The Amazing African Tour

The Biggest Tour Ever!

It has been years in the making, but after dreaming big, leaning into the possibility of making it happen, and harnessing the creative 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.

The Show of all Shows

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 Thandi’s Magical Drum 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!

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.

Four Countries, Incredible Team Joys, Fantastic Volunteers!

 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.

South Africa and Swaziland

Community members, teachers and elders were astounded by the expressive nature of their children and joyous accolades were given to all. Clown’s Without Borders South Africa 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 Friends of Noah Canada is supporting.

Once again, we were very fortunate to work with People’s Educational Theatre 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 gave it  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 Kalambhi Primary School, Mr. Musa Dlamini, was involved in theatre for years. 

Kenya

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, The Foundation of Hope. This organization 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 Cheryl’s Orphanage, 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!

Uganda

To end the tour, The Caravan of Joy ventured into the mountains of Baduda, Uganda. With the guidance of Sebastian and Babrah Wanzama from Global African Village, 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.

Many Thanks and Appreciation

I would like to thank all of The Big Little Caravan of Joy’s individual 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. 

Community Comments:

“The program has equipped our learners with skills that they can use in the future.” 

“Even the shy ones gained confidence.” 

“It has improved their attention span, by giving them something exciting in between lessons. They now look forward to going to school.” 

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!” 

“Learners have confidence to speak clearly without being shy. Their level of concentration is uplifted.” 

“I really liked the show. Our children were so happy.” 

“The children really enjoyed the program. They learned so many activities, e.g. dancing, painting, singing.... and also how not to be shy.”

“I suggest that this program visits us yearly.”

“This project changed the lives of the community.”

“Motivation was given to the teachers with new innovative ways of teaching children. 

“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.” 

“This program comes at the most appropriate time in Swaziland, where the government is exploring new pedagogies to teach the arts in schools.” 

“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.” 

“Your team is full of dedication, hard work, enthusiasm, appetitive to work more, and ever smiling, laughing faces.”

“This program has brought skills and knowledge and has enlightened the community about play.” 

“It taught us about working cooperatively.” 

“Through this program the kids are growing physically and intellectually.” 

“ We have learnt that through these activities there is internal peace, trust, acceptance, tolerance and cooperative working required.” 

From the Staff of The Big Little Caravan of Joy

Results from 19 individual staff members interviewed from 4 countries.

100% of all staff, from 4 countries, agreed that the project was a success. 

100% of all staff agreed that the project made a difference in the children’s lives. 

100% of all staff agreed that they have tools to continue the program. 

100% of all staff agreed that the project made a difference in the lives of the community. 

100% of all staff agreed that the BLCJ was focused on the child’s needs. 

Final Numbers:

Number of Artists hired: 43 

Number of Teachers, Child Care Workers: 97 

Number of Children involved: 3,171 

Average Number of Hours of art based instruction for each child: 34 

Number of Countries: 4

Number of Communities: 9

Number of Community Members: 862

Number of Kilos of Art Supplies: 1000 Kilos 

Number of Workshops and Trainings: 5 

Number of Costumes on hand: 670 

Number of Fairy Wings: 125 

Number of Crayons: 2500

From the Team Joy South Africa, Swaziland, Kenya and Uganda:

“The organization and the planning of the whole program was well done and could be seen in all the activities undertaken.”

“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!”

“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.”

“ 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.”

“ I found new approaches and innovative ways to team building through collaborative and participation.”

“ There was a sense of communal unity as the children performed alongside their teachers and parents.”

“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!!!”

 Creative Arts Workshops

Throughout the 4 month tour, Symposiums and Workshops, entitled a Creative Arts Workshop 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.

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.

Activity Coordinators from South Africa involved: (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

Facilitators: Sussie Mawara, Innocent Sabee Shozi, Sipho Mdletshe, Sarina Condello, Melanie Rosen
Volunteers: Kyra Vitko, Daniel Steiner, Kristi Herold

The Summer of 2014, Painted Turtle Power!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEAM JOY FOREVER!