Through The Eyes of a Child: War-Affected Children
will be presented at Lockport School on
Wednesday, April 18 and Thursday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m.
For more information and tickets please call 757-9881.
Submitted by Lockport Teacher - Delayna Chester
This summer, 2006, I began my Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Education. The first course I enrolled in was offered at the University of Winnipeg called War-Affected Children, taught by Jan Stewart. Each day I left class with a bleeding heart, a head filled with so many thoughts and a Kleenex to wipe my eyes. I was not an exception. The majority of the class left in the same helpless manner. Many questions raced through my mind…Why do children have to live like that? What can I do to help them? Due to these questions and the inspiration from Jan Stewart’s course, the fuel for my project was ignited. After listening to story after story of children from war torn countries, visiting various institutions that foster unbelievable care for refugees in Winnipeg, and hearing about all the amazing efforts ordinary people just like me have put forth, I felt compelled to start a project of my own. As a result, my performing arts project, Through the Eyes of a Child: War-Affected Children transpired.
The school I teach at does not contain War-Affected Children; however, it does include a vast array of extremely bright and motivated young activists. This made the project extremely encouraging; knowing I had the brilliance of student minds surrounding me to jump on board. Through the Eyes of a Child: War-Affected Children is geared at including as much of our student body as possible, and then donating all proceeds to War Child Canada. Phase one consisted of gathering researchers and script-writers to write four short plays, skits or documentaries. Once the students gathered the research necessary to educate themselves in the areas of child soldiers, AIDS, and refugees, they began writing. Meanwhile, a colleague of mine, Chantelle Schoofs, began a fundraising committee with students to discuss various ways to raise money besides the ticket sales at the production. In addition, I wrote a script about a family flipping through channels on T.V. and becoming educated about the various global issues that surround us, which incorporates all the students’ scripts noted above. The end result will include students acting, singing, performing dance numbers, promoting awareness and raising money for a global cause.
The ultimate goal for this project is to bring as much awareness concerning war torn countries and all the children that are affected by the violent situations they must encounter daily. It is our responsibility, not only as educators, but as global citizens to be educated on these issues, and raise awareness. Every bit makes a difference in another child’s life. Every child has rights, so why don’t they? This is just one of the questions I left class wondering everyday. I give much thanks to the University of Winnipeg for offering such an inspiring and motivating course that allowed me to open my eyes and embrace the true realization of what is happening in our world. True ignorance comes from sitting around and doing nothing. Every bit counts!
Through The Eyes of a Child: War-Affected Children will be presented at Lockport School on Wednesday, April 18 and Thursday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m. For more information and tickets please call 757-9881.
~Delayna Chester