tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77691879169453127942024-02-20T08:22:52.798-08:00Childhood NowThis blog chronicles Childhood Now's two programs: The Big Little Caravan of Joy and the Painted Turtle Arts Camp's journey into 8 African countries and 30 Northern Canadian, First Nations Reserves. Since 2006, The BLCJ and PTAC has reached thousands of vulnerable, remote and orphaned children through the language of creative arts and play. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-39459484386982726852015-10-06T19:48:00.002-07:002015-10-06T20:59:23.204-07:00A SPECTACULAR Painted Turtle Summer!<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">This summer the Painted Turtle Arts Camp, an arts integrated educational and cultural program designed for the First Nations children of Ontario and Manitoba, provided a rich and imaginative opportunity for hundreds of happy children. Young participants had the chance to explore and develop their physical, emotional and cognitive capacities while experiencing joyful expression through the creative arts.</span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial;">Participating in a non-competitive environment where the elements of fun, joy and togetherness were the driving force of this summer program, 480 children from 12 communities had the opportunity to experience drama, dance, visual arts and music activities while being in a summer camp environment. </span></div>
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Cooperative games, dynamic choreography, visual arts projects, a community performance and a variety of songs generated a sense of unity, while at the same time focused on building the child’s creative vocabulary in all of these art forms. </div>
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Facilitated by 3 Painted Turtle teams this summer: (Bailey Davis and Damarise Ste. Marie, Sarina Condello and Rivers Wahl and then once again Sarina Condello and Bailey Davis) each group worked hand in hand with Right to Play and 14 community mentors to provide the most efficient and impactful program. Thousands of kilometers were driven across Ontario and Manitoba and many planes were taken to get up to more remote and Northern Communities so that children could participate in a camp that encouraged collaboration, confidence, community and creativity.</div>
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<b>The Numbers</b></div>
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12 First Nations Communities</div>
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12 Community Mentors</div>
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3 Painted Turtle Teams</div>
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480 Children</div>
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<b>The Communities</b></div>
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Duck Bay (July 6 - 8)</div>
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Sheguiandah First Nation (July 7 - 9)</div>
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Grassy Narrows (July 9 - 12)</div>
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Mississaugi First Nation (July 13-16)</div>
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Community Report—Eagle Lake (July 13- 15)</div>
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Pic Mobert First Nation (July 17-19)</div>
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Community Report—White Dog (July 15- 18)</div>
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Ginoogaming First Nation (July 21-23)</div>
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Cat Lake (July 20 -24)</div>
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North Caribou (July 26-29 )</div>
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Moosonee, (August 6 - 8)</div>
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Chippewas of the Thames (August 12-15 )</div>
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<b>The Community Mentors</b></div>
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Cynthia Genaille, Lindsay Campbell, Aaron Bowerman, Crystal Swain, Robert Lagace, Kelly Derosier, Thurston Kwissiwa, Judy Fobister, Erin Gagnon, Joyce Peters, Gen Beardy, Candice Klingenberg, Wyatt Kechego</div>
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<b>103 Children surveyed “ What I liked about Painted Turtle was the...”</b></div>
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Free Play</div>
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Dancing</div>
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Playing games</div>
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All the program</div>
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Drama</div>
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Painting</div>
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Building</div>
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I liked EVERYTHING!</div>
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The big show</div>
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Music</div>
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Colouring</div>
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Making lanterns</div>
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Creativity Challenges</div>
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<b>98 % of all children want PTAC to return to their communities!</b></div>
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<b>Community Mentor Feedback: “ What would you like to tell us?”</b></div>
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We would love for you stay longer!</div>
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The youth are willing to do more than I thought!</div>
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The program was artsy, uplifting, gave new perspectives.</div>
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The program was nurturing, inspiring and positive!</div>
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You got everybody involved. </div>
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To see our youth engaged, participating is powerful.</div>
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Your passion for your project rubbed off on us!</div>
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Your program was great and well structured! </div>
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I love this program; it works!</div>
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The visual arts program allowed youth engage in unseen skills.</div>
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Your program was awesome, inspiring, and phenomenal!</div>
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I just can’t wait until next year!</div>
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An awesome summer program.</div>
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<b>“How can we improve our program?”</b><br />
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I would set up this program during community days and our Pow Wow.</div>
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If I had more information ahead of time I could have prepared better.</div>
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I did not know what to expect.</div>
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We need to get waiver forms that are clear.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Vn_40YDI3NqudbvbQfePcDwRsnzStUat_81i04DIQbfHG03Hkfq9JmA6a-6_qWo3uO5a0j-H7cueAJu8ntsX9jIqiAZUe_Pvy3z1BCRyb2TqtPtz-XyqRWFnDzrMXTf8oF2uNAE5PQ/s1600/11750609_10102588945230290_7588537056927934803_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Vn_40YDI3NqudbvbQfePcDwRsnzStUat_81i04DIQbfHG03Hkfq9JmA6a-6_qWo3uO5a0j-H7cueAJu8ntsX9jIqiAZUe_Pvy3z1BCRyb2TqtPtz-XyqRWFnDzrMXTf8oF2uNAE5PQ/s320/11750609_10102588945230290_7588537056927934803_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Objectives and Suggestions for 2016</b><br />
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As we traveled through each community it became quite clear that a 5 day placement would be more effective than a 3 day one. Below are suggestions for next year provided by PTAC Facilitators and Community Mentors.</div>
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<ul>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">12-16 communities in 2016 with 3 PTAC teams in place in Ontario</li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">3 communities with 1 PTAC team in British Columbia</li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">2 communities with 1 PTAC team in Manitoba</li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">Waiver and Registration forms re-designed</li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">Training session for PTAC facilitators - 3 days of arts based curriculum</li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">Each PTAC team will have 2 facilitators</li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">PTAC signage for each camp</li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">Shipment of costumes to each community</li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">Increase drive in communities; much more cost effective</li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">Create a director role during the summer</li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">Ambulance course for main Art Educators</li>
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And finally it is of utmost importance to remember the benefits of bringing an arts based program into these communities. Without the philosophical scaffolding of understanding why we do what we do, our program design will fall short in reaching the needs of these children.</div>
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<b>Benefits of an Arts Based Program</b></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">Children learn to problem solve in a creative way</li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">Children learn the skill of observing and interpreting through art</li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">Children learn to express without conversation or words</li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">Children learn that that there are many ways to explore a point of view </li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">Children collaborate with others; adults and children alike</li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">Children observe and experience music and art from around the world</li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">Children experience progress at something/arts build confidence. </li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Arial; margin: 0px;">Arts build community</li>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Much thanks and gratitude goes out to all of our donors, Bedford Park, Summerhill and Riverdale Players, Right to Play, the fabulous team of Community Mentors, the PTAC team, and to the 420 beautiful children we met and created with along the way!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-90638879088957436592015-02-15T10:40:00.002-08:002015-10-06T20:09:24.817-07:00Winter Training Session with Right to Play and 30 First Nations' Community Mentors<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On January 26 and 27, 2015 Bailey Davis and myself took part of a winter training for 30 First Nations community mentors at the Tim Horton Memorial Camp in collaboration with Right to Play.</span><br />
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To integrate Painted Turtle Arts Camp material and content resources with Right to Play’s Winter Training</span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To enhance Painted Turtle Arts Camp mission and support with on going programming for future arts initiatives in Northern communities</span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To recruit new First Nations communities who will lead their very own Painted Turtle Arts Camps for the summer of 2015</span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To broaden Painted Turtle Arts Camp visibility in the communities and presence through the extension of our existing relationship with Right to Play</span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To enhance program results through on going training sessions so that Painted Turtle Arts Camps will continue to develop an enriched curriculum foundation and train successful arts camp leaders</span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To demonstrate the effectiveness of Painted Turtle Arts Camp programming to First Nations Community Mentors and Right to Play staff and donors</span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To provide community leaders with new and fresh ideas in the arts that can be immediately implemented into their communities</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The overall Painted Turtle Arts Camp winter training was a great success. Our sessions were most popular and the feedback was very positive. One of our biggest and most popular session was So You Think You Can Dance activity. This dance session demonstrated 8 social dance activities that could be immediately implemented into intergenerational events and socials. The participation was at 100% and all that were present danced with joy, laughter and connecting to one another! It was a great kick off to the week. This workshop gave community leaders a myriad of ideas on ways to break up their social events with intergenerational dance activities. Sarina Condello and Bailey Davis provided all Community Mentors present with fun filled performing dance exercises that can be used for a variety of purposes including: warm ups, closures, team building activities and ways to enhance community involvement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The intention was to not only provide facilitators with fresh new ideas but to also encourage past and new communities to run their own Painted Turtle Arts Camp for this summer. These collaborative sessions are crucial to the ongoing positive relationships with not only Right to Play but also the Community Mentors. The spirit, inclusivity and efforts that Right to Play has put forth in including Painted Turtle Arts Camp programming in their mandate has been nothing short of inspirational. A highlight for us both was to be in the company of Canadian's own Clara Hughes! Hughes is also the only Canadian to have won medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympics. Her opening speech to all the delegates was nothing short of inspirational!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-81789812212446230722014-11-18T14:33:00.000-08:002014-11-18T16:44:29.852-08:00The Big Little Caravan of Joy Visits Burkina Faso 2014!<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">This fall SEMAFO Foundation invited the Big Little Caravan of Joy back to visit their rural communities in Burkina Faso. Once again, we had the privilege of implementing our highly dynamic arts based program for over 1640 children. Our last visit, back in 2012, was such a tremendous success that the children and artists asked monthly for our return! What a joy it was to finally go back to the communities a second time, so that we could reunite with our cherished team, friends and the beautiful children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Our vision was simple. We wanted to deliver and share, with the children from these small rural communities, the rapturous joy, inherent intelligence and healing power of the arts. For many children, the exploration of the arts was a place where they felt safe and off the hook for a moment, from being caregivers and laborers in their communities. From the child’s perspective, this arts based program was not only a simple solution in creating a safe platform to express and explore their individuality, but it was also a place where they had the chance to celebrate their childhood in the spirit of creativity and play. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Creative problem solving was yet another aspect to our program while implementing our arts based curriculum. We as facilitators see the arts as a place where children have the chance to constantly grapple with solving problem skills. These challenges unfold naturally in the process of art making.This in fact, lays down the groundwork for the acquisition of new found knowledge. Our methodology this time around included cooperative games, dances from around the world, song and chants, a theatre performance by the children, drama games and a handful of fabulous visual arts projects too!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> A big bouquet of gratitude goes out to all of our supporters who made this venture possible. Thank you to Chantal Guerin at SEMAFO Foundation for believing in the program. Our Team Joy Burkina Faso was on fire and without their expertise and the guidance, love, energy and devotion of Damarise Ste. Marie and Bailey Davis this project would not have been possible!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Communities</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">August 27-29 - COMMUNITY: Dangouna - 275</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">August 31-September 2-COMMUNITY: Wona A- 400</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">September 3-5- COMMUNITY: Wona B - 325</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">September 7-9- COMMUNITY: Bana A - 200</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">September 10-12- COMMUNITY: Bana B - 240</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">September 13-15-COMMUNITY: Bissa - 115</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">September 16-18- COMMUNITY: Somana - 85</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"><b>TOTAL 1640 children</b></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Each community listed above has now received 15-17 hours of arts based programming. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A community show for each school was also included. Each community did 3-7 art projects. Curriculum was translated from French to Local languages by the team. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Drama, dance, art and songs were focused and taught for approximately one hour for each subject. Cooperative games took up the other hour.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The Burkina Faso Team: Sarina Condello, Bailey Davis, Damarise Ste. Marie, Dao La Sunni, Amada, Aruna, Musa, Aruna (petite), Modu, Ibrihim, Amidou, Dao Yacuba, Konete Sema, Unosa and Boubacar.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-63641436478934236612014-11-18T13:08:00.000-08:002014-11-18T13:14:27.892-08:00Painted Turtle in 7 First Nation Communities!