Current Forums

Started a new phase in my program today with the students at African Hope.

After showing them the outcome to their Video Project from last week, I announced the beginning of Creative Development that would lead to a performance in front of family and friends.

I told them that we had an opportunity to reveal a truth to our community that would provoke discussion, change and empowerment – because we had the courage to make ourselves heard.

I opened up a discussion to ascertain the theme that we would work on for the performance by writing up a list of what factors united everyone in the room. The following list was created…

We are all Children of God – regardless of race, religion or gender.
We are all Sudanese – the unique people and tribes of Africa.
We are all Living in Egypt – not our home, because home is unsafe.
We are all Refugees – asking this country to protect us from harm.
We are all Young People – who are the next generation, the next hope.
We are all Waiting Migration – whether we like it or not.

I then asked for detailed responses to each of the items listed, calling for personal stories and reflections.

What I received back was a simple but articulate, aware and very personal window into these young people’s lives. And as I noted the points that came up on the blackboard I began to feel overwhelmed with pride and sorrow… you know… those internal shakes that indicate an honest truth is being spoken – and that a huge tin of worms was slowly being opened.

Am I getting in too deep?… Will I expose wounds that I don’t have the skills to heal?… Is this my responsibility as an Artist?

“We are Black Dogs” was a comment that has echoed in my head since it was spoken by one of the students, who was recounting a moment when a fellow African told her to stop walking the streets of Maadi with her head held high… as it would get her bashed.

This is the first time since I started at African Hope Learning Centre that we have talked honestly about their lives and situation here in Egypt. I knew we were taking a leap into the unknown and that it would be a jolt for the students in the program I had been delivering. But I was confident that the Video Project outcome would place them all into a position of confidence and pride about their work – so I was ready to take them to the next stage… (and the reason I have travelled half way across the world – to empower them to tell their stories).

So… no more silly drama games… no more painting pretty pictures… no more fun in front of the camera – we are here to tell a story of survival, humanity and strength in the face of adversity.

I set them homework at the end of the class that requested the preparation of a personal story, delivered in any way they nominated – through song, through rap, through words, through pictures…

As I wrote the assignment on the blackboard in brightly coloured chalk, the students got out their notebooks and wrote themselves a reminder of their task.

We will see what happens… I hope they take this task seriously and do some work on it… that will be the true measure of engagement – the true measure of how far they are ready to go.

As I was packing up my stuff a student approached me and offered some of his ‘breakfast’ (beans in bread).

“I look forward to your class every Monday teacher”.

Other messages for this discussion: