around in a circle working out the problem or challenge together. In this newer system, designed by the late Morrnah of Hawaii, everything is handled by you and the divinity. In process all living beings have a substance that surrounds them made from “ AKA threads”. These threads are elastic and sticky and can stretch to great distance without breaking. These threads also act like lines of electricity or telephone wires carrying and acting as a conductor of a vital force. Through repetition of thoughts, feelings and actions these threads begin to braid themselves and then turn into strong cords. I am looking forward to learning more.

Almost two films under my belt have left me questioning the plight of a documentary film maker. Alone are we, penniless and embarking on territory travelled by only a few. I love it and despise it all at once, which neutralizes it in the end!

Thank You Tanzania has seen it's glory! Brian Noon did an extraordinary job in editing the movie. It runs 91 minutes. Five festivals, one award this film the premise of creating this documentary was to capture the beauty, vulnerability, and creative spirit of the children and youth from Tanzania and Canada as they interact with one another through their exploration of the arts. The intended audience is for children, youth and families in North America in order to encourage awareness about the art of compassion and the importance of helping others, in this case the children orphaned by AIDS in Tanzania. It is the intention of this documentary to elevate the African AIDS Orphans from problematic victims to unique individuals with creative abilities hopes and dreams. I will have a screening of Thank You Tanzania at 555 Mount Pleasant Road on October 6th, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m. Please do come!

This flick created a foundation for the second documentary titled: Vintage Groove; a film that profiles my lovely senior dancers. Together we travelled afar and participated in the most extraordinary festival called theTogbi Apetorku Spring Festival - a celebration of life, good health and prosperity. Along with internationally renowned good friend and Master Drummer, Kwasi Dunyo and my camera crew- Darren Shearer and Summer Love accompanied the group to Africa. At the heart of my film lays a message about the collective joy expressed in communal dance and how dance has enriched their lives as they age gracefully. Do see the article in Canadian Jewish News, July 17th, 2008 re: Seniors Dance Troupe Performs in Ghana.

My work in Montreal will begin this fall. Commuting weekly, I will be directing a children's stage production of The Sound of Music. Last spring Darren and I resurrected Equilibrio at the Priory, a wonderful private school in Westmount. Our Hilo Production company will return in the spring to mount Purple River, a mystical tale about the Mitzus and Yochis, creatures that lived in peace and harmony on the Island of Seisei. I look forward to connecting to the community there. They are so appreciative for the arts. It is a joy to be create and direct in the province of Quebec. I also plan to present a few workshops for teachers in Montreal and Winnipeg in the month of November and February.

On November 30, 2008 I will be producing and directing the Second Annual Vintage Variations; a cabaret show that profiles the creativity and talents of a senior population. Giuseppe Condello will present The Little Tailor, The Vintage Dancers will perform 2 dances and special guests will keep the audience bopping for the entire evening. All money raised will go towards an education program for girls in the village of Dagbamete.

During the summer of 2009 and 2010 I will be directing a program in Africa called The Big Little Caravan of Joy. During the first summer I will be mapping a route and creating connections in order to host the program with volunteers and artists in 2010. The caravan will hit 6 countries in Africa travelling to Senegal, Ghana, Tanzania, Swaziland, Mali, South Africa and will end in Madagascar. The Big Little Caravan intends to create a cultural cohesion in performance and celebration with performing artists and children. The visiting caravan will collaborate with artists from the hosting country to create an experience much like a performing arts summer camp for the children. With a veritable who's who from the world of entertainment lending their name to the project in conjunction with the American foundation Circus Remedy (Anthony Lucero and Chrisse Harnos- love those two) and myself this project has the opportunity to develop a sustainable educational and creative program that will last for many years to come. The Camp Scheme will run for one-two weeks, very much like a traditional arts camp, with an intention to create a performance. The final day will be dedicated to rehearsing for the circus show performed by both children and circus performers. An original children’s story, song and art project that evolves around one theme will act as a spring board for the performance and will be narrated by a story teller in the language of the hosting country. This is a big one for me and I hold the vision with love, commitment and joy.

Can I do it all? Run my performing art studio, promote and complete the life of 2 docs, design, fund raise and fascilitate the most intense project of my lifetime. Only time will tell. I remain in love with life's adventures, filled with curiosity and bursting with gratitude at the honour of being a mother of 3 tremendous teens, director of film & theatre, dancer and artiste!

Peace out,

Sarina

www.sarinacondello.com

2007-09-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

And the race begins...

