We began our day trying to erect our magical blue tent where classes are always held. In the past we have been assisted by two adults in the community but on this occasion, the setting up of the tent was orchestrated by Maxine, the children (we have now grown and our classes consists of 9 children!) and me. We tried to dig deep holes into the already compacted soil to secure the tent but were unsuccessful in putting it altogether. The wind whipped and wrapped itself in and around the tent. We all grabbed firmly onto the edges to prevent the entire wobbly structure from flying up, up and away! After 30 minutes of 'parachuting' the children sought another plan.
They mentioned that there was an empty tin shelter that we could use instead of the tent. I was informed to ask permission from one of the community leaders to use the broken shelter for our classes. Once permission was granted we moved into our new location, amongst the labyrinth of other sliver homes. I had previously tried to get a shelter but getting hold of officials working for the Cape Town City Council was virtually impossible. When I eventually was successful, I had been told that I did not qualify for a shelter and could therefore not occupy one. There were thousands of people waiting for shelters already and my occupancy for only one day a week was not feasible.
So, finally being granted a broken/dismantled shelter, I was overjoyed. Our new 'home' is just perfect! I had been thinking for a while that we desperately needed to relocate to a different area where there were not too many distractions and we could earnestly make head-way with our projects. I had thought about moving the project to town but that was going to cost more money and having just quit one of my jobs, and taking on an employee for Creative Education, I was concerned that my 3 other jobs were not enough to sustain us.
Therefore, arriving at our new Creative Education Hub was a relief. We were all excited. We laid some mats on the floor, sat around in a circle and begun our day together with a meditation.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Connecting in the new year
The year begins in full swing.
We start the Connecting Project this week after taking a long December break. I have asked the children to choose two countries, one in Africa and one other country wherever they prefer. They have chosen America and Egypt and so begins my preparation to create nodes of communication in these two countries.
On my last visit to Blikkies I had given the children cameras to start the ball rolling with this project. This Saturday I will be collecting these and we will be discussing what types of pictures they took and why. I will also be asking them to write about the countries they have chosen. I would like them to reflect upon their ideas of these countries. Later, the children will be creating a map of Blikkiesdorp, indicating the areas that are most important to them. Once these areas are identified, we will ask them to write a short paragraph about why these spaces are of importance to them. In these paragraphs we would like the children to share what activities one can do and also what one can see there. Using this content, we draft letters to some children in the two countries identified.
The main idea is to establish relationships outside of their immediate circle of communication and to broaden their sense of both their innner and external worlds. Furthermore, this project endevaours to teach children about people and communities in Africa and the world, encouraging dialogue and exchange. It is also hoped that the children use this as a platform to reflect upon their emotions and feelings.
I'm looking forward to seeing them again and continuing with creative Education!
If anyone knows or has a link to children of a similar age (12 - 16 years old) in either America or Egypt please let us know. Let's make our cirlce bigger!
We start the Connecting Project this week after taking a long December break. I have asked the children to choose two countries, one in Africa and one other country wherever they prefer. They have chosen America and Egypt and so begins my preparation to create nodes of communication in these two countries.
On my last visit to Blikkies I had given the children cameras to start the ball rolling with this project. This Saturday I will be collecting these and we will be discussing what types of pictures they took and why. I will also be asking them to write about the countries they have chosen. I would like them to reflect upon their ideas of these countries. Later, the children will be creating a map of Blikkiesdorp, indicating the areas that are most important to them. Once these areas are identified, we will ask them to write a short paragraph about why these spaces are of importance to them. In these paragraphs we would like the children to share what activities one can do and also what one can see there. Using this content, we draft letters to some children in the two countries identified.
The main idea is to establish relationships outside of their immediate circle of communication and to broaden their sense of both their innner and external worlds. Furthermore, this project endevaours to teach children about people and communities in Africa and the world, encouraging dialogue and exchange. It is also hoped that the children use this as a platform to reflect upon their emotions and feelings.
I'm looking forward to seeing them again and continuing with creative Education!
If anyone knows or has a link to children of a similar age (12 - 16 years old) in either America or Egypt please let us know. Let's make our cirlce bigger!
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