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Painted Turtle Arts Camp </b>is a program that is specifically designed for First Nations children and youth of Northern Ontario. The objectives of The Painted Turtle Arts Camp are:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To nurture every child’s creative spirit through creative expression and play</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To build a cohesive sense of community through educating artists, teachers, summer staff and community leaders on ways to integrate the arts through performance celebrations and art based experiences for summer camp</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 18px;"> To offer opportunity for youth to be leaders in an arts based environment and enhance their knowledge and interest in arts based activities</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since 2012, nineteen PTAC(s) have been implemented in seventeen Northern communities. Hundreds upon hundreds of First Nations children have had the opportunity to create and ignite their imaginations through the expressive joy of song, dance, theatre and visual arts. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every year, PLAY partner communities are invited to submit applications to host a Painted Turtle Arts Camp. The completion of an application allows for a process for the community to identify the need and interest for arts based programs as well as identifying resources and support to host the program. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">It has been an absolute honour and privilege, for the third season consecutively, to have collaborated with Right to Play with the implementation of the summer arts based program-- Painted Turtle Arts Camps (PTAC) throughout Northern Ontario. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year was a very special one at that, for the evolution of the PTAC grew considerably and developed into a sustainable and capacity building venture by training leaders to independently and successfully run their own camps for their communities. The year, the PTAC specialized arts activities, usually designed for a week’s long program, were developed and expanded into a five to six weeks curriculum. By teaming up with Right to Play and piggy backing with their Summer Sun Training Session, that was held in Thunder Bay in early June, PTAC had the opportunity to make this new training model possible. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">With 8 community mentors present to train specifically with the Painted Turtle Arts Camp methods, this new model, gave community leaders basic instruction in facilitating the arts-- dance, visual arts, music, drama. The training also provided a methodology on how to manage their PTAC throughout the summer months. Each Community Mentor present also received an art kit that would last throughout the summer and included art supplies for 30 - 80 children, 2 training manuals (one for managing a camp, and one with art based activities) and a USB stick with lots of high energy fun music and two videos of our selected choreographed dances. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next year our Painted Turtle vision is a grande one at that! The big dream is to have 15 Northern communities run their very own Painted Turtle camps for the summer of 2015. Our vision for the training session for next year, is to create a more detailed manual and training methodology that will instill enriched arts based activities for all the facilitators involved with PTAC.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Many thanks go out to Jules Porter who has consistently supported the PTAC’s programming for the Northern communities of Ontario and who helped us develop this new sustainable model. Gratitude would not be complete without acknowledging Nicky Potter’s guiding force. Her dedicated efforts, by supporting, guiding and making sure that all our ducks were in a row for this year’s tour, made the success of this program attainable. Gratitude abound and a huge thank you to all the Community Mentors, Community Officers, Painted Turtle Staff and the hundreds of children who created art with their little hands, sang with gusto and danced to their hearts delight! Our program would not be possible without the committed efforts of Bailey Davis who has tirelessly given up her summers for the betterment of this program and with Rose Lipton and Chris McLeod’s encouragement and assistance with all the details needed to pull off such an endeavour. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the Communities of: Mattagami, Moose Cree, Wabauskang, Neskataga, Shkoday, Indian Friendship Centre, Webequie, Aroland– Meegwetch for inviting us to work with your children and for graciously hosting and supporting the camps! To the Community Mentors: Andrea Naveau, Carmen Cheechoo, Jason Petiquan, Aaron Yellowhead, Candace Hardy, Marriah Belcher, Eric Shewaybick and Chad Kashkish – Meegwetch! Your initiative in taking on the Painted Turtle all on your own and your dedication in providing your communities’s children with effective programming this summer demonstrated true leadership, courage and a willingness to provide great opportunities for your community!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And a big thank you goes out to Bailey Davis for being jumping on little bouncy planes and traveling with me throughout Ontario, and being an amazing facilitator and project manager!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DELIVERABLES for 2014</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 8 Community Mentors, from 8 Northern communities, were trained with a Painted Turtle arts based curriculum and methodology</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15 Communities received art kits</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Number of children in communities that ran Painted Turtle Arts Camp for 4-6 weeks: </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mattagami- 20 children</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moose Cree- 80 children</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wabauskang - 10 children</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neskataga - 25 children</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shkoday and Indian Friendship Centre- - 25</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Webequie- 20 children</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aroland - 30 children</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hours of art-based activities for each child during the summer of 2014 : 80 -100 hours</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-54710559945412210742014-06-19T16:29:00.002-07:002014-06-21T09:17:01.109-07:00 A Historic Painted Turtle Moment<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
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The Turtle Changes It Up, with a Training Program for Aboriginal Community Mentors!</h3>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">For the first time in the history of the Painted Turtle Arts Camp, a leadership training program, designed for Aboriginal community mentors, was held this month in Thunder Bay. </span>From June 10th - 13th, at Lakehead University, and in collaboration with Right to Play, the Painted Turtle team presented a new and exciting training program to 10 community leaders from Northern Ontario. Along with the fabulous facilitation and program development skills of Bailey Davis, the Painted Turtle Arts Camp’s curriculum and methodology was the focus of the week. The intent of this workshop was to create a bigger, better and more sustainable Painted Turtle program than ever before, by training and supporting community mentors to create their own camp.</div>
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The Communities On Board</h3>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Community Mentors from Aroland, Wabauskang,Grassy Narrows, Whitedog, Shkoday, Mattagami, Webequie, Neskantaga and Moose Cree were all present for this fun-filled session. Together they painted, danced, laughed and sang in the spirit of unleashing the creative and expressive spirit of the children from their communities.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">All of the art modalities were included during this training (drama, dance, music, visual arts) and facilitation tools and planning sessions on ways to successfully run a summer program were included in this three day workshop. The thrust of the program was designed to: highlight the participant's role as camp director, create an action plan and develop a schedule for the summer months ahead.</span><br />
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Supporting the Vision</h3>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">7 communities also received fully stocked Art Kits and 9 communities received starter Art Kits, so that all camp leaders can now run their own arts and craft activities. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">In order to ensure that the Painted Turtle Arts Camps will be a success, follow up visits to each community will take place. All Painted Turtle community mentors running the program will have the support they need to run, manage and facilitate Painted Turtle art-based activities through these community visits from the Painted Turtle support team.</span></div>
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Of Gratitude and Appreciation</h3>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The efforts, support and guidance of Chris McLeod, Rose Lipton, Emily Gibson, Courtney Strutt, Jules Porter and Nicky Potter were absolutley paramount to the success of this training. A big thank you goes out to them all. I also would especially like to acknowledge the courageous individuals, this year's community mentors, who have decided to run a Painted Turtle Arts Camp on their own! I celebrate their love for the arts and culture, and their desire to inspire and empower their communities through creative exploration and play. Because of this commitment 250 Aboriginal children will have many canvases to paint, many dances to dance and joyful songs to sing this summer.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-44542921039224181502014-06-02T15:35:00.000-07:002014-06-22T11:01:15.625-07:00The Amazing African Tour<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Biggest Tour Ever!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">It has been years in the making, but after dreaming big, leaning into the possibility of making it happen, and harnessing the creative </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">power of two fund raising, generous and kind-hearted musical theatre communities, (The Bedford Park and Summerhill Players) the 2014 Africa tour was launched!!! Traveling to nine communities throughout four African countries, The Big Little Caravan of Joy engaged the hearts and minds of 4,000 vulnerable and orphaned children with the guidance and creative spirits of 40 African artists. From the townships and rural regions of Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa, to the rolling hills of Swaziland, from the Kibera Slums of Kenya, to the steep mountains of Baduda in Uganda, the Caravan of Joy traveled with 100’s of kilos of art supplies to unleash the artistic potential in each and every child that they encountered.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Show of all Shows</span></span></h3>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the creative genius of South Africa story teller Sussie Mawara, together we collaborated and wrote a musical that illustrated the power of the arts. The show entitled <b>Thandi’s Magical Drum </b>told the story of a small, shy girl who loved nothing more but to play her drum! As much as it drove the whole village crazy Thandi always went back to the rhythm of her drum for solace and connection to her heart. The story concluded with the simple message on the power of the arts--for Thandi magically overcomes the monsters that live in the village with her passion and mastery of drumming. The moral of the story is obvious; even the smallest child in a village can be a hero by following the rhythm of their own drum!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Nine performances were held this winter, and almost 1,000 community members in total came out to see their children sing, dance and act. This year’s visual arts program was the most inspiring to date. We used colourful dyes for banners, clay for pots, papier mache for masks, construction paper for weaving and paper lanterns, found objects for collages and mobiles, and drawing techniques to explore geometrical patterns. Parachute and cooperative games, traditional dancing, chants and songs, and drama lessons filled the children's school week with incredible joy.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Four Countries, Incredible Team Joys, Fantastic Volunteers!</span></span></h3>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Team Joy South Africa and Swaziland were made up of amazing individuals who have been implemented this programming since 2010. Their mastery in teaching, directing and facilitating all the art modalities, created for the very best art experiences for the children.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">South Africa and Swaziland</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Community members, teachers and elders were astounded by the expressive nature of their children and joyous accolades were given to all. </span><i style="font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Clown’s Without Borders South Africa </i><span style="font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">was very generous in lending the tour their speaker, rehearsal and training space, not to mention their phenomenal staff; Sussie Mawara, Sipho Mdletshe Busi Biyela and Sabee Shozi. In South Africa, two Canadian volunteers, Daniel Steiner and Kyra Vitko joined in on the fun and helped the program immensely with their love for visual art, musical theatre and photography skills. To end our stay in South Africa, a very special day was organized to honour, celebrate and inspire Ark Managers and Activity Coordinators. This workshop included all 5 South African communities that<i> Friends of Noah Canada</i> is supporting.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Once again, we were very fortunate to work with </span><i style="font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">People’s Educational Theatre </i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">in Swaziland for the fourth time since the Big Little Caravan of Joy started implementing programs in Africa! Nicholas Mamba, Andrew Moyo, Annabel Morgan, Wandile Themba Mabaso and Musawenkosi Zikalala </span>gave it<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> their all, with their amazing storytelling, directorial, clown, and teaching skills. We worked in the most receptive environment possible, for the school’s head teacher at </span><i style="font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Kalambhi Primary School, </i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Mr. Musa Dlamini, was involved in theatre for years. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Kenya</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">For the first visit ever, The Big Little Caravan of Joy visited Nairobi, Kenya, and collaborated with an award winning theatrical troupe, directed by David Odhiambo Dinda, </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">The Foundation of Hope. </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">This organization</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">presented The Caravan of Joy with some of the very best artists in the country. All 15 artists, from the slums of Kibera, provided the children at <i>Cheryl’s Orphanage</i>, with traditional dance and music lessons, art, and a fabulous cooperative game curriculum. The Canadian family of Kristi Herold, and her amazing children Cassidy, Andie and Dax, also joined the Caravan of Joy in Kenya as volunteers and added such spirit and fun. Along with their time spent with Cheryl's children, the Herold family also donated incredible art and sport supplies to the camp! This program was also supported by the efforts of Simon Koech. His direction, driving skills and Kenyan connections helped the program ten fold!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Uganda</span></h3>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To end the tour, The Caravan of Joy ventured into the mountains of Baduda, Uganda. With the guidance of Sebastian and Babrah Wanzama from <i>Global African Village</i>, the program was implemented in 2 rural schools. Hiring a team of 5 teachers, and mobilizing over 500 children, the program infused the community with songs and dances by their spirited children. Babrah choreographed and composed a final song for the show. Melanie Rosen from Toronto joined the Caravan of Joy in Uganda and added her expertise and passion for the Expressive Arts to the camp’s curriculum.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Many Thanks and </span>Appreciation</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I would </span>like<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> to thank all of The Big Little Caravan of Joy’s individual </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0px;">supporters from the bottom of my heart. Without their generous donations of art supplies and funds, this tour would not be possible. A special thanks goes out to The Kevin Sullivan Foundation, Ouellette Family Foundation, Melanie Rosen, the Saffer Family, The Vintage Dancers, Nicky Potter, Giselle Foundation, Philip Roadley, Bedford Park and the Summerhill Players, Kristi Herold, as well as Sarah Ferris and Ferris 360 for organizing a craft supply drive for Uganda. I also am profoundly grateful for the dedication of the members of Team Joy, the teachers, Ark Managers, Activity Coordinators and Principals that I worked with. Without their on going belief in the importance of the arts in education, our program would not be possible. And finally, without the innocence, joy, energy, laughter, creativity, spontaneity, brilliance, and imagination of the 4,000 children we danced, sang, painted and performed with, our energies would not have been so masterfully and lovingly channeled. For it is the love and light from these beautiful children that keeps the Big Little Caravan of Joy moving forward. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community Comments:</span></b></span></h3>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The program has equipped our learners with skills that they can use in the future.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Even the shy ones gained confidence.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“It has improved their attention span, by giving them something exciting in between lessons. They now look forward to going to school.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This program has given our centre a chance to strengthen our relationship with the school. We cannot wait to implement the skills and strategies that the Caravan has imparted!” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Learners have confidence to speak clearly without being shy. Their level of concentration is uplifted.