Click here to view our Picture GallerySo much work, so little time
Friday, Jan. 13
Allison Graham
Board of Directors
One World Youth Project
Jess and I set off for our third and final day with the students of the Perfect Youth Group. We needed to finish the students' articles for publication, finish and film their statement to the congressional reception, finish and film individual statements of poverty for the documentary, and complete and document our dramatic production. It was a lot of work, and coloring it all was my sense of sadness that this adventure was drawing to a close. What made me feel better though, was knowing that CCLCS and the Perfect Youth Group will collaborate for years and that the bonds forged are going to last lifetimes -- and that what we are doing will change the world. There was no time right then for reflection, and while the congressional reception group and documentary group finished their work, Jess and I set up and tested our film equipment.
One at a time, 20 students sat in front of the camera and shared their thoughts on poverty. They expressed sadness, anger, passion, and hope. They shared personal stories and stories from all over Africa. Most important, they voiced and recorded concerns that are shared by people all over the world. I was stunned by how insightful these young people were and by how eloquently they shared their insights. The congressional reception group was equally articulate and passionate. I know that their voices, combined with the voices of students at CCLCS, will send a message that cannot be ignored.
Once filming was completed, it was time for something Jess and I had been eagerly anticipating! Ugali! We were going to be treated to a traditional meal, cooked in the traditional fashion.
As the students gathered around to build a fire and cook this dish, made from maize flour and Mlenda (I'm not sure on that spelling), a vegetable that is dried and powered, we couldn't help but smile at the laughter, joy and happiness of this place. It was a taste of how life should be for everyone -- celebrating each other and our time spent together. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much, being in such joyful company. The meal was wonderful and the experience more so. I can't wait to cook this for myself and everyone at CCLCS.
After lunch we began our last drama workshop. Working in the same topic groups, students took their skits and recreated them for the third time. This time they were to tell their stories in five tableaus. We photographed these tableaus to be used in an exhibit. While the final product was one of visual art, the process was living, dramatic action. It will be beautifully expressed through these photographs.
Our last performance from the students is something I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life. As they sang and danced, the skies darkened, rumbled and opened up. As the audience scattered to a window or door from which to watch, the students danced on with even more joy. They raised their arms and voices in celebration, and for a moment the connective energy of the elements of nature to the human element was palpable. It was a feeling I have never felt before and doubt I ever will again -- a moment that made me glad to be alive and on this earth.
The group performed a goodbye song with words to Jess and me that meant more to me than I think they could have imagined. I felt so lucky to be there with Jess, and these people that I will forever think of as friends.
It was now time to say good-bye to the students -- a very difficult and emotional thing. I was presented with a cultural exchange box to bring back to CCLCS, but I will bring back so much more, so much.
On our way back to the hotel, we had the privilege of visiting Abdu and Joseph's home. It was a special and unexpected treat and I feel honored to have been invited.
Allison Graham
Board of Directors
One World Youth Project
Jess and I set off for our third and final day with the students of the Perfect Youth Group. We needed to finish the students' articles for publication, finish and film their statement to the congressional reception, finish and film individual statements of poverty for the documentary, and complete and document our dramatic production. It was a lot of work, and coloring it all was my sense of sadness that this adventure was drawing to a close. What made me feel better though, was knowing that CCLCS and the Perfect Youth Group will collaborate for years and that the bonds forged are going to last lifetimes -- and that what we are doing will change the world. There was no time right then for reflection, and while the congressional reception group and documentary group finished their work, Jess and I set up and tested our film equipment.
One at a time, 20 students sat in front of the camera and shared their thoughts on poverty. They expressed sadness, anger, passion, and hope. They shared personal stories and stories from all over Africa. Most important, they voiced and recorded concerns that are shared by people all over the world. I was stunned by how insightful these young people were and by how eloquently they shared their insights. The congressional reception group was equally articulate and passionate. I know that their voices, combined with the voices of students at CCLCS, will send a message that cannot be ignored.
Once filming was completed, it was time for something Jess and I had been eagerly anticipating! Ugali! We were going to be treated to a traditional meal, cooked in the traditional fashion.
As the students gathered around to build a fire and cook this dish, made from maize flour and Mlenda (I'm not sure on that spelling), a vegetable that is dried and powered, we couldn't help but smile at the laughter, joy and happiness of this place. It was a taste of how life should be for everyone -- celebrating each other and our time spent together. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much, being in such joyful company. The meal was wonderful and the experience more so. I can't wait to cook this for myself and everyone at CCLCS.
After lunch we began our last drama workshop. Working in the same topic groups, students took their skits and recreated them for the third time. This time they were to tell their stories in five tableaus. We photographed these tableaus to be used in an exhibit. While the final product was one of visual art, the process was living, dramatic action. It will be beautifully expressed through these photographs.
Our last performance from the students is something I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life. As they sang and danced, the skies darkened, rumbled and opened up. As the audience scattered to a window or door from which to watch, the students danced on with even more joy. They raised their arms and voices in celebration, and for a moment the connective energy of the elements of nature to the human element was palpable. It was a feeling I have never felt before and doubt I ever will again -- a moment that made me glad to be alive and on this earth.
The group performed a goodbye song with words to Jess and me that meant more to me than I think they could have imagined. I felt so lucky to be there with Jess, and these people that I will forever think of as friends.
It was now time to say good-bye to the students -- a very difficult and emotional thing. I was presented with a cultural exchange box to bring back to CCLCS, but I will bring back so much more, so much.
On our way back to the hotel, we had the privilege of visiting Abdu and Joseph's home. It was a special and unexpected treat and I feel honored to have been invited.
-Allison
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