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| Tanga Workshop Graduation |
The program is a result of requests received during a previously funded U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs grant entitled "Arts Exchanges on International Issues with Tanzania". The strongest requests were answered first and a pilot program in Tanga - Toledo, Ohio's sister city - and Arusha, Tanzania were developed. Previously, the Great Lakes Consortium for International Development and Training had received grants from the U.S. State Department to conduct programs in these and other Tanzanian cities involving economic, agricultural, and workforce development projects. The successful projects created an alumni network of contacts to work with.
Martin Nagy, Wendy Murphy, and Shari Densel provided volunteer expertise in visual art and Heather Bergseth provided volunteer expertise in music during the pilot research period to students in four schools as well as gathering information on education practice and policies, and interest from schools in Zanzibar and Bagamoyo, Tanzania. Local Tanzania artists from the Tanzanian Women Artist Network (TZ-WAN) in the various cities provided assistance with school and hospitality arrangements as well as working directly with the four U.S. artists.
WOW! This was truly an amazing summer experience. One that went by much to quickly...one that I learned a great deal from...one that I feel I made some wonderful new and close friends...one that will need to continue!
ReplyDeleteEven though this was a short pilot program for reaseach, I feel we have left a positive impact with the students, teachers, artist and parents we worked with.
I'm very excited for what the future will bring!
It was a short dream to me. I didn't want to wake up from being in the beautiful dream of such journey. I agree with Shari, the future will bring creativity.
ReplyDeleteBurhani School students and staff to date still talk about the short art and music classes conducted and also some of the staff raving about the multiple intelligence training held for the staff. Some of the students have also questioned the Headteacher when will those "American teachers" be back?
ReplyDeleteRequest from staff are also pouring in for another session but for a little longer period.
The biggest impact was made on the children as evidenced by their enthusiasm on arts and music..... as some children debate which musical notes are correct on the recorders etc.... Martin and the gang please keep it up and Thank you. A truly wonderful and beneficial experience for the entire community.
Hatim Anjari, Tanga