Creative Conversation- Global Citizenship: Promoting Education through the Arts

October 11, 2010-Dallas, TX, – Join us during October’s National Arts and Humanities Month as Preservation LINK, Inc. partners with the Dallas Contemporary to host a Creative Conversation called Global Citizenship: Promoting Education through the Arts on October 30th, 2010.

Art leaders and children and their parents will have an opportunity to discuss the importance of learning and giving through the arts, collectively create artwork that will be given to the Mahenzo Mission School, a developing school in Malindi, Kenya, and learn more about a school supply drive benefitting the school.

Date: 10am-3pm, Saturday, October 30, 2010

Location: The Dallas Contemporary, 161 Glass Street at Riverfront, Dallas, Texas 75207

Admission: $1

For more information, visit www.preservationlink.org or contact Karen Colbert at kcolbert@preservationlink.org

Check back for more information!!!

Service Learning Project-Collecting School Supplies

The  students from theSIGHT and SOUND program are currently participating in a service-learning project- collecting school supplies for the children at the Mahenzo Mission School in Kenya, Africa.

This service learning project was developed in order for the SIGHT and SOUND students to be a part of making a difference as well as teaching students the value of giving to others who are less fortunate.

The SIGHT and SOUND students have already created boxes to be placed in the halls of El Centro Community College. However, there is more that you  can do to help collect supplies- create a collection box and find a location for it to be placed (i.e. church, job, school.) We will be having a donation drive during the National Art and Humanities Month in October.  During this time, Preservation Link will be showcasing the photographs of students from the Mahenzo Mission School as well as collecting school supplies.  Please check out the website http://www.preservationlink.org/ for more information. We believe that every person is able to serve and help others during their lifetime.

Thank you,

Karen A. Colbert

Resident Scholar, Preservation Link, Inc.

Joel, one of the students from the SIGHT and SOUND program created a video, ENJOY!

Introducing the Students at the Mahenzo Mission School

Habari Za Asubuhi (Good Morning)!

I want to introduce to you some of the students at the Mahenzo Mission School that I had the opportunity to teach. The students were very respectful, sweet, and gentle. They are very bright and vibrant individuals as well. I had the opportunity to record and ask them their name, ages and what they wanted to do when they grow up. Many of them wanted to grow up to help their family and their people. To have so little but have the biggest hearts allowed me to be in the presence of the Lord. I remember when I was teaching one of the afternoon classes and I walk into the classroom, the students were sitting and waiting patiently for instructions. I said to them, "Good afternoon class" and they all stood up and in unison said, "Good afternoon teacha." Wow! Amazing! that was the epitamy of my teaching experience.  I believe every person is valuable and deserves to be recognize. That's why it was so important for me to capture the students on video. I wanted people to see their heart, their soul, to see them as humans with a purpose. Although these students are far , technology as allotted them to be near in soul and spirt. All of the videos are recordings of some of the young girls at the school. The first video is Anna, 14 years old. I see leader written all over her. She won my heart and I am so happy to have had the opportunity to meet Anna. Enjoy the videos!

Student Journal: Exciting things this summer

The most exciting things  did this summer by Aaron Steward

The most exciting thing I did this summer was going to Six Flags with my friends. I was pretty thrilled to go because it had been a while since I’d been and I was going to ride the tallest ride there, the “Titan”. Six Flags is a theme park located in Texas, which is famous for its Looney Toon and Superhero themes. Many people enjoy the different holiday themes that the park offers like Fright Fest during Halloween, and Holiday in the Park during Christmas.

            Many people visit the park for different appeals. I went because a friend invited me. We were anticipating on being afraid to ride the Titan, but when we finally got to it we couldn’t wait to get on except for one person. My friend Wanye was the only one to chicken out so we rode without him. As we made our way to the tower of orange metal a since of fear crept up my spine, but I ignored it. We finally got into our seats and strapped up. There was no turning back now I had to ride. The coaster slowly made it to the top as  I yelled to the top of my lungs “Hands Up”. Then we dropped down at an amazing 75 mph. I was having the time of my life as the coaster whipped, swirled, and looped around every corner.

Student Journal: Exciting things this summer

The most exciting things this summer by Jaquaylon Rollison

          The most exciting thing that I did this summer was going to El Centro for the Sight&Sound Program. It was the most exciting thing to me because I had a lot of fun meeting new people. During the Sight&Sound Program I learned how to use Photoshop.  Before I came to this program I had never heard of Photoshop. The instructors showed me how to use Photoshop to create print media. Now I am very good at using Photoshop. I was also excited when we went to city hall. I thought it was exciting because I meet a very important person and I got to see some of the things that go on in city hall. In addition I learned how to make music and how to work different things in the audio room. Now I can teach others how to use different things in the audio room. Those were the most exciting things that went on this summer. 

