Kofi Walker - My online portfolio!

This week in review July 13th - 17th, 2009

The familiar advertisement that rings over the airwaves in Jamaica now plays repeatedly in my head since the opening of the new branch on Wellfare Road in Cole Bay. The Insurance Companies of the West Indies have been around for some 40 years serving the people of Jamaica and beyond. Their expansion to St. Maarten sparks a renewed interest in Jamaican entrepreneurship and gives a positive outlook on our contribution to global development, health and wellbeing.

I was particularly proud that I was present at this function and was enamored by Commissioner Sarah Westcot-Williams speech in which she highlighted her drive to see St. Maarten acquire country status as Jamaica have done since the early 60s. I wonder why we Jamaican often get such bad raps when in truth, we are leaders in various aspects of culture, business, sports and the list continues.

Congratulation ICWI Group of Companies on this initiative; undoubtedly, with the tenacity that is intrinsically Jamaican by nature; you will be very successful for many years to come. I foresee that ICWI will infuse again the positive side of Jamaican expatriates. I also hope that the company will also look into supporting initiatives that are culturally representational of Jamaica and those proposals put forward by Jamaicans as well. Too often efforts to contribute to the wellbeing of the community are thwarted. I believe that opportunities should be given to anyone with an interest in the visions of sustainability and long-term projects that will have a positive impact on the community and will improve the lives of others.

Once again good luck and much success.

Sometimes I am so out of touch with what is going on in Jamaica; it is so not funny! Nevertheless, with that said, after 14 years of being away, it is understandable. Not that I am not interested in what is going on back home! My parents are still there and every time I call, the conversations though riddle with laughter, and some concerns regarding inflation or lack of finances to cope with the everyday cost of living, I do try to keep abreast with the day-to-day existence of my mom her husband, my immediate relatives and friends.

Being a Jamaican expatriate though does have certain responsibilities. Of course, majority of Jamaicans that I have kept in touch with, think that because you live abroad, that you are fortunate. Yes without a doubt I believe I am fortunate, considering my history and how I have evolved from a past of trials and tribulations as well as having a fascinating and dramatic life style, I am without a doubt fortunate to be a live let alone surviving…!

So where am I going with this… I really have no clue. For one thing, I am back in touch with one of the most influential woman of my life second to my mother. This is a blessing! For many years, I have wanted to reconnect. This though has come with some sense of responsibility. No; she has not requested anything of me; but I have come to discover that even after more than 20 years of contribution to the lives of many artists who have been famous and are now famous; this lady struggles to secure a place to do what she has done pretty much all her life. I do not care about philosophies, grudges, past grievances or any individual disdains. That is all part of life and must be dealt with in ways that will best benefit the causes we are all concerned about.

So what is this story I hear about the Little People and Teen Players are now no longer operational. I am not sure if many people understand the significance of what Miss. Cathi Levy have been doing with this particular initiative since 1988. After 20 years, one would think that Jamaican’s would have come to realize the importance of this kind of work. To dedicate your life to providing an alternative form of education for children and youths in the arts is no simple task… perhaps if one would value these forms of discipline as they do in the academic realm they would begin to realize the importance. When I check my face book network; there are quite a few fantastic artists demonstrating the power of performing arts as a discipline; such as Seretsi Small, Tessane Chin, Conroy Wilson, Iyun Harrison, Michael Harris, I could continue to list them. Mind you, face book is just one type of network that the young people utilize to promote themselves! In this time of global monopoly, many of us have our own websites. Something we would not have dreamed of before.

The people I have listed have all been past members of the little people and teen players club. Today if you check what most of these members are doing, they have advanced their careers not just because of the influences of their teachers in high schools, colleges and universities, no not really! One of the most dynamic beauty queens Jamaica has ever produced has groomed them. I am almost certain many of them would agree that she was their motivation. I thought that Lisa Hannah (for instance) would have been the next Cathi Levy. I was all for her, in fact I was working at Spartan Gym at the time of her reign; I have not seen or heard of any contribution to community development, most if not many of these Miss Jamaica Queens have never given back to community and to the interest of children, and the future of our island. I am not bitching about them; I simply do not know, nor do I hear stories during all my travels of their passion to give back to the community.