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I really liked the show. Our children were so happy.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The children really enjoyed the program. They learned so many activities, e.g. dancing, painting, singing.... and also how not to be shy.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I suggest that this program visits us yearly.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">“This project changed the lives of the community.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Motivation was given to the teachers with new innovative ways of teaching children. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The children found the school environment exciting and always looked forward to the next day. This was confirmed by the Head Teacher. During the time the BLCJ was there, there was no absentee or late comings.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“This program comes at the most appropriate time in Swaziland, where the government is exploring new pedagogies to teach the arts in schools.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The program was effective for the children became more lively and the teachers reported that there is a great improvement in terms of participation in class by the pupils.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Your team is full of dedication, hard work, enthusiasm, appetitive to work more, and ever smiling, laughing faces.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“This program has brought skills and knowledge and has enlightened the community about play.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“It taught us about working cooperatively.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Through this program the kids are growing physically and intellectually.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“ We have learnt that through these activities there is internal peace, trust, acceptance, tolerance and cooperative working required.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the Staff of The Big Little Caravan of Joy</span></b></span></h3>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Results from 19 individual staff members interviewed from 4 countries.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100% of all staff, from 4 countries, agreed that the project was a success. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100% of all staff agreed that the project made a difference in the children’s lives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100% of all staff agreed that they have tools to continue the program. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100% of all staff agreed that the project made a difference in the lives of the community. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100% of all staff agreed that the BLCJ was focused on the child’s needs. </span></span></div>
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<b style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Final Numbers:</span></b></h3>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Number of Artists hired: 43 </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Number of Teachers, Child Care Workers: 97 </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Number of Children involved: 3,171 </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Average Number of Hours of art based instruction for each child: 34 </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Number of Countries: 4</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Number of Communities: 9</span></span></div>
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Number of Community Members: 862</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Number of Kilos of Art Supplies: 1000 Kilos </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Number of Workshops and Trainings: 5 </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Number of Costumes on hand: 670 </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Number of Fairy Wings: 125 </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Number of Crayons: 2500</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the Team Joy </span></b></span><b style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">South Africa, Swaziland, Kenya and Uganda:</span></b></h3>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The organization and the planning of the whole program was well done and could be seen in all the activities undertaken.”</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“This program came at the right time in my life. It has helped me realize my potential and calling. This is great and the joy is mine to be part of Team Joy!”</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I learned how to think on my feet when things are not going they way you planned.” “I learned about the importance of being present with children.”</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“ I learnt a lot about leadership and team dynamics. I also learnt about the love, communication and vision needed to lead such a creative team.”</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“ I found new approaches and innovative ways to team building through collaborative and participation.”</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“ There was a sense of communal unity as the children performed alongside their teachers and parents.”</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Being with Sarina and the team I learned that the arts have no barriers with communication. Our work gelled together regardless of the fact that we were effectively from six cultures. Joy has no passport!!!”</span></span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Creative Arts Workshops</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throughout the 4 month tour, Symposiums and Workshops, entitled a <b><i>Creative Arts Workshop </i></b>were held for Community Leaders, Activity Coordinators, Teachers, Artists and Volunteers. The goal of these workshops was to inspire, educate and introduce the staff, who work with orphaned and vulnerable children, a new and exciting curriculum in arts based activities. The hope was that each facilitator would leave having the necessary tools and renewed inspiration to infuse each and every child with something vital - creative arts-based programming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Designed to cultivate, celebrate and empower the expressive and authentic spirit of each and every child by drawing on the artistry of the performing arts and the magic of creative play, this workshop gave the women and men who work with these children, many ideas on ways to enrich their present day program. Workshops were held in South Africa, Swaziland, Kenya and Uganda.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Activity Coordinators from South Africa involved</i>: (Vusimpio)-Thembani Khumalo, Khumalo Nzuzo, Makhi Ntini, (Nkobongo)-Alzina Gwala, Nomusa Mtamila, Zamo Mngadi, (Siyawela)Faith Mthethwa, Ntombizodwa Japwta, Hlegiwe Mabase, ( Sithokosize)Khosi Dlamani, Nompuelelo, Lindiwe Msibi ( Christianenburg) Khosa Ngcamu, Nlinga Ambrozinf, Petronella Manzi</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Facilitators: Sussie Mawara, Innocent Sabee Shozi, Sipho Mdletshe, Sarina Condello, Melanie Rosen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Volunteers: Kyra Vitko, Daniel Steiner, Kristi Herold</span><br />
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<h3>
The Summer of 2014, Painted Turtle Power!</h3>
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I am now back in Canada, and with the help of Bailey Davis and the collaborative efforts of Right to Play, we will be in 10 First Nations communities this summer! Stay tuned for more exciting details and the creative deliverables that will unfold with joy, sunshine, song and dance!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-34815889712206352832014-01-25T11:07:00.000-08:002014-01-26T20:44:11.087-08:00Celebrating 10 Years of my Love Affair with Africa!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How it all Began</span></b></h2>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has already been 10 glorious years since my very first arts based experience in Africa. My passion for African dance and music was realized the day I joined the dance ensemble <i>Kekeli</i>, founded and headed by the incomparable, masterful, and consummate Ghanaian drummer, Kwasi Dunyo. Soon after accepting a personal invitation from Kwasi to visit his country, I was off to Ghana to study the magic of West African drum and dance in Dagbamete, a little village of the Volta region. Little did I realize back then in 2003, that the month spent in Dagbamete, would change my life forever. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I returned to Canada my eyes had opened to how different my Toronto world was from the rural regions of Africa. I noticed that my teenagers, Kyra, Quentin and Teya, were becoming more and more entrenched in an era and culture that seemed to encourage, and even celebrate an empty individualism and promotion of materialism. The contrast to my privileged three and the the African children suffering from HIV and poverty, gave me the idea of roping my kids into an experience that would hopefully alter their newly adopted North American paradigm and at the same time contribute to the lives of others.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The opportunity to initiate a performing arts camp at an AIDS orphanage in Tanzania by Deborah McCracken, led to my very first arts based program designed for the African child. Alongside with the brilliant and spirited talents of <i>Kihumbe</i>, a Tanzanian award winning dance and circus troupe, and my three teens, our newly formed ensemble traveled throughout rural Tanzania facilitating our arts program for over 1,000 children. I will alway be thankful for the dedication that <i>Kihumbe </i>demonstrated back in 2006.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After much contemplation during the months following our return, I realized that my family got a lot more out of the African experience then the orphans themselves! It was then and there that I knew that this one-sided approach of my program had to be addressed. Unfortunately, I did not have the financial means to return to Africa and implement the changes needed, which included the training and the education of a child-centric play based curriculum to artists and educators. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">With the screening of my documentary film Thank You Tanzania, shot during our trip, my world as I knew it, slowly turned upside down. With the help of 2 very special individuals, Chris Wallace and Brian Noon, the production, editing and completion of this award winning film created a buzz about our African journey. It also profiled the successful impact that an arts based experience could have in the lives of hundreds of disadvantaged children.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will forever remain grateful and indebted for their kindness and support. I hope that both Chris and Brian realize that their contribution in finishing the film was directly correlated to the development of my charity. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Joy and Altruism of Musical Theatre</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Through the brainchild and production genius of Kristi Herold and the enormous talents of Sheila Philcox and Gail Leger, two casts of musical theatre troupes were formed. From that moment on the The Big Little Caravan of Joy sprouted wheels and wings. In actuality, The Big Little Caravan of Joy’s accomplishments have flourished through the life force, creative power and support of these two beloved casts, the Bedford Park and Summerhill Players. And grow it did! The BLCJ gave rise to the Empowered African Child Conference in 2011 and in 2012 it expanded it’s scope by embracing Canada’s First Nations children with The Painted Turtle Arts Camp.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So Much Support, Love and Guidance</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through the help of hundreds of donors, volunteers, and the support of friends, my benevolent legal team, Trudy White- Dzuro and George Dzuro, my Vintage and Soul Dancers, family and kind hearts, not to mention the generous contributions from Kristi, Kevin Sullivan, and morale support of my family, The Big Little Caravan of Joy was born!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My gratitude would not be complete without highlighting the guidance and contributions of Nicky Potter, founder of Friends of Noah Canada and the team of the past Noah South Africa: Rachel Compaan, Karen Krakowitzer, Skhu and Katie Andrews. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I must not forget the collaborative ventures of Right to Play; especially Paula Gilverson, Anna Keefe, Meisha Cole, and Catherine Cheechoo who supported the development of </span>my new<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span>initiative<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> that took us into Canada's far remote Northern communities. A big thank you to Jules Porter for believing in my Painted Turtle Program back in 2012! </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love goes out to Jamie McLaren Lauchman founder of Clowns without Borders South Africa, and Joslyn Walker, two generous South Africans, who have always been there for me, shining their light on my path when I have needed it the most! Thanks would not be intact without the support of Pierre Vaillancourt and Chantal Guerin from the SEMAFO Foundation, and to Kate Webb and Antonio De Gregorio too! Thanks to</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The Giselle Foundation!!!</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Team Joy is the Best!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But my humblest and most gracious honour goes to my Teams of Joy that have been arm and arm in the field with me, doing the grueling but most playful work together, in the kindred spirit of brother and sisterhood. Whether it was in a hot and dusty field, or in crowded township, or in rural villages, or a fly-in remote Northern Ontario communities, Teams of Joy have sung the hearts out, danced like no one was watching, painted like Picasso, and belly laughed with and for 1,000s of children. Without their tireless dedication this work would be aimless and vacuous. </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love and accolades also go to my <b>Canadian Team Joy Leaders:</b> Damarise Ste. Marie and Bailey Davis and my core <b>Team Joy African Leaders</b>: Aku Dunyo, Nicholas Mamba, Sandile Ndzimandzem, Andrew Moyo, Richard Ndlovu, Sussie </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mjwara</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">, Sabee Shozi, Sipho Mdletshe and our Burkina Faso Team Joy with Dao La Sanni and Vincent too! </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love abound to T<b>eam Joy First Nations Leaders</b>: Joyce and Jerry Wesley, Charles Carpenter, Lorna Chyslar, Grace Bluecoat, Candice Assiniwe, Bighead Bellamie, Eric Spence, and Clarence Piishaan. And too all the other members of Team Joy that have joined us along the way, I thank you all!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Sweet Children</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it is the children who deserve the biggest thanks given here! Starting with my own three, who kickstarted this journey and concluding with the celebration of the 1,000s of sweet and enchanting souls who have embraced us and the BLCJ program with open hearts and loving spirits.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where We Have Ventured and the What We Have Done</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a result of the profound trust of so many, and their mutual love for the importnace and relevance of creative play during childhood and for most their generous hearts, The Big Little Caravan of Joy will have traveled to eight African countries (Ghana, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, South Africa, Swaziland, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Uganda) and The Painted Turtle Arts Camp will have visited eight First Nations communities in Northern Ontario and The Empowered Africa Child Conference will have traveled to three countries enlightening hundreds on ways to embrace child spirit!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> </span><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;">By the end of 2014 over 550 artists, educators and child care givers and almost 10,000 children will have received over 20-30 hours of arts based programming and training! </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A Tour Dedicated to a 10 Year Love Affair with Africa</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To celebrate the 10th anniversary of my love affair with Africa, The Big Little Caravan of Joy and The Painted Turtle Arts Camp will reach almost 5,000 children before the end of 2014! Below is my itinerary for this remarkable tour planned to celebrate the resilience and sacredness of childhood.</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I am thrilled to say that my eldest daughter Kyra and her dear boyfriend Daniel will be joining our team in South Africa. Also, for the first time ever Kristi and 3 children (deja vu) will be joining me in Kenya to run a program at an orphanage called Cheryl’s House. I also look forward to having Melanie Rosen, an expressive arts therapist, yoga guru and creative soul in the mountains of Uganda with me! I hope that you follow my journey and help me believe in the African saying: little by little, a little becomes a lot. </span></span><br />