Student Journal: Exciting things this summer

The most exciting things this summer by Kiea Wylie

I have done exciting things throughout the summer in these past few months. The overall exciting event was the trip to Denver.  I went with the Youth Ministry at my church, called Light Church. It was the second Missions Trip we attended  and I have to say it was a very useful, spiritual growing trip. Denver is a glorious city, mountains in every view, and active people every way you turn, weather at a nice breeze or the up most ecstatic environment. If I were to live in any other city, Denver would be the place.

While there, we hit our main focus, which was to bring more people into God’s Kingdom. Specifically meeting the needs of the vagabonds (homeless). We did things such as Breakfast Plunges, which is going out on the streets and finding someone who appears as if they are homeless and take them to breakfast. Other intriguing events consisted of volunteering at one of the oldest church’s in Denver, where there is hot meals giving out to the homeless every Tuesday, distributing pastries and cold water to Day Labors, assisting in a local church camp with kids of all ages with different ethnicities and also spending a day as a homeless person. Emotions ran through and out the entire week. What a uplifting feeling it was to know that I was doing a good deed.

I enjoyed myself each and every step of the way. It’s important to appreciate what you have when you have it. Always be thankful and grateful for the little things in life, because if you lose them it will definitely be hard to overcome. A homeless person is not an animal, but to look deep inside that person’s background you will be amazed at the words expressed from that person’s orifice. 

All about Kenya

Before I began sharing my personal experience, I wanted to share with you a brief history about Kenya. I found various websites that provides more  facts than I could possible know since I only spent a short amount of time there. Furahia (Enjoy)!

Introducation to Kenya:

Kenya Flag:

Coat of Arms:

Official Name : Republic of Kenya
Motto: "Harambee" (Swahili): "Let us all pull together"
National Anthem: Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu ( "Oh God of All Creation")
Capital: Nairobi
Largest City: Nairobi
Official Languages: Swahili, English
Government: Republic
Independence from the United Kingdom ( December 12, 1963)
Republic declared December 12, 1964
Area: 224 080 sq mi
Population: 34 707 817 (According to July 2005 estimates)
Population in Malindi: The population of Malindi is 117,735 (in 1999 census). ^ "Population of Local Authorities" (with towns), Government of Kenya, 1999:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_authorities_of_Kenya
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)

http://www.dongo.org/pictures/kenyan_money.jpg

Republic of Kenya is a country in East Africa. Lying on both sides of the equator, Kenya is bordered by Sudan and Ethiopia to the North, Somalia to the East, Tanzania to the south, and Uganda to the west. Indian Ocean is on the south east of Kenya and Lake Victoria on the west. Earlier Kenya was a colony of British. Kenya gained independence form British rule in 1963, and became a republic in 1964. Nairobi is the Capital of Kenya and the largest city. A large part of Kenyan population is of Black Africans divided into 40 ethnic groups. These ethnic belongs to three-linguigistic families- the Bantu, the Cushitic, and the Nilotic. English and Swahili are languages used for communication both officially and in domestic use. Many Kenyans have their own languages inherited from ethnic group, thus Kenyan speak three languages, English, Swahili and a local language.  For more info, www.http://kenyaeducation.info/.

Photos taken on my trip:

Airport in Nairobi                                 At one of the hotels in Nairobi

  

   

                                        On the streets of Nairobi

                                      On our way to Malindi

                                       Airport in Malindi

                                       In the town of Malindi

Marisa W.

BIO

Marisa Williamson is a Dallas-based artist and teacher, originally from Philadelphia, PA.  She works in a range of media including video and drawing.  Her thematic interests are in gender, race, technology, memory, and the body.  Her work will be shown this fall at the South Dallas Cultural Center. You can visit her website for more information.

Student Journal: Project Idea

Hello my name is Rodney Wilson. I have decided to focus my summer project on the heart of imagination. I choose this topic because the children in the hospital need to be encouraged to let their imagination flow.

Student Journal: Project Idea

Hello my name is Kevin Mondy Jr. I have decided to focus my summer project on the topic of statistics. I choose this because it is my dream job. I want my assignment to make people more informed about what statistics are.

Student Journal: Project Idea

Hello my name is Jaquaylon Rollison. I have decided to focus my summer project on the topic of  decision making. I choose this topic because people should think twice about their actions. I want my assignment to make people aware of consequences.