With that said, yeah I am not in Jamaica; and perhaps if I were; I would understand more. Why after 20 years of giving to people’s children, the society has not deemed it necessary to develop or initiate a school of the arts for children who are under 18 or 19 years of age. My recollection is that, Miss Levy has always welcomed talented children under her wings, as young as 4 years old. This observation has led me to establish in St. Maarten my own foundation; IAF (Independent Artists’ Foundation),  in Australia the Afro-Caribbean Dance Theatre, in England Ashe Dance Agency, ACE (Afro-Caribbean Dance Excel) and West Berkshire Junior Dance group. These are but few of my résumé of performing arts initiatives that have been based on the teachings of Little People and Teen Players Club. If you enquire of the above, the following are still in full swing, IAF, ACE and West Berkshire Junior. As a result, I have also developed a passion for working with children and youths with learning and physical disabilities. That is an offshoot from what I have come to learn from LPTPC. Again, after 20 years; I question why there is not a home for such an amazing innovation in Jamaica.

In every initiative, there are instances of jealousy, fear, disgruntled people who are not so talented but wish they were, financiers who think they have the answer to the future of your dreams etc. The fact remains; the work that an artist such as Miss Levy does is not a simple feat; and should not be taken lightly! I sometimes wonder why Corretta my good friend; has developed her 3PM foundation? If I am correct, this is located in the Stony Hill area, not far from my hometown. Now as far as I am concern; here is an example of the influence of LPTPC being extended from the city to the remote areas of Jamaica and beyond. This is because of the motivation of a phenomenal woman. I recall the days when we use to run around the Pegasus hotel, thanks to Miss Nancy McLean. No one seem (at that time) to have a clue what that did for all these disenfranchised or challenged talents who met once a week to coexist in ways they would have never been able to; had they not been a part of LPTPC.

I believe anyone who has dedicated 20+ years of their life giving to others selflessly, deserves a good deal; if not better recognition. I say 20+ years because that is how long I have had a relationship with Miss Levy. To hear that LPTPC is no longer operational because of a lack of space (home) to provide an alternative education for future generations hurts me in ways most people could never comprehend. No, I have never been able to contribute financially to her cause, and by Jah; I wish I could. However, there is an underlying concern, how can we provide a sustainable programs such as this, especially for our future generation? Majority of the children who have been a part of LPTPC have turned out successful or better than they would have, had they not been a part of this initiative. Let us not forget that people outside Jamaica, still view the country as one of the most dangerous destination for tourism. Initiatives such as this gives people a different view of our country, it is for this reasons I continue to advocate for its beauty and give excuses as to why it is worth a visit!

With this said… I would like to appeal to all past members who would like to contribute to assisting me to help raise awareness of the power of the arts and what it has done for us (past members), just think what this can do for the lives of many other. Please make an effort to contact me, so we can establish a home that will generate positive Jamaicans who will continue to spread blessings to the world.

Join my forum if you wish to discuss issues such as this or raise topics of your own. 

Ashé

The value of believing in yourself and what you are capable of achieving is an enormous undertaking for any individual; this is often taken for granted; until your confidence is threatened. Last week a child asked me in passing; "Mr. Kofi, do you have a tablet for stage freight?" I quickly replied, "yes; Courage!" I was in an instance, absorbing the magic of that moment, it was almost shocking, not inconceivable, not just at the question asked, but at the time it felt strange... when I responded, I felt like I was talking to myself... that is a weird feeling, when children make you reflect on things you yourself sometime lack.

