There was no silience at La Biblioteca Puerta Abierta last Saturday morning which was perfectly OK!
Performing without Borders (cupwb.blogspot.com) is on a two week tour of Guatemala and working with a variety of NGOs throughout the country sharing songs, games, and leadership activities with youth in a program designed to inspire children to speak up and feel confident using their own voices.
30 elementry aged children gathered with the team of actors from Colorado for a mutually good time. Reflects Chelsea, the program coordinator, "I forgot how fun it is just to play with little kids."
The library quickly filled with the echoes of a childhood favorite classic chanting song "Boom-chika-boom," and our young students wiggled their bodies to create body movements to accompany the words of the song.
As the morning progressed, our students became increasingly more comfertable speaking up. 6 year old Maria sat quietly in her chair as she searched for the self confidence to share her name with the visiting group as we initiated the morning activities. Timidly she whispered "Me llamo Juana," and while her voice was quiet, I could tell that simply saying her name was a small accomplishment.
In rural Guatemala, women struggle to speak up. Young girls in Guatemala are rarely encouraged to share their minds and they may not have female role models in their lives who reflect skills of self confidence.
As the morning activities came to an end, Maria found the courage to stand in the center of a circle of linked hands of children and visiting actors, to look everyone in the eye, and to comfortably say her name. The endeavor may seem small, but for 6 year old Juana, learning the power of her own voice could transform her into a community leader.
With heart felt gratitude with thank Performing without Borders for their visit to our community center.
No comments:
Post a Comment