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With love,</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarina Condello</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Big Little Caravan of Joy & Painted Turtle Arts Camp</span></b></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2014 Schedule</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BIG LITTLE CARAVAN OF JOY TOUR</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Dates- January 13-17</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Design- Purchasing Supplies, Artistic meeting with Staff, Design of Curriculum</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff- Sarina, Team South Africa</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Dates- January 20 - 24 & January 27 - 31</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community- Sithokosize; Manager- Khosi</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design- Morning entire school + Afternoon Ark Programming</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff- Sarina, Sussie, Sipho and Sabee</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Timing- School Classroom Program - 9:00 AM- 1 PM - entire school</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sithiokozise Ark Program - 1:45 - 2:45 PM - 5 - 9 years olds</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sithiokozise Ark Program - 2:45 - 4:00 PM 10+ year olds</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dates- February 3 - 7</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community- Siyawela; Manager - Faith</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design- Morning Daycare + Afternoon Older Children </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff -Sarina, Sussie, Sipho and Sabee</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Timing- Siaywela Ark Program with Daycare - 9:30 AM- 12:30 PM</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Siaywela After Care Program - 1:30 - 3:30 PM</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Dates- February 8</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">- 15</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community- Swaziland; Manager- Nicholas + Andrew</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design- Artist in Residence Rural School</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff- Sarina, Nicholas, Anna, Wandile, Andrew, Musa, Sussie, Sipho and Sabee</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Timing- School 7:30 - 2:00</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dates- February 17 - 21</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Community- Vusimpilo ( 5 day overnight); Manager -Thembani and Nondomisu</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Design- Morning entire school + Afternoon Ark Programming</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff - Sarina, Kyra, Daniel, Sabee, Sipho and Sussie </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Timing- School Classroom Program - 8:00 AM- 12:00 PM- entire school Vusimpilo Ark Program - 1:00- 2:30 PM </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Dates- Monday off- February 25- March 1(with Saturday celebration)</span></div>
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Community- Nkobongo; Manager Zamo</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design- Ark based</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff- Sarina, Kyra, Daniel, Sabee, Sipho and Sussie</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Timing- 7:20 AM - 3:30 PM</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dates- March 3- 7</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community- Christianenburg (Claremont); Manager- Thambiso</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design: 1/2 Program Curriculum Development with Thambiso</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 day Ark Programming</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff- Sarina, Sipho, Sussie (For 2 days Kyra and Daniel) </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Timing- Morning Curriculum Development 12:30 - 2:30- </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christianenburg Ark Program with Team Joy - 2:30 - 4:30 PM </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dates - March 10- 14, + 20 -27</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community - Cheryl’s House, Kenya, Manager- Grace</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design - Orphanage Program</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff - Family Herold first part, with Kenyan Team Joy, Driver Simon</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Timing- 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM + 3:30 - 4:30</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dates- March 1- 4</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community Uganda, Manager - Barbara</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design School#1</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff Ugandan Team Joy</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Timing- 7:30 - 2:30</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dates- March 7-11 </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community- Uganda</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design- School #2</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff- Ugandan Team Joy</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Timing-7:30 - 2:30</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dates- March 14-18</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community- Uganda</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design School #3 + #4</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff- Ugandan Team Joy</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Timing- 7:30 - 2:30</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PAINTED TURTLE TOUR</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dates- July 7 - 18th</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community- Northern Ontario</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design- Community Based</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff- Painted Turtle + Right to Play Team</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Timing- 10:00 - 12:00 and 1:00 - 4:00</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Dates- July 21- August 1</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community- Northern Ontario</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design- Community Based</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff- Painted Turtle + Right to Play Team</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Timing- 10:00 - 12:00 and 1:00 - 4:00</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Dates- August 3- 8</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community- Northern Ontario</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design- Community Based</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff- Painted Turtle + Right to Play Team</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Timing- 10:00 - 12:00 and 1:00 - 4:00</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Forecast for the Fall of 2014--fingers crossed!</i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BIG LITTLE CARAVAN OF JOY FALL TOUR </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staff: SEMAFO, Damarise Ste. Marie, Bailey Davis + Team Joy Burkina Faso</span></span></div>
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<span class="body-font" style="font-family: Arial;">Dear Friends and Supporters of my work in Africa and in Northern Ontario,</span></div>
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<span class="body-font" style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you kindly for the support that you have given to my cause! However, I need your help this holiday season in making sure that the programming for The Big Little Caravan of Joy, Painted Turtle Arts Camp and Friends of Noah Canada, continues to grow, flourish and reaches more children than ever before!</span></div>
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<span class="body-font" style="font-family: Arial;">When you make a contribution to The Big Little Caravan of Joy you empower children by helping local artists, community leaders and educators, in Africa and Northern Canada, in providing creative and fun-filled programming for children who need it the most. Your holiday donation can support the growth of our programs, so that more children can participate in The Big Little Caravan of Joy, Painted Turtle Arts and Noah initiatives in Northern Ontario and Africa. </span></div>
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<span class="body-font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><b>If you are interested in donating to this cause please use the link below and include in the message box: 1. that you are donating funds toward The Big Little Caravan of Joy's programming, and 2. the name and address of the person you might honour with your donation. </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><b>Here is the link to donate: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #395fea;"><u><a href="http://www.canadahelps.org/gp/32283">http://www.canadahelps.org/gp/32283</a></u></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="body-font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-size: 14px;">A personalized thank you card with African small keychain will be mailed to any donation on behalf of a family member or friend. <b>All donations will automatically receive an electronic tax receipt from Friends of Noah Canada. </b></span></span></div>
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<span class="body-font" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #404040; font-size: 14px;">Our programming in Northern Ontario is now in further development and by the summer of 2014 we hope to have 8 Painted Turtle Arts Camps, run by trained local leaders. Our nutritional, after-school programs and Big Little Caravan of Joy arts camps in South Africa are also expanding. This year I will be running 4 art-based initiatives in South Africa, 1 in Malawi and another 3 in Uganda.</span></span></div>
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<span class="body-font" style="font-family: Arial;">Sarina Condello</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-10320931812743150582013-12-18T10:42:00.003-08:002013-12-18T10:42:40.902-08:00Painted Turtle Arts Camp is GROWING!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>We Did It Again!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Painted Turtle Arts Camp 2013 was a huge hit this summer! Without the support of Right to Play, our Community Theatre Fund Raising Initiatives, Chief and Council in Cat Lake, Slate Falls, Webequie and Fort Severn, Painted Turtle Staff and Camp Managers we would not have been such a success! Next year we hope to be in 8 communities by running Painted Turtle Arts Camp Training Program for community leaders in Canada's most Northern and remote regions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We learned a lot this year as we have now completed 9 camps in 8 communities in only a year! I was absolutely thrilled to have had the privilege and honour in facilitating 9 Painted Turtle Arts Camp (PTAC) experiences since 2012. PTAC has evolved from a thought into a dynamic program designed for children to unleash their creative spirit and express their performing arts potential. This program has been made possible by the collaborative efforts of Right to Play, The Big Little Caravan of Joy and Friends of Noah Canada. I am also indebted to Right to Play for all the hard work that they have put in place so that this new and exciting summer program and arts-based curriculum can be shared with hundreds of children! The imagination of the young child is a garden of creative potential. PTAC provides an opportunity, for children from Northern communities, to cultivate those qualities as they discover enchanted worlds through stories and dances from magical lands. PTAC and it’s team possess the necessary tools to facilitate an arts-based camp and renew a sense of inspiration that infuses each and every child with something vital - joyful play! Gratitude abound and a huge thank you to all the Community Mentors, Painted Turtle Staff and the hundreds of children who have danced, sang and performed with joy! Our program would not be possible without the committed efforts of Bailey Davis, Paula Gilverson and Catherine Cheechoo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Painted Turtle Arts Camp is designed for First Nations children and youth. The objectives of The Painted Turtle Arts Camp are:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To nurture every child’s creative spirit through creative expression and play</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To build a cohesive sense of community through teacher and artist education, performance-celebrations and creative expressions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To offer opportunity for youth to be volunteers in an arts based environment and enhance their knowledge and interest in arts based activities</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every year, PLAY partner communities are invited to submit applications to host a Painted Turtle Arts Camp. The completion of an application allows for a process for the community to identify the need and interest for arts based programs as well as identifying resources and support to host the program. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>This is How it Works!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The camp is supported by a team of Big Little Caravan of Joy staff and Right To Play staff. The team travels to host communities to provide creative and artistic guidance and logistical support to implement the weeklong camp. The team arrives and delivers a two day training to local staff in the areas of camp safety, behavior management, roles and responsibilities at camp, back pocket games and activities, dance, drama, visual art, parachute games, white belt training and the ABCs of putting on a performance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Curriculum</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The camp is a series of arts based activities including; </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Visual Arts</b> - Young children love to paint, cut, draw, glue, and design pictures. In this workshop, participants will explore colour and shape, and develop skills for making a variety of projects that are inspired by their imagination. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Music</b> - These workshops will emphasize the importance and value of children chants, singsongs, and singing in the round. Chants and songs are an important and valuable teaching tool, which provide the child with the basic foundations upon which language and grammar structures can be built. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dance and Drama</b> - Children are given an opportunity to cultivate their imaginations as they discover enchanted worlds through, stories and dances from magical lands. This workshop will give participants fun and spirited ideas that help unleash the creative spirit of the child, through dance, drama games and performance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Energetic Games that Inspire Cooperation</b> - These workshops will include games that inspire a connection to the cooperation and group synergy. The purpose of these workshops is to offer children a group cooperative games that will not only promote teamwork, but will also develop the child’s physical capabilities and appreciation for the working together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Fitness and Health</b> - These workshops will include a fitness program and healthy snacks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Guest Artists</b>: We were incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with local community artists. In Cat Lake, Randy Fox came in for half an hour each day to teach the kids the graffiti alphabet. In Slate Falls, Chancillor Crane instructed children in drawing for the first time. He taught the children to draw a variety of pictures like bush planes, moose, wolves and the northern treeline. In Webequie, Ananias Jacob is well known for his beautiful murals painted in the Woodland style all around the school. Ananias worked in the visual arts rotation each day and taught the children to draw various images like a bear claw, and an owl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Cooks</b>: We were lucky to have partnered with the Diabetes worker in Slate Falls who prepared healthy and delicious meals each day. In Slate Falls, Dave Guilbeault made delicious homemade soup and sandwiches each day. Each community also generously donated funds to purchase all of the food throughout the camp.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Group Leaders</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: Each camp would have not been possible with out the support of local community members who played the role of group leaders at the camp. Group leaders were responsible for watching over each group of children. They carried out a variety of tasks such as taking attendance in the morning, handing out snack, escorting groups from one activity to the next, leading quick games or activities, and helping activity leaders during the rotations. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Final Show</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">: Each Painted Turtle Camp culminates in a big final show for the community. The children get the chance to showcase all of their artwork which is hung up around the venue. They also put on a play called Brother Sun and Sister Moon. The performance involves drama, dance, costumes and lot’s of laughs. Community members are invited to attend and celebrate their children’s creativity during this final show. This past year, the support from community members was huge with over 40 people in attendance at the final shows in each community. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />A Lasting Legacy:</b> This year, boxes of supplies were collected to leave with the community. Craft supplies and costumes were left with Community Mentors and Education Staff so that the spirit of the Painted Turtle Art camp could live on. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-53996009548918477192012-10-31T17:02:00.001-07:002012-11-16T18:45:35.101-08:00The Big Little Caravan hits Burkina Faso with Effusive JOY! <h3>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />“I alone cannot change the world, </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Mother Teresa</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Many ripples of light, happiness, joy and child spirit cascaded through the rural regions of Burkina Faso this fall. Many people ask "Burkina what ?" not knowing much about this small French speaking country. Burkina Faso is geographically landlocked in by six countries: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Ivory Coast to the southwest. The country’s name means "the land of upright people the native language of Moore and Dioula, and this was certainly the case during our tour, with the citizens of this warm hearted country.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Sponsored and hosted by the SEMAFO Foundation, headed by the indestructible Chantal Guerin, The Big Little Caravan of Joy visited 5 rural communities including: Fofina- Bissa, Dangouna, Wona A, Wona B and Somana, providing the village children with an arts-based program that reached over 1,000 very happy kids, from September 13 - October 8, 2013.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">With 15 team African regional team members consisting of artists that ranged from 4 grandmothers, 3 youth, 8 adults and 3 Canadian artists, Team Joy Burkina Faso stood 18 strong with a sense of playful purpose designed specifically for the sweet children in these regions.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Our team roster composed of: Bailey Davis, Damarise Ste. Marie, Sarina Condello, Vincent Millogo, Dao Lassina, Taro Ibrahim, Dao Madou, Dao Amada, Doa Arouna, Dao Moussa, Konate Djeneba, Dao Harouna, Dao Hamidou, Dao Yacouba, Konate Sema, Unosa, Oumou, Bintou and Ramatou.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The adventure began with a few gatherings to meet the head masters, elders and artists of these regions, which then culminated with workshop entitled: The Empowered Burkina Faos Child. Over 30 artists and educators attended.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">With 500 costumes in tow, a massive parachute, art supplies for 1,000 peanuts and a few sets of magical drums, our Big Little Team Joy traveled daily to and from the chosen communities down dusty roads whilst all team members piled up with the supplies in the back of a pick up truck.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5irlYJPg3oqLHclcHsLqX96XjTyIiW7gM6ZrYyUJZDYBTPOejb86GppzdHmOn4oCL_350B0QjLCaSyvOej65nC-PyQNKgoqunsvqBHr_nMRg2Pbfq0fGdAKlfL0i_Fh1mL98vKd6FvQ/s1600/IMG_8382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5irlYJPg3oqLHclcHsLqX96XjTyIiW7gM6ZrYyUJZDYBTPOejb86GppzdHmOn4oCL_350B0QjLCaSyvOej65nC-PyQNKgoqunsvqBHr_nMRg2Pbfq0fGdAKlfL0i_Fh1mL98vKd6FvQ/s320/IMG_8382.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">At the end of our tour all supplies, costumes and play equipment were donated to the Wona B so that they joy and creativity for the children could continue after we left.</span><br />