Last week Friday the children from the Sr. Regina School, graduating class, grade 5 and some other students from the rest of the school pulled off a very successful farewell ceremony under the theme "Show your true colours." This is rooted in the previous activities "Speaking without a voice." The process was not all together smooth sailing, but the final presentation was by far my best ever coordinated work. I felt confident that the program was going to be good... yeah! I held reservations in the event of disappointments. There was none, thank God! It is indeed the challenges that make the achievements worth having in the end. What is an award if gained without hard work; an unappreciated ornament, that quickly looses its value, gathers dust and forgotten in short time.

The team of people who assisted with this project cannot go unmentioned. My partner was very instrumental in this project. It is very amazing when you have two artists bond as well as we have. With the support of BazArt Family the school was provided with a stage that transformed the Gym room into a theatre, over a period of two days. Thanks for your input Lori and Alaine. Your work is always fantastic! The youngsters from the community who assisted with choreography, makeup and supervision are Jenise Diaz, Somer Diaz, Nathalie van Delden and Anthony Jogmohan our technical assistance. Lights were provided by Kenrick Latouch and Tony Singh of Rentta Sound! They were without a doubt magical to the outcome of this program. We should groom these youngsters who will most certainly develop into good citizens.

The staffs I must mention are principal Ria Uirteloo, vice principal Maureen Kent and Willeke Streef. Thanks for your support and for keeping me in check! It is also very interesting to see the other staff chip in and took care of the admissions, refreshments and looking great. The raffle was funny as many of the staff who purchased many tickets were winning most of the prizes. This was almost embarrassing, but after all, the amount of work teachers put in to the job, it is nice when u win tokens of appreciation.

Nonetheless the children were amazing, Chantal Richardson choreographed “Chi wa wa” a dance that featured five talented youngsters. I was amazed by her choreographic ideas. In fact this 12 year old made me take a closer look at my choreographic presentations. When working with young children it is easier for an inexperienced choreographer to let them do everything together, not this youngster. The piece had several choreographic principles; I am very impressed to see such a talented child’s work.

I can hardly express my emotions, inner feelings and thankfulness to the children who are in truth the stars of this event. As usual I am often misunderstood or misrepresented when quoted by the media. I said on stage “… sometimes when you loose confidence in adults, children can teach you how to love again.” Of course the Daily Herald printed that I expressed my pleasure working with the pupils, “who he said taught him how to love again.” That convey a different message than what I had truly meant. It is not important to me anymore how people distort or misinterpret my words and deeds. It makes for good table talk. But I am sure all would agree that when quoted; it is a much nicer feeling to be properly represented in the media.

My personal confidence is boosted from this program. I realize that I can let go of disappointments from the past and look to my future with much optimism. The children all had fun throughout the process. They liked having their photos taken, they loved singing, drumming, dancing, learning sign language and the best tablet for those ADD or ADHD is artistic creative distractions.

The feedback from all the parents and audiences were very positive. Many commented about the beautiful stage provided by BazArt Family Designs. Some where emotional from the multimedia photo slides and audio that captured special moments of the students actively learning and maximizing the Sr. Regina School complex and resources. The sign language was again top of the audience’s list of favorites. My memorable note is the group of 5 sports-fitted dancers who really had the audience going. All performers and persons involved in the program went home feeling the night was a success. I went home feeling that I have made a difference to many lives… sweet!

Ashé

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Contacts: Rentta Sound:

Email: renttasound@gmail.com  

or call: +599 522677                                   

BazArt Family designs:

bazartfamily@caribserve.net 

or call             +59 - 0690 61 78 45       

 A REVIEW

CAMPING ON THE BEACH @ Le GALION

With the Sister Regina Primary School

This weekend was spent camping on the beach with a number of primary school children from the Sister Regina School, St. Maarten. Over all the camp was a resounding success. Many of the children had never camped before, and in fact some of them admitted to not having spent such a wonderful time with each other in school among themselves, having this type of activity allowed them to bond with each other better and even though they are not all friends with each other when ever one child was placed on time out... you clearly observed their compassion for each other. No child likes to feel left out and neglected, this is what "time out" evokes! It also encourages the child to reflect on their behavior and what they could do to change the perception of their teacher and classmates regarding their behavior. It is also interesting to note that when teaching we often focus on the child being responsive to our material, not necessarily observing the pitfalls that may hinder acceptance to the lesson we hope to deliver.

