Kofi Walker - My online portfolio!

The Creative Arts Formation (CAF) program builds performers, encourage students to work together in and out of school, locate local studios to do recordings and editing their own creations and they are encouraged to develop performing ensembles, building technique and performance skills with with not only me but also with the guidance of other professional artists in the community. Dancers, vocal and instrumental musicians, and actors—both beginners and more experienced—are challenged creatively and encouraged in their individual development. Young Theatre technicians were emerging as they were given opportunities to develop their skills as stage managers, master electricians, and designers.  The final stages and key moments of the CAF program is not only the End of year performances but the senior students’ project, for which students must produce a substantial original portfolio that would include research paper or artistic work demonstrating their  command of intellectual and artistic skills appropriate to their undertaking.

The CAF program should ideally be a stepping-stone to students’ under-graduate studies and professional performance both locally and internationally.  Already without much prompting from the adults, we see alumni developing on web programs (see groups listed on face book or Hi5). Though our students move on; from time to time they like to see what positive transitions their Alma Mata has gone through and what new methods have been introduced to pave the way for it’s future working class young people; whether they be accepted in an under- graduate program or not.  Others have found their calling through the performing arts… many people (including myself) obtain degrees in the arts and have found this medium an effective preparation for a career in arts administration, education, media and communications and even law.

Mrs. Joseanne Fleming-Artsen (President of the School Board and President of St. Martin University) has commended my first Curriculum guide and has said it forms part of her thesis, she also believes it encourages students to understand dance, music, and theatre in the context of and in respect to our history, works and great ideas that have shaped the world in which we live, thus reflecting a deep commitment to the arts and our traditions. Students explore humanity’s deepest desires and fears conveyed through the arts.  I suppose that I amplified this last year in my protest against my employers. It is a shame that instead of addressing the real issues, the Today’s Newspaper choose to sensationalize my action and protest against unfair treatment and discrimination in the work place.

It is my conviction that we should encourage students to develop critical thinking and communication skills plus performance practice that together are the hallmark of the liberally educated person. It is unfortunate that our leaders of education (i.e. school boards; does not feel the same); or if they do, their actions are contrary to this fact! To discourage good teaching practice is to hamper individual’s freedom to an overall balanced education and a good life!