Here are some great shots of our process and some of our final shows as well!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-_tnqeJL0GiSPYrYqPzJ-nGhEVKiimwbX9c6ZuAb7XJfRMr9ieP1n0k3KGKoYuWjqJKaQBVZNa6qYFLxss1c3qKo5NgFQsvKuzFX4HqflZXbdNt1AzzgYN4JBDBTSabgpx92ZYElFQ/s1600/IMG_7476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-_tnqeJL0GiSPYrYqPzJ-nGhEVKiimwbX9c6ZuAb7XJfRMr9ieP1n0k3KGKoYuWjqJKaQBVZNa6qYFLxss1c3qKo5NgFQsvKuzFX4HqflZXbdNt1AzzgYN4JBDBTSabgpx92ZYElFQ/s320/IMG_7476.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">In total over 1,000 people came out during the month to watch our shows! </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Each show concluded with a merengue party mixed with some traditional dancing and cake. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">A highlight of our time held together in Burkina Faso, were the two parties hosted by the Big Little Caravan of Joy; one party was for the cleaning staff at our base camp and the other one was for the Team Joy's staff where each and every member received a fabulous loot bag filled with goodies that were donated from friends in Canada!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">This year our most generous and kindhearted sponsors included:</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;">Thank you to Pierre Vaillancourt for creating this possibility!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;">The Bedford Park Players</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;">The Summerhill Players</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">SEMAFO Foundation</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The Kevin Sullivan and Family Foundation</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">ARIDO GTA Chapter</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Kristi Herold</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Way Off Broadway’s Wizard of Oz</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Beverley Shukyn</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sarah Ferris</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Vivian Saffer</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Trudy White</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Randi Kirshenbaum</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Ruth Condello</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Gail Leger</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Antonio DeGregorio</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">...and many more generous individuals who donated, ran lemonade stands, wrote cheques and contributed financial offerings in our donation buckets at our shows--I thank you on behalf of the Team Joy Burkina Faso and the innocent children who partook in the celebration of playful joy!</span><br />
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The Little Big Tour of The Big Little Caravan of Joy of 2013-14</h2>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Next year’s tour will be the biggest to date. The vision is to visit all the countries that the Caravan of Joy has visited which includes: The First Nations Reserves of Northern Ontario, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and then to sprinkle some light in Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi and Ethiopia! </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The tour will last for 14 months and will reach close to 10,000 children. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Fundraising for this unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime tour will begin January of 2013. The tour will kick off July of 2013 as the Caravan will once again journey into the remote regions of our Canadian North and continue to the heart of Africa. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Namaste,</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Sarina Condello</span></div>
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<i style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Do not follow where the path may lead. </span></i></div>
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<i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” </i></div>
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<i style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> Ralph Waldo Emerson</i></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-23827513504245349392012-10-17T10:13:00.001-07:002012-10-17T10:16:00.822-07:00The Big Little Caravan in Rio de Janeiro!<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Brazil’s Keynote: Let Them Play!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">On August 30th, 2012 I had the privilege and honour to speak at the National Brazilian Kid’s Film Festival Conference held in Rio De Janeiro. My keynote speech, an interactive address in fact, had two objectives: to make relevant the importance of play in childhood, and to profile the work of The Big Little Caravan of Joy which is dedicated to carrying out play-inspired experiences for children in Africa and on First Nations reserves. Mark Greenspan, who is the executive director of operations at Achilles Media, introduced me to the festival directors, Carla Camurati and Carla Esmeralda in the spring of 2012 and with the support of the Consulate General of Canada, Sanjeev Chowdhury of Brazil, my attendance became a possibility. Below are some excerpts of my speech which embraced the notion that it is the right of all children to engage in playful and imaginative experiences as part of their childhood.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Let Them Play!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">RIO DE JANEIRO</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> August 30, 2012</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Before I start the the day I would love to begin with an affirmation for the unfolding of this day:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">"May there be peace within all of us throughout this conference. May we all trust that we are exactly where we are meant to be. May we use the gifts of connections and teachings that we receive as a result of our time together in Brazil at FICI, and pass on the love and learnings that has been given to you for the children of your countries. Let’s allow this new knowledge and connections that we make during this time to settle into our bones, and allow our souls the freedom to sing, dance, create, tell stories, praise and love.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">What a pleasure it is to be here today to be part of the FICI Before I launch into my address let me applaud and extend my gratitude to the following people:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mark Greenspan<br />Carla Camurati and Carla Esmeralda<br />Canadian Consulate General of Canada, Sanjeev Chowdry for bringing me here and who supports this talk in that it address the rights of children and creating a better world environments for these children. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">And for all of you: parents, film makers, creators of stories, educators, producers and we love children! I want to also say a special hello to: two NGOs that I visited yesterday. Scott Miles- project Favela and Ricardo Ramos from Rocinha Surf School. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">All of us here in this room, and we all love children being part of a film festival, have been entrusted with the most influential role known in society and that is to support the minds and hearts of children to become compassionate and autonomous individuals. We as producers, story tellers, children film makers, festival producers, educators, artists and parents all create the fabric of whom we are and who we will be communities in the future.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Each and everytime I stand in the presence of a child-- I do no take this for granted. This presentation is has its roots in the belief that every positive interaction, thought, feeling and experience that we facilitate and create for children contributes to a better world.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">SIMPLY, The art of of inspiring a child simply affects eternity.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My objective in addressing you all is three fold</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1.To unleash the buoyant, joyful nature of children within this sharing session together and also address how mindfulfully and fiercely protective we must be to uphold childhood as a sacred and formative stage in a lifetime.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2.To define the importance and relevance of creative play and describe how suspending the imagination for a child can be an empowering tool for self confidence and success.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">3. Share with you my work with my beloved charity The Big Little Caravan of Joy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">But before we begin in the spirit of the child everyone stand up!<br />Let’s move our energy together so that we can create a space for inspiration and joyful sharing and learning.<br />Not just listen with our ears but listen with our hearts..</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Repeat after me: Ajugaja</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Doesn’t that feel great! Changes the energy in the space immediately. Suspends joy in the air and makes us feel so alive.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I want to show you a 30 second video of joyful connection in a FAVELA just yesterday morning. I had the honour to visit some NGOs to meet the children. In this clip, I am a stranger, the children had known me for 30 seconds. I do not speak the children’s language, they do not speak mine for the most part.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 17px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">IMPORTANCE AND RELEVANCE OF PLAY</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My tag line: borrowed from Garry Landreth (2002) chants: Birds fly, fish swim and children play."</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Children require playful and creative experiences that are meaningful in order for them to feel connected, engaged and inspired. Understanding these creative and holistic indicators, goals, and activities ultimately support child development in self, relationships, resilience, emotional literacy and aesthetics.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">As adults we are able to verbalize things that are important to us, in ways that mean we can be understood and listened to. Children’s language is the language of play.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The significance of play in children's lives has been written about for centuries. Children are darlings that are in the dynamic process of development. They are growing cognitively, physically and emotionally.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">They also have an inherent ability in understanding the magic and animistic nature of life. For them there is no difference or separation between conscious and unconscious. They can play with inner connections between themselves, events in their lives, natural and imaginative kingdoms.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">New order begins to emerge from their disorder and chaos when they draw from their own misfortunes to engage in story. For me, the key force in creating new pathways toward working with all children, especially children that are traumatized, is the utilization of imagination and human stories!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">From my travels in many countries I have observed that there are four universal healing salves: singing, dancing, silence and story telling! Paying attention to stories whether they are myth like in nature or in film form in spirit re-awakens a sense of awe hope and possibility.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It is how such stories are illuminated and heard that honours the resources of human love and universal support for change.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The reality is that we were all born with the ability to play and create. It is a gift to all of us. You only have to observe children while they play to see this gift and force in its most effervescent and spirited form. A refrigerator box can turn into a boat, house, car, fort...</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Children are the masters of finding joy and it is through their play this is realized. It's what they do. It's also the way they learn, acquire cognitive, social and motor skills.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">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 opened. This heightened awareness enables them to tune their focus and in doing so it guides their work.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Along the way we as a society have squelched the child’s imagination and inner voice that tells them anything is possible. We teach them that there is a right and wrong way to do things. We instill in them that other people have the authority that can override their inner voice. Albert Einstein once said that “Imagination is more powerful than knowledge.” However, in our society the intent is to promote the collection of knowledge as opposed to expanding our creative forces and extending our imaginations in the status quo.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Perhaps one of the greatest crimes society commits against a child’s creativity is robbing the child of such time to explore and play in their world. We value creativity then we blatantly try to steal it away from children in the contexts of their educational experiences and recreational time. The statistics on the obliteration of play for children are stupefying. We must not be oblivious to this.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">According to these many studies, young children between 2 and 5 years of in urban environments can spend more than 6-8 hours in front of a screen. By the time an average adult turns 20 he or she will have spent close to two full years (24 hours a day) of his or her life in front of the television or computer. This is clearly of international concern and will only grow more relevant as our society transforms to a fully digital one where electronic technology expands its reach into every essence of our lives.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The results?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Children aren’t playing as they use to anymore. With greater reliance on cars, sedentary entertainment: TV, video and computer games, safety concerns related to outside free play our children are not exploring their environments. Play patterns for children have transformed into a very passive state- sitting and staring.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Play is so important to overall child development that the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights has recognized it as the right of every child.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This birthright is challenged by forces including child labor war and the limited resources available to children living in poverty.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">On the other side of the spectrum many of these children are being raised in Canada are in a system that drives for an increasingly hurried and pressured style. This completely limits child-driven play as well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We are all born with a child spirit... it is over a course of the time you can see it grow and shrink.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Child spirit is the guiding force of all children, which holds that children are naturally:<br />Curious Full of Wonder, Creative, Connected, Resourceful Reflective, Loving, Playful, Imaginative, Flexible, Joyful Energetic, Resilient, Vulnerable and Innocent. This list goes on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Empowering the Child</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The main goal of putting so much thought into programming our with children is to instill in them a sense of empowerment. 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!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">What do we mean by the empowerment of children?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">By this we mean making children stronger and more confident so that in return they have control of their lives. This includes decision making from an informed place where can then make self assured decisions in the future that will enable them to evolve and thrive.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ways to empower the child:<br />1. Provide positive reinforcement. Always listen to and acknowledge the child.<br />2. Clearly delegate responsibility and give the child authority along with the responsibility.<br />3. Be clear in your communication. When you express goals or explain projects, be sure the child really understands what you are asking for.<br />4. Show you have trust in your child. Allow them to make mistakes as a form of learning. Let them know you really support their decisions.<br />5. Look. Listen. Look again.<br />6. Be interested in the child’s development.<br />7. Be a coach. This is a process of developing their skills and providing them specific feedback to meet high standards. Be their coach and lead the child to success!<br />8. Enjoy, celebrate and guide them to express their unique personalities and spirits.<br />9. Increase self awareness by verbalizing and helping your child understand feelings.<br />Ask questions such as “how did that make you feel?”, “what do you think you should try to do?”, “what do you want to be able to do?”<br />10. Focus on solutions together. For older kids with good verbal skills, ask questions to encourage them to explore their own solutions to problems. Then encourage them to choose a solution and follow through. Offer support along the way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The BIG LITTLE CARAVAN OF JOY</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Big Little Caravan of Joy a name that reflects the spirit of the Caravan. It is Big in vision and heart. It is little in that it is grass roots and visits little people. Caravan for it visits and packs up and moves to another community. </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">And joy for that what the journey unleashes for the child, community and facilitators. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Joy is like happiness but it is a much deeper experience. In the search for happiness we tend to focus on the self. Joy is an experience that moves a person out of the self centeredness and provides alignment with others.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Joy can sustain us and that is why I have dedicated my life in connecting others to ways of connection to joy!</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-55283772706180493852012-08-16T09:20:00.003-07:002012-08-16T09:29:01.116-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Painted Turtle Arts Camp is a new collaborative arts-based project designed for young Aboriginal children in Ontario, from 4-12 years of age, that was introduced to five First Nations communities this summer by myself and funded by my grass roots charity, The Big Little Caravan of Joy. For the last seven years, most my efforts with The Big Little Caravan's work has taken place in Swaziland, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Ghana. This was the first time that my work was implemented in Canada. It was a dream of mine to create a new forum and program to harness the creativity of the children who live on First Nations communities. The collaborative partnership with Right to Play not only was a match made in heaven but it also made this dream a successful reality. </span><br />