There were two groups of children from the school grades 5 & 6. On Thursday, we had grade 6 on the camp. Upon arrival, we noted that there were three distinct groups. You had all the studious children together, all the extraverted ones immediately separated themselves from the camp by pitching their tents well away from teachers and the rest of the group and then the boys, bless their hearts; they stuck to each other like glue! This immediately set the dynamics and tone of what would turn out to be a dynamic camp.

I prepared for the grade 6 pupils’, two activities, poetry/drama and dance. I anticipated that the boys would be reluctant to dance; so providing poetry/drama was my way of getting them involved. This was not going to be easy, but giving students options are always the best way to get the optimum participation in your lesson plans. This does not always work; therefore, it is good to be prepared in the event they become reluctant to participate... especially if you have a limited time to work with them. I printed the poem "CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE," ON A4 sheets of paper. Each sheet of paper had the poem printed 3 times... the idea was to observe their motor skills, their willingness to share and cooperate with each other and me.

Needless to say; by the time we were ready to practice the boys lost their pieces of paper, some of them were scared to rip the paper in three pieces to share among themselves and the girls who were extraverted complained bitterly that they are not in school and should not be expected to read and retain information. As usual, the studious ones were willing and even if they did not want to learn the material, they did not show it.

The Dance experience was not as receptive in the beginning among all the girls either. Usually young children who work with an invited artist, tend to challenge the artist. The confident students like to assert themselves with the instructor by establishing some dominance. This may comes across as an aversion to the instructor at first. I tend to grasp this very quickly. One such incident was noted on arrival. While all the students started unloading their camp equipment in an orderly fashion, one of the girls decided she would push her way off the bus; disregarding the others who were busy passing bags to each other. With an aggressive force, she pushes pass me and the others without a word of excuse. I called her back onto the bus but she ignored me. She later came back on the bus still disrupting the organized sequence of unloading the stuff, shouting out to her friends as she did so. You could tell she was dominating the scene from the start. I being a firm individual; called her aside and highlighted her behavior and she immediately apologized.

During the dance, the extraverts proved to be the most talented movers… was I surprised? Absolutely not! The studious ones were very technical in their execution and were more conscious of themselves… the boy on the other hand wanted nothing to do with the dance until I introduced capoeira. This is after I discussed with them that it would be useful to get involved if not for me for the sake of one of their students who had a disability. In the end they did not dance very much at all, but instead opted for poetry and drama, how endearing.

The poem was well received. At the end the boys participated in this activity and the girls even produced a short skit. My overall impression was that you could get the best out of youngsters regardless of how difficult they try to be. Not unlike adults, they can be critical and hostile; they will ridicule each other and their superiors with intent to solicit a desired reaction. They feel all the emotions you can think of and openly express them. If you are positive and encouraging towards them they will often see the value of team work, caring for each other and over all finding ways to express tolerance, love and acceptance.

Much of this is about grade 6, however grade 5 students were amazing. They did sign language… yep that was easier to teach than dance or drama as I had them on Friday afternoon and by this time I was too tired to dance. Grade 5 students were very much a team and are yet to express segregation, as that is not yet understood at this level. They reminded me of the song I learned in Little People and Teen Players Club in Jamaica many years ago, “… Every boy and every girl, in every corner of the world is born without prejudice, not even knowing what it is, loving people dark and fair, no matter what kinds of eyes or hair, we want always to stay this way, that’s what makes kids special people…”

In closing I would like to thank the staff and principal for inviting me again to work with their students. The experience was enriching and I look forward to seeing the progress of these students as they prepare to involve themselves more in the community, without a doubt most of them will turn out to be good citizens. My very best wishes and good luck to them as they move on to high school! A higher level, much more challenges ahead, but be strong.

