81 children graduate from expressive arts camp
Since July, children all over the country have been taking remedial classes, learning to swim, paint, and even survive in the jungle … all in an effort to occupy their time during the summer break. Today one of those camps ended with a ceremony at the Bliss. News Five’s Kendra Griffith reports.
Kendra Griffith, Reporting
There was plenty of talent on display this morning at the Bliss as the participants of a three-week Expressive Arts Summer camp showcased their newfound skills.
The camp was a collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the National Institute of Culture and History. From July fourteenth to August first, eighty-one young people were tutored in Creative Writing, Arts and Crafts, Singing, Music, Dance and Drama.
E. Jahmor Lopez, Mngr., Belize District Education Centre
“The Ministry’s standpoint is that we want to encourage the expressive arts.”
Aside from occupying the children’s time during the summer school break, the Ministry of Education believes that by supporting young people in the arts the country will reap great rewards in the future.
E. Jahmor Lopez
“If we nurture those talents that our young people have, I believe it’s going to be a way forward in addressing some of those social ills that we currently are facing.”
Inez Pacquil, QUADS, Ministry of Education
“The arts promotes different paths to learning. It opens opportunities to students to shine, especially those who never thrive in a pen and pencil environment. It also complements the academic component of schooling. It fosters self-discipline, motivation, concentration, and physical and mental well being.”
E. Jahmor Lopez
“Let us continue to support our young people, it starts from now. If we encourage them in the arts, it is not only going to develop skills that they have, but it’s going to actually develop their self-confidence and their self-esteem.”
Today the participants received certificates for completing the programme. Kendra Griffith reporting for News Five.
Expressive Arts Coordinator, Leroy Green, says they plan to hold the camp annually.