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The mandate of The Painted Turtle Arts Camp pilot project was to connect First Nations children through the natural language of play, creative arts and cooperative games. This arts-based experience acted as a springboard for the children to explore, experiment and acquire new information about the world and themselves. The Painted Turtle Arts Camp was made up of an arts based curriculum that included visual arts, dance, drama, music, martial arts and co-operative games, and was designed for children 4-12 years of age. The finale of our placement culminated on the last day and included a parade and musical variety show where the children shared their creations, dances and dramatizations with the community. The theme was always light-hearted and fun-filled. The children felt safe and happy so that they could celebrate the joy, spontaneity, and playful nature of just being a kid during the summer holidays!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This pilot project successfully demonstrated that Painted Turtle Arts Camp can:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>• develop, support, encourage and expand the capacity for personal transformation for all children involved with the camp<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>• empower artists, educators and community mentors to positively create new ways of understanding and meaning in working together through the arts<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="apple-tab-span"> </span>• act as a model to create sustainable arts based programs for children with artists, educators and volunteers<o:p></o:p></div>
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After collaborating with Right to Play and five communities which included: Chippewas of the Thames, Wunnumin, Sachigo Lake, Cat Lake, and Whitefish River, I have concluded that the one thing that needs to be restored, especially for our children in Northern Communities, is the imaginative powers of the community at large. This world can be unlocked by the purity of heart and creativity which is naturally found in children.</div>
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Our most valuable capacity as facilitators and educators for children is to abandon preconceived judgements and open our minds and hearts to the power of imagination and transformation. As I began to a create a plan of action and implemented the creative curriculum this summer to almost two hundred children, I also started to uncover how this approach could allow each and every child an opportunity to explore and discover parts of themselves so that they could hold on to this notion of personal empowerment later on in life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our creative minds work like parachutes. They only operate and function when they are open. Painted Turtle Arts Camps supports and encourages this exact thing and opens the creative possibilities within a community by harnessing the joy of their own children through the exploration of the arts!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am indebted to the efforts of Right to Play, the Community Mentors, The Band Offices, The Turtle Team and all my sponsors in making this journey a joyful and fruitful one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One love and with profound gratitude,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-9363389706352886072012-08-16T09:14:00.000-07:002012-08-16T09:14:16.078-07:00Painted Turtle Power! 2012<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">I want to thank you all--for everything that you did to support, facilitate, celebrate and manifest the Painted Turtle Arts EXPERIENCE into a HUGE and HAPPY SUCCESS! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">What a blessing, joy and celebration of child spirit abound. My heart is full and my dream for the future is bright and hopeful for this kind of specialized programming to continue on First Nations communities. I will be sending you all a report on the successes and challenges that unfolded during this pilot program by the end of the month. For now, I will leave you with some stunning images that reflect our buyout spirit that was ever so present during every minute that the Painted Turtle was awake! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Your efforts and commitment to the kids and their creative experience were paramount to our success on this tour. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Thanks Nicky and Mark for jumping on board along the way. Your energy and presence not only added more laughter to our fun-filled voyage but spirit too.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Clarence, Lorna, Darryl, Joyce and Candice-- hats off to you for going for the Painted Turtle adventure. You made our visit to your communities so easy. We felt happy and at home whilst bringing the Turtle's fun to your kids. You are all such amazing individuals. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Anna, Meisha and Paula you were all ABSOLUTE champions in keeping the juggling balls up in the air and rolling with the waves with a sense of ease, grace and humour to boot. Simply, the staff at Right to Play are just INCREDIBLE! Thanks Stephanie and Adam for being part of the creation too!! I was in a constant state of admiration with all of you at Right to Play.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Bailey, you have been such an asset to this pilot project! Your energy, love for the kids and spirit created for such a brilliant tour. XO!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">A big thank you to all the artists who came on board the Turtle too: Alex, Lisa, Gloria, Patty, Alfred, Rob and the rest..</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Last but not least, I would like to extend my gratitude to Jules for going the distance and believing in my work. Without her drive and guidance this tour would not have been possible. All the best to you Jules and your family with the new sweet addition. XO!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">I look forward to visiting you once again and also bringing the Turtle's Power to other communities next year.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Thank you all, once again, from the bottom of my heart. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Painted Turtle Power forever.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Meegwetch,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">Sarina Condello</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-45107870326687242992012-03-08T10:01:00.004-08:002012-09-23T04:11:50.897-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Painted Turtle Arts Camp 2012</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Painted Turtle Arts Camp, a new collaborative arts-based project designed for young native children in Ontario will be introduced and highlighted. Created by the vision of Sarina Condello, this native and non-native pilot program (sponsored by Friends of Noah Canada and The Big Little Caravan of Joy) will empower children through the exploration of native culture and creativity. Facilitated primarily by Native performing artists, this camp will unleash the child’s creative spirit while also bringing about a cohesive sense of community and creative expression.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-66610203283390432272012-03-05T11:16:00.009-08:002012-03-05T14:32:35.453-08:00Donate Now!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NZ85Y5CZmjgZMLPvPFrZEOHz2KpxDQXLt9lj8YM9qEOs3017t2qfWv_KSy_12UG7IaG-xIrCPyMlzjw5jhSKh3iYQahgbc90BkdvYqVL3B8HIhyU6A43ihyphenhyphen0RYaLnQPalqeJf7NByQ/s1600/423144_10150526788251442_587466441_9172157_2093377080_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><blockquote></blockquote><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NZ85Y5CZmjgZMLPvPFrZEOHz2KpxDQXLt9lj8YM9qEOs3017t2qfWv_KSy_12UG7IaG-xIrCPyMlzjw5jhSKh3iYQahgbc90BkdvYqVL3B8HIhyU6A43ihyphenhyphen0RYaLnQPalqeJf7NByQ/s320/423144_10150526788251442_587466441_9172157_2093377080_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716494601236595698" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(20, 79, 174); font-family:Arial;">Copy, paste and DONATE! :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(20, 79, 174); font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(20, 79, 174); font-family:Arial;">http://www.canadahelps.org/GivingPages/GivingPage.aspx?gpID=17145</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;color:#144fae;"><blockquote></blockquote></span></div><div>The adventure continues with a little hype from my new television series Way Off Broadway! You must watch it for the adventure is more than fun--it is inspirational indeed! This year my journey continues in the remote First Nations communities in Northern Ontario with The Painted Turtle Arts Camp along side with my co-director Ron Meetoos who is a Cree flute player and story teller!</div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-24289754599939819862011-09-14T20:39:00.000-07:002011-09-14T23:18:00.387-07:00It's a Wrap! The African Tour Ends!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yd6nHGiA1lhKMDMWVH_0yQKOfxWfSMQB13fRhWcyLmZpXjUSS9erYIZQJF8HpXr440W2-cwxxZolWDbLeJ6LJDTgJOWsc0p34OrS0N-A6msZJHLPDgTTFiEBPB_5HiMVQOnF24QOCQ/s1600/_DSC9566.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yd6nHGiA1lhKMDMWVH_0yQKOfxWfSMQB13fRhWcyLmZpXjUSS9erYIZQJF8HpXr440W2-cwxxZolWDbLeJ6LJDTgJOWsc0p34OrS0N-A6msZJHLPDgTTFiEBPB_5HiMVQOnF24QOCQ/s320/_DSC9566.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652441289628283250" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WJUwDajp228-ITmXpdtlZQDnLSE-V9LCyXt2Tco-ZB7A15zXy1cJ0F9Up3uARBzObdfFfYxUACQx5IcQAb9LhzSNLMGCCt5jousHWvHgS2fqdpE5aglSZI3nBjthNWuok6Qj0QVtAA/s1600/_DSC9681.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WJUwDajp228-ITmXpdtlZQDnLSE-V9LCyXt2Tco-ZB7A15zXy1cJ0F9Up3uARBzObdfFfYxUACQx5IcQAb9LhzSNLMGCCt5jousHWvHgS2fqdpE5aglSZI3nBjthNWuok6Qj0QVtAA/s320/_DSC9681.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652432534656462178" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKib_yzzurnfsspCBUReZQ0sxjVYLpoCRWq6LEsnWHWb0NvLshHmYGww5NGR0p_g9co32qsWsuvRa7E1Ve7fI2p-3vos3g6szGV8O5UzFFTRgJ6q-c06nYvhPzSXrGgZbkFIKRZo5o9w/s1600/IMG_0270.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKib_yzzurnfsspCBUReZQ0sxjVYLpoCRWq6LEsnWHWb0NvLshHmYGww5NGR0p_g9co32qsWsuvRa7E1Ve7fI2p-3vos3g6szGV8O5UzFFTRgJ6q-c06nYvhPzSXrGgZbkFIKRZo5o9w/s320/IMG_0270.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652428458915079970" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fdrKAWAnB9-CGOyVRdXfVJ6ox9Uv2P7gxImf8r7BKfkU5fArDvLYFWjEKD7sIIf5CkkwcQRlHzClrCpXgsmeNoneEsBjTlrTzXDlvRTCA8NomA7DvxxNluOEIS90XRXnmoXbusFlfg/s1600/_DSC9484.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fdrKAWAnB9-CGOyVRdXfVJ6ox9Uv2P7gxImf8r7BKfkU5fArDvLYFWjEKD7sIIf5CkkwcQRlHzClrCpXgsmeNoneEsBjTlrTzXDlvRTCA8NomA7DvxxNluOEIS90XRXnmoXbusFlfg/s320/_DSC9484.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652427700946202898" /></a><br /><div>Dear Family, Friends, Students, Dancers, The Bedford Park Players, The Summerhill Players, The Vintage Dancers, and most generous and faithful supporters:</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>With deep gratitude and respect,</div><div>Sarina Condello</div><div>Founder and Director </div><div>The Big Little Caravan of Joy</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Swaziland Accomplishments and Outcomes 2011</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Accomplishments:</b></div><div>• Implemented a 6-day integrated arts program at Emabheleni Primary School, for 104 students in Hhohho region, in the rural community of Maphalaleni</div><div>• Donated $500 worth of school supplies to the Emabheleni Primary School. This included science materials, posters, chalk, classroom supplies, books etc.</div><div>• 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.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Outcomes:</b></div><div>• 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.</div><div>• 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.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>South Africa Accomplishments and Outcomes 2011</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Accomplishments:</b></div><div>• 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!</div><div>• Facilitated 2 Performing Arts Camps with Noah, South Africa: Christianenberg Ark involved 100 children Siyanqoba Ark in New Castle involved 160 children</div><div>• Donated a year’s supply of art materials, costumes, metal trunks and soccer balls to Siyagoba</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Outcomes:</b></div><div>• A certification course for all Activity Coordinators and Ark Managers based on Child Spirit ti be implemented in 2013</div><div>• Development of 4-5 South Africa Team Joys for sustainable roll-out programming through the year</div><div>• A certification course for South African artists so that Team Joy SA will grow in numbers</div><div><br /></div><div><i>“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”</i></div><div>Nelson Mandela</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Zimbabwe Accomplishments and Outcomes 2011</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Accomplishments:</b></div><div>• Designed, implemented and facilitated a full day workshop for 30 artists and teachers in Gwanda</div><div>• 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</div><div>• Implemented a 5 day program arts based program at Mount Cazelet Primary School, Gwanda for 350 children</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Outcomes:</b></div><div>• Designed a certification course in Arts Education for all Primary Educators in the region of MAT South</div><div>• 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</div><div>• Created a 5 day placement with SOS Villages and guardian workshops located outside of Bulawayo</div><div>• Implemented and assisted the ongoing development of an annual Children’s Festival that would celebrate child spirit and creativity in the MAT South region</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Ghana Accomplishments and Outcomes 2011</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b> Accomplishments:</b></div><div>•Created a 3 week tour for 7 Canadians that embodied cultural education and volunteerism experience</div><div>•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.</div><div>•Hosted a Grandmother’s Evening Feast to honour and celebrate the women who have contributed to child spirit in the village of Dagbamete</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Outcomes:</b></div><div>•Ongoing training and development of artists in arts and education in the Volta region</div><div>•Developed a National Children’s Festival that will be held in Dagbamete, August 2014</div><div>•Designed a 5 day arts placement with Team Joy Ghana in the village of Dzogadze</div><div>• 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.