Diapora of Hope 09

Fifteen women and two men from the United States and Canada were an excited and professional group of artists traveling to Philadelphia, Egypt, Kenya, Guatemala and Nicaragua to participate in BuildaBridge's annual Diaspora of Hope. The artists were joined by scores of local artists in each country as they planned, trained and implemented an arts camp on the themes of hope, peace, and unity with children from very difficult circumstances. The BuildaBridge Classroom model was the structure for each camp. This was the first year Diaspora of Hope conducted a project in Philadelphia with a local partner--a shelter abused women and their children. The mission of Diaspora of Hope is to provide children with a brighter future and build the capacity and sustainable development of local organizations serving these children who live in poverty. The following blogs from around the world describe the events of the week and stories of transformation.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Nairobi: Think it Out

Rebekah Wilcox


After the 2007 general elections in Kenya, fighting began between different tribes. In Mathare Valley, neighbor turned against neighbor and people were killed based solely on the tribe they belonged to. Several people were brutally killed including children. When a child sees adults dealing with conflict by physical brutality, the child learns to deal with conflict in the same way. During our first day of camp, children shared stories about things they saw in their community and things they continue to see. In addition, they learned the first step to the peacemaking process: Think it out. In Theatre class, students acted out scenes of conflict in their lives and replayed them with different, peaceful endings. In Photography, students began taking pictures and video in their community of what they saw as peaceful interactions between people. In Mural class, students covered the wall with the first coat of white and are keeping us all in suspense about what they will be painting. Teachers were excited after the first day and children are eager for the rest of the week. Tomorrow, they will be learning step two: Talk it out.
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2 comments:

Unknown said...

Jambo! Habari Gani?

With the current state of affairs around the world, it is so comforting to know that the children in Methare are learning to deal with conflict since we know it exists everywhere.

I believe Diaspora of Hope will be the best yet, as I know those who are serving are giving the best they have to the children and people they are serving.

I hope to be in touch with several celebrities that can lend some financial support to Buildabridge. Don't lose hope! Nothing is too hard for God and once we connect with some other favorable sponsors, Buildabridge will soar and
accomplish all their goals.

Keep up all the fantastic work you are doing and I will keep all of you and Buildabridge concerns in prayer.

November 23, 2009 at 1:52 PM
Unknown said...

We are so excited for all of you and love your stories. We can't wait to see the artwork that emerges and especially the video. It is so wonderful that you are taking the time to address the children with many "rocks" in their drawings. A smile does go a long way. Hugs and kisses to all of you...

November 23, 2009 at 5:15 PM

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