This week we had visitors at HOPE Project.  I asked my students last week what they’d like to do when they come and the resounding answer was drama.  Skits are very popular here as a part of story-telling, competitions or part of events where drama groups get paid for sharing a skit with a certain message. 

These skits often have serious subject matter, although they can also have a bit of comedy.  What I find interesting is how the students’ drama reflects what they experience.  Violence is portrayed as a way to resolve disagreements, which I suppose is all too common in Western entertainment as well.  

The two drama performances had the themes of the dangers of drug use and the importance of education. I was impressed with the number of scenes the children came up with and the layers of issues that came up in the performances: trust, respect for elders (or lack of it with elders without formal education), student bullying and even students’ hygiene!

The Primary Students’ Performance – Scene 1 – Unknowing parents give money to their children for drugs

Scene 4 – Crying about being misunderstood

The closing scene – All ends well when a neighbor pays the fine for the children.

Some issues are not easy to resolve in a 15 minute play!

The other students were captivated.

Our stage is the foyer outside the project office (and the restrooms).

The drama included a Parent-Teacher’s meeting – which revealed a lot about how my students perceive these meetings – and their relationships with their guardians.

Overall, it was a good show!

Our last performance was a beautiful solo about how far education will take you.

After the drama performances, we divided into groups to have reading circles with our guests – as all took turn reading aloud and learning new words – one of the techniques we are using to help improve our student’s vocabulary and reading confidence.

Mary helping two of our girls choose which book to read.

Shirley sharing a story about Patch, a horse.

Jane reading about Junie B. Jones’ adventures.

Fr Bill and the boys read a story about smugglers!

We then divided into two groups to visit the homes of two of my students.

We had an encore performance by one of my student’s younger sister.

A family I am proud to have supported.

Thanks to our visitors for coming and reading with us!

   I’m happy to report that the books that our visitors helped us start are continuing in our daily reading circles.  I have six recent high school graduates who were supported by the project and are now volunteering with us.  They are even helping the students with new words and spelling words!  I love it!  And I hope it helps our young ones learn to love to read.