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b>The Bottom Line for 2011</b></div><div>Children who received 15-25 hours of arts based learning: 864</div><div>Adults trained in an art-based and child-centric curriculum: 465</div><div>Children who will benefit from the educators and artists training: 20,000+</div><div>Weight in pounds of the art supplies transported from Canada to Africa: 700 </div><div>Hired artists for the entire tour: 35</div><div>Canadian Volunteers: 11 </div><div>Kilometres traveled throughout the tour: 24,898 </div><div>Crayons used: 2,500</div><div>The Big Little Caravan of Joy T-shirts distributed: 60</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Final Tally since 2006:</b></div><div>Children since 2006 that the BLCJ has empowered with an average of 20 hours of programming for each and every child involved: 3,914 </div><div>Artists, educators, child care workers that BLCJ has educated since 2006: 546</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>A Big Thank you to the following individuals and groups for supporting the ongoing works of The Big Little Caravan of Joy:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><div>Fundraising Communities</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The Bedford Park Players, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The Summerhill Players, The Vintage Dancers, many generous individuals</span></div></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div></b></span></div><div>Supporting Organizations</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Friends of Noah Canada Noah, South Africa (Especially Rachel Compaan)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> US AID</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">PEPFAR, USA </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Peopleʼs Educational Theatre, Swaziland </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Ministry of Arts and Culture, Swaziland</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Ministry of Education, Zimbabwe</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Ministry of Sports, Arts, Culture, Zimbabwe</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div>Individual Supporters:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Kevin Sullivan, Kristi Herold, Nicky Potter, Susan Warburton, Vivian Saffer, Bojan Vitko, Randi Kirshehnbaum, Sarah Ferris, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Kyra, Quentin and Teya Vitko, Ruth and Tony Condello, Mark Greenspan, Russ Smith, </span></div></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Cary Laudadio, Sheila Philcox</span></div></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div></b></span></div><div>Team Joy South Africa 2011</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Susie Mjwara, Busi Biyela, Sipho Mdletshe, Sabee Shozi, Mr. Fish/Sibusiso Dlamini</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><div><b>Team Joy Zimbabwe 2011</b></div><div>Andrew Moyo ( Co-director), Richard Ndlovu, Brain Ndlovu, Adrian Drivo, Musa Khulekani Sibanda, Bathabile Nyatin</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Team Joy Swaziland 2011</b></div><div>Nicholas Mamba ( Co-director), Andrew Moyo, Sandile Ndzimandze, Musa Zikalala, <b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="display: inline !important; ">Phumzile Dlamini, Wandile Mabaso</div></span></div></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Team Joy Ghana 2011</b></div><div>Aku Richter (Co-director), Joe Dunyo, Andrew Dunyo, Sakora Dzamesi, <b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="display: inline !important; ">Ledzi Agudzemegah</div></span></div></b></div><div><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="display: inline !important; "><br /></div></span></div></b></div><div><b>Canadian Volunteers</b></div><div>Damarise Ste. Marie (Co-director) EACC, ENCC, Swaziland, South Africa</div><div>Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison- ENCC, South Africa</div><div>Kristi Herold- ENCC, South Africa</div><div>Vivian Saffer- ENCC, South Africa</div><div>Nicky Potter- EACC, ENCC, Swaziland, South Africa</div><div>Jillian Green- Ghana</div><div>Gail Leger- Ghana</div><div>Miles Vitko- Ghana</div><div>Susan Beayni- Ghana</div><div>Sandra Laurin- Ghana </div><div>Jan Sutin- Ghana</div><div> Kate Westphal - Ghana</div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Thank you </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Karen Krakowitzer</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> for seeing the importance and relevance of this material for Noah’s children. Also a big thanks to </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Dr. Greg Ash </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">for creating this organization and supporting South African’s most vulnerable and sweet. A big hug to </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Daisy, Cno, Shku, Bongiwe</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Numusa</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> for your work and support too during this time.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> But the biggest thank you goes to the force behind the ENNC and that has been Rachel Compaan!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> She single handedly executed all aspects to the ENC conference with hard work, vision and dedication. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Nicky Potter</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">, you have been my guardian angel. Thank you for journeying not once but twice into the heart of Africa in only three months!</span></span></div></b></span></span></div></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Thank you </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Nicholas, Sandile, Andrew, and Damarise</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> for the heart and soul you have contributed to this journey! </span></span></div></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Jamie</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">, you simply set me up! Thank you dear man!</span></span></div></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-27687107897965686522011-07-06T04:37:00.001-07:002012-03-08T09:57:55.220-08:00The Empowered Noah Child Conference Blew Us AWAY!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_E7b5WtYsS4S1FpopAEWuArsbbiqQPkoo0ffLsnl-QBrtmyGZuIqpb0UlXxp9SFDed5eocARpjtcxTQuDTschtUT1JI-zppNIYc5ibiPxv40rFa1QDbv8zdYS6FqlvajGwXgaWi5Olw/s1600/teac_conf_hor_logo_cmyk.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_E7b5WtYsS4S1FpopAEWuArsbbiqQPkoo0ffLsnl-QBrtmyGZuIqpb0UlXxp9SFDed5eocARpjtcxTQuDTschtUT1JI-zppNIYc5ibiPxv40rFa1QDbv8zdYS6FqlvajGwXgaWi5Olw/s320/teac_conf_hor_logo_cmyk.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717586543981963890" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zgs8QAQI5AfNPpfVNhw4UasKbMrZPzNkZQAz3MEmV8B-cz6knnSBc4WpUBrHrvdMn-nivwwYxCDL-WczWt1QTru5RgbpSSwLuTKf3_PvMst9kDpL1ZtBSaEWfJ2J7dDOk_Vt_C23Cw/s1600/IMG_0293.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zgs8QAQI5AfNPpfVNhw4UasKbMrZPzNkZQAz3MEmV8B-cz6knnSBc4WpUBrHrvdMn-nivwwYxCDL-WczWt1QTru5RgbpSSwLuTKf3_PvMst9kDpL1ZtBSaEWfJ2J7dDOk_Vt_C23Cw/s320/IMG_0293.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626276968695361714" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlGZZICEvOwRsXbsoJpX4sYZfdpUahXmw2Nqd8Z6h045b0JgiWzO3_HctCNPlwapBlg9N5rryJtLXfuscZyihH394DE2EKcve7FrtHbocjzNx5mX9Z42W4KcyQs-Ju2jMm9BsiQ7n6w/s1600/IMG_0251.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlGZZICEvOwRsXbsoJpX4sYZfdpUahXmw2Nqd8Z6h045b0JgiWzO3_HctCNPlwapBlg9N5rryJtLXfuscZyihH394DE2EKcve7FrtHbocjzNx5mX9Z42W4KcyQs-Ju2jMm9BsiQ7n6w/s320/IMG_0251.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626276954151085202" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPST2vOp9oU3mAZraei4oLoD8o9j2KBkemREpHBUq4H00tOtbHXBy4a6nt3VsObJHCRaPZt8m1WnrfoywPPpGLozHFFA3-GN-4pwbg9zQGh4Q1uGlDZ_hr3mWWkGAI1yfkkyVEzXJ_2Q/s1600/IMG_0218.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPST2vOp9oU3mAZraei4oLoD8o9j2KBkemREpHBUq4H00tOtbHXBy4a6nt3VsObJHCRaPZt8m1WnrfoywPPpGLozHFFA3-GN-4pwbg9zQGh4Q1uGlDZ_hr3mWWkGAI1yfkkyVEzXJ_2Q/s320/IMG_0218.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626276944007930466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOua9ouq7triBqDw-5iudxKT4U8ctu16ZgwJPvgrclCSTBEYSSvoyL5ex-dQSEOQR7wbunyWmJbYX9hOXL91ScFRzd4kAJcZVvuDvpuKi5H7ux80CWWW1g_gTa_DWo-5i1ecqsKBG3pg/s1600/IMG_0182.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOua9ouq7triBqDw-5iudxKT4U8ctu16ZgwJPvgrclCSTBEYSSvoyL5ex-dQSEOQR7wbunyWmJbYX9hOXL91ScFRzd4kAJcZVvuDvpuKi5H7ux80CWWW1g_gTa_DWo-5i1ecqsKBG3pg/s320/IMG_0182.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626276939145346818" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDxPviTQbpqwx083r6yz2rniGpgh2p9fMki8vvyRKA5JCQ9Qb4FEEblUzh97aY969UkcSjti9ixDxV6Qd9e_95-N0uC7fP8QAhhGb0CPNyDsJnl_GHu2mOUlsZSRUbLXxpuUVp971QA/s1600/IMG_0105.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDxPviTQbpqwx083r6yz2rniGpgh2p9fMki8vvyRKA5JCQ9Qb4FEEblUzh97aY969UkcSjti9ixDxV6Qd9e_95-N0uC7fP8QAhhGb0CPNyDsJnl_GHu2mOUlsZSRUbLXxpuUVp971QA/s320/IMG_0105.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626276932227933234" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Sarina’s Opening Speech</span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">July 1st, 2011</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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!”</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Thank you one and all! How beautiful you all are tonight! </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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.</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> But the biggest thankyou goest to the biggest force behind this conference and that has been Rachel Compaan!</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> 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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> 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. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> 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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> 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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="font: 12.0px Arial; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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 </span></span><span style="font: 12.0px 'Lucida Grande'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">a child to become </span></span><span style="font: 12.0px Arial; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and making</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Freedom 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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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! </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">You are all so beautiful to me. Thank you!</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Sarina Condello</span></span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-68292303035637275052011-06-27T12:27:00.000-07:002011-06-27T12:41:29.027-07:00The EACC DELIVERS BIG TIME IN SWAZILAND!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzIyFrLkdjwjwvzHg-PD3SGAlWa9OYj5D6rbyE3dSp8Uz9hVKD5OZaTUYDh8hFREziwRk6cwKZ7kCT0nE8UnHay5JuKdsODLmgCTYsaZLLHAEnIBtvxCD_B1bny-rNFvmkZkW6IRphg/s1600/IMG_0119.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzIyFrLkdjwjwvzHg-PD3SGAlWa9OYj5D6rbyE3dSp8Uz9hVKD5OZaTUYDh8hFREziwRk6cwKZ7kCT0nE8UnHay5JuKdsODLmgCTYsaZLLHAEnIBtvxCD_B1bny-rNFvmkZkW6IRphg/s320/IMG_0119.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622985111522122674" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ss9WDcAMsG2yS0Pton0XB1Jnt-_M2G1-nTF1GWZSunx4HhwrdJh-as5f6lEQ4hMouL37bfUH0tJSaCza503nX9PAxcrxqfJjP03rJpt9wSDTD9HBFlnns83KPrPgrX_dHbxnwCyU7A/s1600/IMG_0173.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ss9WDcAMsG2yS0Pton0XB1Jnt-_M2G1-nTF1GWZSunx4HhwrdJh-as5f6lEQ4hMouL37bfUH0tJSaCza503nX9PAxcrxqfJjP03rJpt9wSDTD9HBFlnns83KPrPgrX_dHbxnwCyU7A/s320/IMG_0173.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622985101145409202" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb9jzK8rLN6K8i_n1Sev2gO-E4aRzq3aA363Ubt9AenTJ0GRrvo1qsuBRaVPTAdMTQ-5GdfQ3G7EZIBRm2wQUgpe0rJSAPBzqktGsjkAW8V1LGIOuMrYGM5jLrHKTBTCKdR1YAZXWkA/s1600/IMG_0207.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSb9jzK8rLN6K8i_n1Sev2gO-E4aRzq3aA363Ubt9AenTJ0GRrvo1qsuBRaVPTAdMTQ-5GdfQ3G7EZIBRm2wQUgpe0rJSAPBzqktGsjkAW8V1LGIOuMrYGM5jLrHKTBTCKdR1YAZXWkA/s320/IMG_0207.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622985094883384514" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMLwpFPcbCzgmJ5NWUXD5HsPAXB_5nTw7YvEmSB7SQ-yz5_5JaKvxXRbX2cuPZvKt0AlHm_dYoclVF371DIUQlirHR56QvdFagB89etVzW3YxJD0_yuV3XJDAcQrHFJDgTnpWZm1tyw/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMLwpFPcbCzgmJ5NWUXD5HsPAXB_5nTw7YvEmSB7SQ-yz5_5JaKvxXRbX2cuPZvKt0AlHm_dYoclVF371DIUQlirHR56QvdFagB89etVzW3YxJD0_yuV3XJDAcQrHFJDgTnpWZm1tyw/s320/IMG_0082.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622985082762116370" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8TUirtqpdVsm6kiYsesKFka16TAe0Sy364rDwtdf9TzYv39-kq4h9HN1sG8IfAs8Y7bNlvBenbVloOCUKnNWKi_NUakuqWDGvYXhGV6z6VC_89u3bEpQN9XNq4blKdPZJEA2LFBu4w/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8TUirtqpdVsm6kiYsesKFka16TAe0Sy364rDwtdf9TzYv39-kq4h9HN1sG8IfAs8Y7bNlvBenbVloOCUKnNWKi_NUakuqWDGvYXhGV6z6VC_89u3bEpQN9XNq4blKdPZJEA2LFBu4w/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622985074358865186" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I hope you enjoy this entry!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nicholas Mamba’s Opening Key Note Address for the very first </span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Empowered African Child Conference 2011 held on African Soil</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 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. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But there was something missing.</span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But something was still missing.</span></i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In the last two years I have had my artistic world revived! Ngingene Endumbeni!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: right; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Emabheleni Primary School</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: right; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">PO Box 3672</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: right; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">MBABANE</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: right; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: right; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">23 June 2011</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: right; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dear Friends,</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are kindly writing this letter to let you know about your support you did for our school.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Please don’t end in our school that go all over Swaziland to teach them this good things.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yours faithfully</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Students</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dear Team Joy</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Re: Appreciation for your special visit</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The pupils who were withdrawn in class gained confidence and positive self esteem. Pupils who are less gifted academically saw themselves as achievers too.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May I also sincerely thank you and your team for the useful teaching materials you donated to us.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The fish, butterflies, flowers and photo frames they designed tell a wonderful story about their talents and future careers.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The pupils discovered their skills in singing, dancing, poetry and dramatising since this was interestingly performed.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God bless you all.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yours Sincerely</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sbusiso Ndzinisa (Principal)</span><br /></span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-17487242600092203302011-06-24T10:54:00.000-07:002011-06-24T20:55:16.355-07:00Let's Imagine!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPxoHA_DGUIWXGJD0YH4WcPYcpZ147l3tuVAJFijoZoCGApraHyI0G8V0W78OxAQeq5lHAIzr3PJDK2TNGs_gHC_E_h4XhUb_gRMTjBvVocw3QFS33q4b8kXECHLdnNM8qAeqKBjgkA/s1600/IMG_0281.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPxoHA_DGUIWXGJD0YH4WcPYcpZ147l3tuVAJFijoZoCGApraHyI0G8V0W78OxAQeq5lHAIzr3PJDK2TNGs_gHC_E_h4XhUb_gRMTjBvVocw3QFS33q4b8kXECHLdnNM8qAeqKBjgkA/s320/IMG_0281.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621997258337834210" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aB81SbHGeYFlxqO85i6ze22hyphenhyphenn0pSdgk80x2khVDZANPdy6282tZTVOwIi-9GloYpMA3DYQjWMLgKDpxbqNt4bh4roXjTmRiebKFQVOh49Edta65ZaAH4Z1bx3HMYA6pILGDdPz2MA/s1600/IMG_0270.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aB81SbHGeYFlxqO85i6ze22hyphenhyphenn0pSdgk80x2khVDZANPdy6282tZTVOwIi-9GloYpMA3DYQjWMLgKDpxbqNt4bh4roXjTmRiebKFQVOh49Edta65ZaAH4Z1bx3HMYA6pILGDdPz2MA/s320/IMG_0270.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621997256509920146" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOea2NBSL9jp-pXf0vvgVv9rtYtzi3MVrWBS0uo9wuep0MmRJPAo0wIk1zU1xKCi_MGOCMQll2Mk86pRwUlGZPS7mexeBq8DujQxtGI-B9YPIG6NPk_N-VRI0NmwJiXLrdqzcGn5j-w/s1600/IMG_0221.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOea2NBSL9jp-pXf0vvgVv9rtYtzi3MVrWBS0uo9wuep0MmRJPAo0wIk1zU1xKCi_MGOCMQll2Mk86pRwUlGZPS7mexeBq8DujQxtGI-B9YPIG6NPk_N-VRI0NmwJiXLrdqzcGn5j-w/s320/IMG_0221.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621997247856997650" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZypXxytTap2bDg1KCJ2M-BOq8Kmc8qVzB-CtRIHXBRb43mFAWCQvU15vqtJ4ac2Jx9ABLmk7Z6gcaWG2SikAP0wmj8AVXR1HhShH-gSvA3t2HKdnwFuPWcHEYJarfwp1acOWdSuA2A/s1600/IMG_0216.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZypXxytTap2bDg1KCJ2M-BOq8Kmc8qVzB-CtRIHXBRb43mFAWCQvU15vqtJ4ac2Jx9ABLmk7Z6gcaWG2SikAP0wmj8AVXR1HhShH-gSvA3t2HKdnwFuPWcHEYJarfwp1acOWdSuA2A/s320/IMG_0216.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621997247666929410" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkA3q5pp86zBaaeM5N1LBIYjq_Q0JAFSEELl2AmlpNCmKvT9IbXK3DcbFeUJhRmG6ykw3WT8ioaDUnk_4WBqNFhCs8hI6Sa-gV0fOh3ni9UlOKRnI_ZyQMWt5rv9IpYfRkM6TPesccw/s1600/IMG_0141.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkA3q5pp86zBaaeM5N1LBIYjq_Q0JAFSEELl2AmlpNCmKvT9IbXK3DcbFeUJhRmG6ykw3WT8ioaDUnk_4WBqNFhCs8hI6Sa-gV0fOh3ni9UlOKRnI_ZyQMWt5rv9IpYfRkM6TPesccw/s320/IMG_0141.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621997243928073602" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Today is the day</span></b> 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.</span></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b>Let's Imagine</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Let’s imagine that we all give children a chance to speak their truth. </span></span></div><div> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Let’s imagine that we give children time to dance, sing, paint, dance and dance some more.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> Let’s imagine that boys, girls, men and women can see the beauty in our differences and the power in our similarities.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> Let’s imagine that all Swazi educators, arts educators have time to rest, play, and get the support they need.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Let’s imagine that we all are present for our children and all the children we come across.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">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.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Let’s imagine that we allowed children to do what they love. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Let’s imagine that charity is an imperative aspect to our society.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> Let’s imagine that early childhood education was viewed by our society as the one of the most important professions.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Let’s imagine that we all maintain the capacity for life long wonder.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Who knows? If we play it for all it's worth, we might just make it happen.</span></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Arial; min-height: 16.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-29900636653575824282011-06-21T09:55:00.000-07:002011-06-21T13:56:41.682-07:00The times they are a-changin'!