Having been off the art scene for few months, I am looking forward to developing new programs and activities for the year September 2008 - 2009. So please feel free to contact me about any programs you may be interested in.

I have continued to foster my vision; and that is to realize the development of Performing Arts After School Activities (PAASA) in any community that I have a presence in and some influence to realize this dream. However having worked with so many different organizations I have come to recognize the importance of arts workers and caregivers to the community. I encourage everyone who can; to continue their work with children and youths. I am happy to have been a part of the process of developing community performing arts in St. Martin / St. Maarten and in other places I have lived around the globe.

There is a lot of potential to develop (IAF PAASA) in St. Maarten, Ideally a training program would be beneficial for those who wish to improve thier  pedagogical skills, management and governance experiences, to effectively provided for and maintain  sustainable performing arts programs with high standards. The artists with varying levels of experiences, mainly in performing themselves, has to demonstrate patience and resilliance to the demands of community arts work; coordinating guided activities that will foster the creative passion of the children that they are put in charge of.

 I established the Independent Artists’ Foundation in 1999, at that time I was an employee of the Methodist Agogic Centre. The purpose of this is to develop creative, cultural and artistic activities for all. This is with the belief that the performing Arts can transform the lives of individuals, communities and country, and that everyone has the right to experience arts, regardless of where they live, their age, gender, race, disabilities, economic circumstance, sexuality, ethnicity or culture.

Some of my concerns are access to, participation in and progression through quality performing arts experiences. These creative arts activities strengthen and regenerate the health, socialization, education and learning development of individuals. It is with this knowledge that I have advocated and supported many organizations, schools and community groups with their after school activities programs. Hence I have reestablished IAF as a means of fostering this ambition.  

This journey is not with out flaws and so therefore I am very much aware of IAF’s weaknesses, but truly believe that my overall vision is supported by majority of the children and youths I have worked with, as well as adults. For these reasons I wish to continue my work in developing Creative Arts programs in any community I am given the chance to do so. I believe that all communities should invest in  after school, recreational, creative arts and learning activities. It serve the community well on many different levels.

I provided support and coordinated performing arts after school activities to the following:

2004 – 2007

Schools:

St. Maarten Academy, St. Maarten Academy PSVE, Motiance Dance, Montessori, Sister Borgia, Sister Marie Laurence, St. Dominic High, St. Dominic Primary, Prince William Alexander, Methodist Agogic Centre, The Lycé , La Mangouste and Sister Regina Primary School.

Community Organizations:

No Kidding with our Kids Foundation, Soualiga Capoeira Arts Foundation, St. Maarten Youth Council Association (SMOYA), SXM Carnival Association, Belvedere Community Foundation and Bureau Educaar

Theatre Performance:

Ian Valz Productions, Maho Royal Casino Theatre, Cheri’s Café, Turtle Pier Restaurant, USM Student Production, Carnival 2006,

IAF Productions:

Summer Camp (IAF Reestablish), TACT, Academy Exceptional Talents, St. Maarten Emancipation Celebration, St. Martin Emancipation, Rebound, SWOAV (Speaking without a voice) and Red Hot Dance Summer Camp.

Educational Workshops:

Foundation Base Education, ASCD, RYLA Building Bridges and the University of St. Martin Curriculum Development Course.

Funding:

I would like to acknowledge the parents, students, individuals and corporations that have supported IAF initiatives. Nady Yabamiah, Obersi, Telem, Safe Cargo, Expose Boutique, Rendevous Tours, Spell Bound Foundation, Voluntary Corp (VKS), Arun Jagtiani (Coldwells Estate Agency), Edris Fabrics and Notions, Bay Side Stables, and those I have not mentioned I would like to thank you very much for your support.