Last Day of Classes

Today was the last day of classes and I have to say that is was hard.  You see the commitment, you see the desire and you see the progress and you just want to continue.  Both Forms 1 through 3 did great work and really wanted to accomplish so much in such a short window.  It makes me wonder, what would it be like to have these students engaging in art as part of their curriculum all year around.  The art club certainly is a step and this is exciting that they are so committed.  The forms 2/3 had final projects to do and I have to say, they are just impressive.  The work that they produced was beyond amazing and there were some visitors that we working with the journalism club and they looked at some of the work and there mouths were wide open and they asked, "have they had formal training?" and I responded "yes", they started in the introductory art immersion and now they are in advanced and then laughed.  These students have very distinct styles.  The things that they understand, the things they want and the aspirations that they have continued to spur on Margaret and I.  

As we walked into the school, Margaret and I looked at each other and realized that this would be the last time that we would walk into the school to teach, probably ever, if the new school is build as scheduled.  Our daily walk in through all the harshness of the environment, raw sewage, smells, trash, really displaced situations and hardness as partnered with the beauty of the people that we teach, the beauty of the people in Kibera and the hope that always seems forever present. 

When we returned from lunch, students were buzzing about and starting to paint knowing today was the last classes and then tomorrow is assembly and rewards and art review with us before they go on two week break.  

Margaret's students continue to be so different then they were last year and she has one artist that is prolific.  It is amazing.  You just stare at the color he uses and his style and it is amazing.  This is such progress.

In my last class with forms 3, they asked what happens after next year when they are done with St. Al's, how do they continue to progress?  Do they just abandon their art education?  Two things came to mind for me, one, we have not even put a scratch in the surface of art education and two, hummmm, maybe the Kibera Art Institute.  I have a grand idea and have to get re-grounded in the states to realize if it is my adrenaline and my blind faith that thinks it will work or could this model really work.....More to come in the future on this.

This evening ended at the Kunuoa Art Trust where the journalism club had their showing of the photo journalism projects.  It was great.  The student photos where amazing and the concept of an exhibit was new to them.  It was great.  Paul O'Callaghan, a volunteer, Collin (a professional photographer married to a Kenyan and a great guy whose last name I have forgotten) and many others made this a reality and it was just great. Margaret and I talked about maybe that would be our next step, an art show after our time with them.  Maybe a week or so longer time frame to make this happen when we come.  The drama club did traditional dancing that was great. There was also recognition and it was nice to have them recognize Margaret and I.  Margaret has a student who is in the journalism club and produced great work.

Tomorrow is the day of celebration where we hand out certificates validating their hard work, look at all the art that has been done and have soda and chocolates and biscuits.  They deserve so much more and they have worked so hard.

I shall write one last entry after the celebration and then we will have concluded this 2nd year program.  Thanks for being on our journey with us.

Be well,

Charles and Margaret