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeTOIuuxxqLZ9Ou7ejbgWD6lYO4iScwTSQJNFSt4jLp9djpBa_vfN1kCpuXdOub1V5YrlWk3gVPaur_XyIbxGnmY8P0U15bQA687nd_tZXnhyEU5YvsI6bJIoyf9KoOwo32h1xbApCQ/s1600/IMG_8589.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeTOIuuxxqLZ9Ou7ejbgWD6lYO4iScwTSQJNFSt4jLp9djpBa_vfN1kCpuXdOub1V5YrlWk3gVPaur_XyIbxGnmY8P0U15bQA687nd_tZXnhyEU5YvsI6bJIoyf9KoOwo32h1xbApCQ/s320/IMG_8589.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620724878245485410" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-t-Go0YVZzqOnLJv5FlD1i3foqWtT094d44VfJmaaMJubTMFI1x6dKDg301QD9DCCEtxz__g4ANkWcxU90R1dwBco3TDjBL9guzC_AUfrAFC3-Y93P3aTNNRKzOSopp0pBPWiNB7LA/s1600/IMG_8582.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-t-Go0YVZzqOnLJv5FlD1i3foqWtT094d44VfJmaaMJubTMFI1x6dKDg301QD9DCCEtxz__g4ANkWcxU90R1dwBco3TDjBL9guzC_AUfrAFC3-Y93P3aTNNRKzOSopp0pBPWiNB7LA/s320/IMG_8582.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620724870325112850" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Come gather 'round people</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wherever you roam </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And admit that the waters </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Around you have grown</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And accept it that soon </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You'll be drenched to the bone</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If your time to you Is worth savin'</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then you better start swimmin'</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Or you'll sink like a stone </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For the times they are a-changin'!</span></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> was a great day! Great for so many reasons!</span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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!</span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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%!!</span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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!</span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.” </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></b></span></p></span><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p></b><p></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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! </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></b></span></p><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Play is vital.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 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!</span></span></p></b><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></b></span></p><b><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 19px/normal Arial; display: inline !important; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Children are the masters of finding happiness and it is through their play that this is realized. It's what they do.</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Birds fly, fish swim and children play.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> It's also the way they learn and acquire cognitive, social and motor skills.</span></span></p></b><p></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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!</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Namaste!</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span><br /></span></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-38176289718522528802011-06-20T12:52:00.000-07:002011-06-20T13:24:15.113-07:00Swaziland is ready for a bright, buoyant and creative transformation!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLglUPWZq7nvLfPEhxczoxs9DlcjxndOA_Gf3jZESZKNwPYfiCGy-NXuhejd0bYFzVN7q-zmiB0ySsadJhzEOj0zvPRK8cMDUad3IO2z9lhjthI45FLDyPiMbntJ9UjDHNyJ15iAqxw/s1600/IMG_3787.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLglUPWZq7nvLfPEhxczoxs9DlcjxndOA_Gf3jZESZKNwPYfiCGy-NXuhejd0bYFzVN7q-zmiB0ySsadJhzEOj0zvPRK8cMDUad3IO2z9lhjthI45FLDyPiMbntJ9UjDHNyJ15iAqxw/s320/IMG_3787.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620395890214318066" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAo3GvWaT5P9F4VHxXl8Jr6_936JnAssDj_TGVG-0DjXqg5LdGEqpV9J5xeShC7n3rIg9nap3pogTcg8pFZi6tzOrHyKBOhuOWvNsArxBnZPtBNG3ODol9KlBXv7UD2d0QwKj-YKVzZw/s1600/IMG_3769.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAo3GvWaT5P9F4VHxXl8Jr6_936JnAssDj_TGVG-0DjXqg5LdGEqpV9J5xeShC7n3rIg9nap3pogTcg8pFZi6tzOrHyKBOhuOWvNsArxBnZPtBNG3ODol9KlBXv7UD2d0QwKj-YKVzZw/s320/IMG_3769.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620395869050138850" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcjBfgaaZte_kKoXBQ8k4TxeK18EJCvrH-li_yIrxNHH8gcU_zy8tWL-Nv_v5JyqhST4iNLkKRjp8yYePN7vob4NRyEes8C5-oPf3Red6AyGQhmWkASRqUjTnfsTvXiWZh7MxHN6wJA/s1600/IMG_4048.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcjBfgaaZte_kKoXBQ8k4TxeK18EJCvrH-li_yIrxNHH8gcU_zy8tWL-Nv_v5JyqhST4iNLkKRjp8yYePN7vob4NRyEes8C5-oPf3Red6AyGQhmWkASRqUjTnfsTvXiWZh7MxHN6wJA/s320/IMG_4048.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620395857095445698" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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 </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nicholas Mamba</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> who directs </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The People’s Educational Theatre</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. 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 </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Damarise Ste. Marie.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> She keeps me organized, well fed and is a fantastic facilitator in all ways. God bless that girl. And wow, what a dancer! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Team Joy also consists of the extraordinary </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Andrew Moyo</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">! 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! </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Musawenkosi Zikalala</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 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! </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Onendile Mabs</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 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. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Phumzile</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 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!</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My profound gratitude goes to </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sandile Ndzimandze</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 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: </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Empowered African Child Conference.</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are going full out to implement this program for many reasons. The list is long, that’s for sure! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here are some of our reasons:</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This program reinforces cultural identity in all ways.</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2.</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The arts are one of the most important modes of expression people utilize to express who they are in the world</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. 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! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We have found that the children in this country blossom when given an opportunity to express their unique nature.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3.</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. 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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Exposure to other artists from other countries opens minds and hearts.</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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!</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And so we bring this delicious energy, synergy and passion to the mountains, fields and towns of Swaziland, Africa! </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">TEAM JOY FOREVER!</span></b></span></p><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br /></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-22454908666427435132011-06-18T00:45:00.000-07:002011-06-20T14:18:23.715-07:00Hello Beautiful Swaziland!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlt6upn7Th1xRkz3n235nJuSHWbY_toJywqrHmMqi7UevQZmeTTdenbVe06lPhOMtk4Y1wA-HjrP7J51Uu21W0luh8fwaubz-Da8-8OJh_i0f-dmxsz7R3XuZe4GCDkqPkJlMsKRrOdA/s1600/IMG_3447.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlt6upn7Th1xRkz3n235nJuSHWbY_toJywqrHmMqi7UevQZmeTTdenbVe06lPhOMtk4Y1wA-HjrP7J51Uu21W0luh8fwaubz-Da8-8OJh_i0f-dmxsz7R3XuZe4GCDkqPkJlMsKRrOdA/s320/IMG_3447.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619464431551844402" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hjOIFO4vqX_PhykUK21TrX94gktIt9mQHTdDhoc5ssd3bnPKkhT4ThjILf-iFYYoFaa3t-x2JQXvHAwgRjzU7Wz1SRWk-qM9xRfZtwMBRpcsYJqA6FIAA5ewyWACChDbprzm9NAPIA/s1600/IMG_3636.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hjOIFO4vqX_PhykUK21TrX94gktIt9mQHTdDhoc5ssd3bnPKkhT4ThjILf-iFYYoFaa3t-x2JQXvHAwgRjzU7Wz1SRWk-qM9xRfZtwMBRpcsYJqA6FIAA5ewyWACChDbprzm9NAPIA/s320/IMG_3636.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619464427251254546" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvLubCte3lLPx0oikehW1tXNhbkVfdMTlt8keFXBL7_Fd4uhNywlWyLi85OLWYHy2Ap549p-gwCRWcXrBhNWqKKglGvPwmC4tmKPTWIVU2InIc6R9dzYlc3Yxnlns0YjeUeDlSELp2w/s1600/IMG_3460.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvLubCte3lLPx0oikehW1tXNhbkVfdMTlt8keFXBL7_Fd4uhNywlWyLi85OLWYHy2Ap549p-gwCRWcXrBhNWqKKglGvPwmC4tmKPTWIVU2InIc6R9dzYlc3Yxnlns0YjeUeDlSELp2w/s320/IMG_3460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619464418429678226" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfDCHu8Njo0Qy1bI5QezbMzcwThFDKvfk7QmYEzj57EbVRYvho09kscnR631zsmucmhymvNFa4NLbSvgBni9eTisJXQOxIV6Xm1dW4hw2go1DghAQ_rP1Y6LIbV-EGDY_h5HNYXj1iA/s1600/IMG_3422.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfDCHu8Njo0Qy1bI5QezbMzcwThFDKvfk7QmYEzj57EbVRYvho09kscnR631zsmucmhymvNFa4NLbSvgBni9eTisJXQOxIV6Xm1dW4hw2go1DghAQ_rP1Y6LIbV-EGDY_h5HNYXj1iA/s320/IMG_3422.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619464413928384594" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The time is NOW in Swaziland! The time is ripe for a new movement in arts education for the young Swazi child!</span></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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!</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Everything is put in place: </span></span></span></p> <ul> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a great arts curriculum for the early years designed by the curriculum department</span></span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> a governmental board that appreciates, honours and is designated to support arts and culture in the country</span></span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a body of teachers who are in desperate need of creative and inspiring educational resources</span></span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> hundreds of intelligent and energetic artists that are ready to go</span></span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and here’s the kicker- </span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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!!</span></span></span></li> </ul> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Deputy Prime Minister, Themba Masuku states: </span></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“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.”</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here are the hard cold facts as stated in The Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland.</span></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The statistics for the young child in this country are gut-wrenching and unsettling.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1,018,449 is the population of the country.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">52% of the population is younger than 20 years old.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In some areas of the country almost 40% are HIV positive.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There is a thirty-one year life expectancy.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There are 70,000 orphaned children and 60,000 highly vulnerable children in Swaziland.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">22 % of children in the country live in a household with both parents.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">33 % live without either parent.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The program would include culturally relevant art experiences, information sharing, dialogue activities, creative expression, experiences and innovation in all cultural and art modalities.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="text-decoration: underline ; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Bottom Line:</span></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Empowered children will grow up to change the world!</span></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Let the games BEGIN! </span></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The goal of making this model sustainable in Swaziland is to </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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!</span></span></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Empowered African Child Conference</span></span></i></b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">25 JUNE 2011, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM </span></span></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THOKOZA ANGLICAN CONFERENCE CENTRE, PHOLINJANE ROAD MBABANE, SWAZILAND</span></span></i></b></span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-53324369630802084492011-06-02T10:20:00.000-07:002011-06-02T10:24:33.126-07:007 Days I leave for AFRICA and I am FREAKED!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQea1pQYuE6tZGJj48CmTtj6O2bvxkv8AN4TD4Q8kRgLwYkwPI2g9uMvOe9CgSN7O-xR3JaycOdS4Lt_KJVbfpmcVsb8FUyOyl_NvZfMDef2ybdx4AdGLHwxiB34j2pOarpGvZIlqow/s1600/IMG_2701.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQea1pQYuE6tZGJj48CmTtj6O2bvxkv8AN4TD4Q8kRgLwYkwPI2g9uMvOe9CgSN7O-xR3JaycOdS4Lt_KJVbfpmcVsb8FUyOyl_NvZfMDef2ybdx4AdGLHwxiB34j2pOarpGvZIlqow/s320/IMG_2701.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613674428040600226" /></a><br /><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; ">Dear Family, Friends and Loved Ones!</div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; ">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! </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;">My African Tour will travel to:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;">Swaziland, June 10th - 24th (100 educators, 300 kids)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;">South Africa, June 25th - July 17th (350 child care workers, 250 kids)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;">Zimbabwe, July 18th - July 30th (40 child care workers, 200 kids)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;">Ghana, July 31st- August 21st (20 educators, 250 kids) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;">In total:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;">1,500 Participants (Including all conference participants, children and educators)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;">50 African artists hired</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;">13 Canadians volunteering</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;">4 Countries in 3 months ... OH MY GOODNESS!!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:medium;"><br /></span><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; ">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!</div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; ">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, <i>where there is much darkness for small and vulnerable children</i>, 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!</div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; ">I do hope that you will enjoy your summer! I send you a big hug from cyberspace.</div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; "> </div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; ">Much Love,</div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; ">Sarina</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-85750907720652667392011-06-01T04:03:00.000-07:002011-06-18T00:59:35.885-07:00From the CEO of NOAH SOUTH AFRICA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjxNPtjL8Snt7z8dtnCDQSy-duoVM6EzpJGZPlfzUaVHIkHpSUvv8x6KsVQix_EJFrU-t6Jz_YNfG77A2GZFNHPJElMigxllntEjU7XzJsDKQw9zi3TPbey8oYCb_F5ES4awpD_YLhg/s1600/IMG_1289.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjxNPtjL8Snt7z8dtnCDQSy-duoVM6EzpJGZPlfzUaVHIkHpSUvv8x6KsVQix_EJFrU-t6Jz_YNfG77A2GZFNHPJElMigxllntEjU7XzJsDKQw9zi3TPbey8oYCb_F5ES4awpD_YLhg/s320/IMG_1289.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613804423454642034" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dear Conference Participant,</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Welcome to the Noah Empowered Child Conference.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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 </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">can</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 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.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">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!</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></span></p><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Karen Krakowitzer</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">CEO, Nurturing Orphans of AIDS for Humanity</span></p></span><p></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial; min-height: 12.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 11.0px Arial"></p><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal Arial; "><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">_______________</span></span></span></div><p></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769187916945312794.post-15902323027348937732011-05-30T13:54:00.000-07:002011-05-30T13:59:08.962-07:00My Caravan of Joy in ACTION!<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ECx_h9FmCtI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to Darren Sheared for editing this small video of my work!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18351690052176249344noreply@blogger.com0