WHEW.....Finally after two years of compiling, writing and compressing and getting all fancy and putting it on for my head shots...( Michael was awesome-www.lafondphoto.com) I have a new look for my Web Site. Hurray! A big thanks to Cary Laudadio for designing my logo. But even a bigger thanks for the team at Boomart Designs. This could not have been pulled off with the generosity and ingenuity of Fredrik Carlberg and the creative genius of Cory McDonald. He's the dude of the month. How lucky am I to have a connection with one of the greatest designers around..(www.boomart.net). Sooooo lucky!

This year is going to be a stellar one at that. My newest piece co-created with my beloved uncle, Giuseppe Condello (www.corporealmime.com) and Mayumi Seiler's chamber orchestra (www.mayumiseiler.com) in February will be a performance not to be missed. We will be working with a piece by Stravinsky titled: Appolon Musagete. The piece will explore the three muses of Apollo: Calliope- The Muse of Poetry, Polyhymnia- The Muse of Mime and Terpsichorean- The Muse of Dance and Song, through the art of corporeal mime. This is going to be held at the Glenn Gould Theatre on February 7th and 8th.

My Documentary will be ready by November! Brian Noon at Traffik Edit (www.traffikedit.com) has painstakingly cut, cut and sewn together a work of art from my Tanzanian trip at The Olive Branch Orphanage run by the formidable Deborah McCracken. The premise of this documentary, With My Hands, is to capture the beauty, vulnerability, and creative spirit of the children and youth from Tanzania and Canada ( my three kids.. Kyra, Quentin and Teya) as they interact with one another through their exploration of the arts. Its purpose is to encourage awareness in the art of compassion and the importance of supporting others in need; in this case the children orphaned by AIDS in Tanzania. I really hope to promote the notion that creative arts and play is an easy common ground for learning and healing when working with children. It is the ultimate goal of this documentary to inspire African AIDS Orphans’ creative abilities, hopes and dreams. The sound track of KIHUMBE, the tanzanian drama and dance troupe is joyful and creates a rich tapestry for the stunning scenes. Thanks to Anthony and Chrisse at Circus Remedy for supporting KIHUMBE. (www.circusremedy.com) The CD for the film will be released at the same time as the doc. Tony at Boomtang Boys (www.boomtang.com) mixed the sound of KIHUMBE 's recording. Both Brian and Tony are donating their time and efforts to get this message out. Like guardian angels they affirm this work.
I am filled with gratitude.

Aging is a normal, natural part of the human life-span. But in this ridiculously youth centered environment we begin to marginalize our community members around the age of…?? ( 40 maybe?) Inspired by my trip to Africa where the elders are honoured and revered I wanted to create a venue for my elders that were living in my immediate community. And so began the idea of taking my Vintage Dance Troupe ( all over 60 years of age) to Africa to perform with their sisters from Ghana. These senior artists expand the elder image and have influenced my general belief about getting older. Really, this is my attempt at looking at the way an elder presence can support the arts community, promote intergenerational cohesion and demonstrate how a creative artistic life-span approaches. We will leave for Ghana to perform in the village of Dagbamete during the festival on March 18th. Kwasi Dunyo (www.dunyo.com) will be accompanying all of us to his village. This is going to be a trip of a life time!

My book, co- written with the brilliant Vivian Saffer, sets out an inspiring, innovative model to guide and educate children. THREADS, A New Paradigm for Parents and Educators incorporates principles from cutting edge scientific theories in quantum physics with gems and jewels from other masters in the field of child rearing and education. Here is an approach that holds a way of being with children that has never before been discussed to this extent, published or written. Some of these modalities have been an enormous value to us individually. We are hoping to get this out by February 2008.

A trip to Cuba during the jazz festival is also on the table. Friends and fellow dancers will leave on February 11th -18th to take in some of Old Havana and enrich our salsa and folkloric dance vocabulary.. Want to come along?

And my adorable studio remains alive and well. This is my tenth year of operation. Six musicals, dance classes and celebrations are all planned and ready to go for 2007-2008. Once again, the ever so talented Sheila Philcox will be my musical director. She plays the piano like a full blown orchestra.

My dearest friend Amy Sky has interviewed me for her new Pod Cast show called Soul Mechanics. Check it out in October.
(www.amysky.com)

And finally I would like to give special thanks to my tested, tried and true friend, the one and only... Mr. Darren Shearer! He has given his time and talents to guide, direct and support my ever so fumbling, bumbling technological nature by contributing to the construction and creation of my web page, documentary, power points, key notes, kid's programs, plumbing and.... the list goes on. He is always there when I need him.

And so begins a year of dance, travel, connection to community and adventure. How blessed am I to have this big, bright world right at my finger tips. So very blessed. You are blessed too. I leave you with light and love and one more thought-

If you wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes. If you don't wait for tomorrow, tomorrow comes. ~Senegalese Proverb

Bye! 