Summer camp promotes artistic expression
Summer is in full swing, and fortunately there is no shortage of opportunities to keep Belize City’s children entertained. In the Fort George area, one art camp, an off shoot of the Conscious Youth Development Posse, is celebrating its sixth year of operation. This morning, News 5 found classrooms at Saint Mary’s Primary alive with music and budding artists.
Pamela Braun, Art Camp Co-ordinator
“Everything is geared toward self-expression, which we hope will then translate into behaviour on the street instead of mimicking other behaviour that they see, they are more able to stand on their own decisions and make decisions based on their own feelings and philosophies.”
“We have a number of talented youths, youths that can draw already so what we’re doing is finishing, polishing their skills. Those that don’t, the average person, we offer a wide range of materials, crayons, paints, paper mache.”
“With that in mind, the self esteem usually increases along with that which is our goal because that translates into better behaviour in the classroom. So the teachers have it a little bit easier, better attendance and better grades.”
“Culturally, we’re offering the drumming because it’s very important for inner city kids and that was our target population, inner city kids, for them to have some kind of connection to culture. Otherwise, when the culturally homeless or the displaced persons, are the ones that are more apt to not go along with the programme so to speak.”
The art camp will also include presentations by talent like Evalee Cadle, Sandra March and Gary Balthazar. This year’s camp was made possible with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank and the Image Factory.
