Nourishing the Roots, cultural outings and skill-strengthening workshops
Cultural Outings:
The purpose of the cultural outings is that adolescents have the
opportunity to get to know new places and opportunities to learn
about culture and have fun.
In 2009, we went on
the following outings…
- Graffiti Competition in Jesus Maria. In September, we went to see a graffiti competition that was sponsored by one of Lima's municipalities. All of the graffiti workshop participants had a chance to see other young graffiti artists in action!
- Untold Stories at Maguey Theater. In June, we went to see this play that told the early history of Peru in an extremely dynamic way... and with only two characters. The 15 young people that went all agreed that it was informative and enchanting. And they got to talk at length with the theater's director and the actors following the play.
In 2008, we went on
the following outings…
- Trees Die Standing at the Mocha Grana Theater. In July, we went to see this play that was full of lessons for life... the importance of being honest, building good character and always remembering the importance of the sentimental side of life.
- Private Wars at the Peruvian North American Cultural Institute. In February, we went to see Planting Magic Beans Co-Founder Mijail Garvich and fellow actors perform this play about three men's search for a reason to live, their internal struggle to overcome personal traumas and conflicts, and the formation of an affective, fraternal bond between the characters. Participants laughed throughout this dark comedy - as they learned about life and its challenges and adventures.
In 2007, we went on
the following outings...
- Opening Our Minds at the Teatro Vichama. In
October, we went to see a play about the importance of keeping
our minds open to new ideas, creativity and imagination. The play
was part of the 2007 Forum for a Culture of Solidarity.
- Animals and Plants Galore at the Parque de las
Leyendas. Our August outing took us to the largest
zoo in Lima. Our adolescent visitors were entranced with the
animals and accompanying surroundings from the coast, mountain
and jungle regions of Peru and from the entire world. Their photos
will show you the zoo through their eyes.
- Comics, Illustrations and Videoart at the Spanish
Cultural Center. In June, we went to an exhibit
of comics and illustrations from around the world and a videoart
presentation to explore the memory of recent historical events
in Latin American countries. Planting Magic Beans participants
loved the comics and illustrations and found the videoart interesting.
- Mayumaná at the National Museum.In
April, we went to see Mayumaná, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The adolescents’ unceasing applause, smiles and wide eyes confirmed
how much they enjoyed this dance / theater / music / acrobatic extravaganza
that originated in Israel and now includes young performers from
around the world.
- A “Collective Art” Exhibit at the
British Cultural Institute. In February, we ventured
to an amazing presentation of graffiti done by young artists
throughout Lima. Our adolescent visitors were entranced with
the graffiti and accompanying videos. Following lots of time
for exploration and a group discussion, each person made their
own graffiti.
Skill-Strengthening Workshops:
The purpose of the workshops is to strengthen participants’ basic
skills. Workshops are based on issues that address participants’ current
needs …
- During the Peruvian summer of 2008 (January and February), we held workshops five days a week:
- English, twice a week with Peggy Sayán, a teacher at one of the best language schools in Lima - using interactive, fun and practical lessons!
- Creative Expression, with Angela Bayer and Gabriela Valenzuela - centered around the creation of shadow puppets and mini-plays
- Clown/Theater, with Mijail Garvich and Michael Silva - focused on building personal expression and self-esteem
- Life Planning, with Angela Bayer, Gabriela Valenzuela and Pamela Girano - centered around building self-esteem and developing realistic goals and concrete plans to meet them
- Photos of the workshops are in the Photo gallery.
- There were weekly English Workshops from
January to July of 2007. These workshops began with “hello” and “how
are you” and evolved to basic grammar and vocabulary. Leaders,
all native English speakers, united high-quality instruction, games
and other creative activities. Workshops were led by Michael
Pleasants, Kristy Walker, Eric Ensley, Cerina Braimah & Angela
Bayer.
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