As Sibylle and I finished organizing the Libray at Escola Velhinho Rodrigues for the exhibition of the children's "works of Art", we were proud ... extremely proud of what the children had made and "accomplished" over the four days ... We were really looking forward to the "party", which was set up for two o'clock ...
Hand painted wooden book markers, acrylic painted wooden constructions and paper cars made by the boys attending the morning workshop (Left). Felt brush painted pictures and coloured sand pictures made by the girls attending the afternoon group (Right)
Hand coloured African dolls (Left) and pieces of jewellery (Right) made by the children and adolescents attending the afternoon workshop
Felt tip pen coloured pictures, hand painted key holders and book markers made by the girls attending both the morning and afternoon workshops (Left) and pictures taken (in a previous workshop) by the adolescents currently attending the afternoon workshop.
Some souvenirs (school bags, school cases, English books for beginners, small girl purses and stickers for the children attending the multi-disciplinary workshop in the morning, as well as some souvenirs for the parents (table cloths, embroidered round table cloths, needle and thread sets and hair pins).
By the time Gehard (who was going to film the ceremony) and I reached the school at the agreed hour, not many parents or family members had showed up, though most of the children were already awaiting us. Sibylle, Benedita and Nate were unfortunately not able to come to the "opening" of the party, as some guest showed up at the restaurant and didn't look like they were going to eat their meals in a rush ...
Against all odds, after fifteen minutes allowance, we started the ceremony, with an English "classroom show" on the part of the sixteen children who attended the morning workshop, and who unhesitatingly responded to the cues I prompted. Soon after they were given their souvenirs and told they would be able to take home the "Art pieces" they had made, once the party was over.
The "English classroom show". From left to right - Justina, Elcy, Tarine, Erica, Wilson, Cláudio, Eduardo, Leandro and Esmael.I have been often told I "spoil" the children, by giving them "little presents" when they accomplish something ... but I, in all honestly believe a small souvenir does not hurt ... and may even encourage them to further continue being committed. I know it may not always be that way along their adult life, but I feel one should not forget these children are (most of the time) not "encouraged, let alone praised for their effort and committment.
The "poetry boys" had their moment afterwards ... and I must confess they recited brilliantly. The audience clapped their hands enthusiastically. They were also told they could take home the books we had been working on throughout the week.
"The poetry boys" whilst reciting "The voice of the animals". From Left to right - Kevin Patrick, Patrick, Veinilson, Ismael and Kevin.
Then, it was time to focus on the parents and family members of these children who came to the "ceremony" and "award" them with small gifts to be handed out as in accordance with randomly sellected numbers (they had been given the moment they walked into the Library).
Some of these parents have never been children themselves and to have them "spoilt" (or rather, ... happy for a few moments) does not hurt either. Twelve gifts were distributed ... for the delight of both men and women of the audience. How such small things can make a difference ...
Handing out a table cloth.
Handing out a sewing set (Left) and another table cloth (Right).
The "ceremony" was about to come to an end ... but for the many who participated in a wide variety of ways ... those who were present ... and those who were not ... those who will be carrying something home ... and those who will not ... those who were never children and those who were allowed to be children for a week ... this whole day ... this date ... will certainly be "embedded" in their memories ... (for a long time ... I just know it) ...
Kevin Patrick and Cláudio's father looking at some of the "crafts" in extasy (Left). Collecting their "Art pieces" (Right)
Watching and collecting the "art pieces" (Left). Another moment of the ceremony with Duche looking through a children's book (Right)
Cláudio looking at his paper car (Left) and Valter carrying his "Art pieces" home (Right)
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