Student Journal: Project Idea

Hello my name is Kiea Wylie. I have decided to focus my summer project on the topic of Art Therapy. I choose this topic because I want to help those in need by using thoughtful pictures as a way to encourage. I want my assignment to make people believe.

Student Journal: Project Idea

Hello my name is DeEric Martin Jr. I have decided to focus my summer projects on the topic of hair. I choose this topic because it helps people express how they feel about themselves. I want my assignment to let people know they can be proud about themselves and their appearance.

Student Journal: Project Idea

Hello my name is Cer Martin. I have decided to focus my summer project on the topic of laughter. I chose this topic because I think people should laugh despite the problems they are facing and enjoy life. I want my assignment to make people happy.

Student Journal: Project Idea

Hello my name is Aaron. I have decided to focus my summer project on the topic of Childhood Obesity. I choose this topic because it was a good idea and is something that needs to be confronted in this country. I want my assignment to make people feel more aware about their health and feel better about themselves.

Preservation Link goes to Africa

Jumbo, Jumbo! Karibuni! Jina lako nii Karen. (Hello, Welcome, my name is Karen)

I want to first say Asante Sana (thank you very much) to Dave and Shaun for giving me the opportunity to take part in this wonderful experience of working with Preservation Link this summer. I have had the fortunate opportunity of working with them in the past and I think it's wonderful that we have found new and creative ways to continue our working relationhsip. As part of my working with Preservation Link, I will be blogging about my trip to Kenya, Africa this past July and how the students from the Mahenzo Mission School was given the opportunity to take part in Preservation Link's, Point of View, workshop.

Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing with you my insight along with other resources my perspective on the Point of View workshop, the students who participated, the teachers, the school, and Malindi, Kenya.

When the opportunity for me to go to Malindi, Kenya presented itself, I was so excited. I didn't really know what to expect, except from what we had been learning, from a gentlemen Mr. Samson (Kenyan-born), who had been teaching us Swahili and giving us insight into Africa. However, you can never be truly ready for a trip like this until you are there. I remember having a dream months before the trip about my being there with the children and from that moment, I felt peace come over me. Going there was a dream come true. I enjoyed every minute I spent with the teachers and students. It was definitely a life-changing experience that I could never fully describe but only feel in my heart. My heart glows brightly whenever I remininsce about my being in Africa. I have many moments that I wished I could bottle up and share with everyone, however,
I will do my best to capture these moment through photos and videos.

This experience as widen my perspective on life, my relationships with others, and who I want to become when I grow up,lol.

Asante (Thank you)!

Preservation LINK's Research Blog

As co-founder of Preservation LINK, Inc. and Director of Program Evaluation, Shaunqula hails from South Carolina. Her rich, southern roots have inspired her work-both artistically and professionally

Check out Preservation LINK's Research Blog here!

Student Journal: How would you teach students if you were a teacher?

If I were a teacher, I would help my students learn in a number of ways. Since I am seeking to become a teacher, I have already begun to think with a teacher mindset. First off, I would become more secure with each child's learning ability. I feel that if you know how your student learns, it is easier for them to cope with you as a teacher. I'd then have a group follow up (open discussion) so that every child would be able to speak their minds on what they feel about the subject, course , etc; depending on what we're talking about. I'd also listen very closely so that I could hear every child's opinion and comment. I'd be sure to not miss anybody. I'd also have a one on one talk set aside for each and every student, 3 at a time, to sit and discuss the elements of learning. Whatever subject we're focusing on or lesson that would be a great time to help hit the focus points of each student. If I were a teacher, I'd help my students be the best they could be. I would teach them to never give up, keep trying, keep striving, and don't look back. Every student doesn't learn at the same balance so it is important that we walk along with them not leave them expecting them to run after us. Teachers have to be willing to put their ALL into teaching. A child's life depends on that Teacher(s) teaching skills. So to hit the basic points, I'd help my students learn all around.

Student Journal: June 19th

June 19^th or Juneteenth is an important day in African- American history. It is proclaimed to be the day that slaves in Texas found out that they were officially free. Today we still celebrate this day in honor of years of fighting. It was the act of President Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation that helped allow this to happen. It is a day of rejoicing, reuniting, and planning ahead for the future. When everyone can come together for a better cause. It reminds me of a democracy.

Student Journal: How would you teach students if you were a teacher?

First, I would choose to be a math teacher. I would help my students by putting them in groups and allowing them to make a rap about multiplication. This group will say that rap on the morning announcements. It’s good to know that you can have fun while you learn. When I was in the 2^nd grade I loved to work, however it wasn’t always fun. My teacher demanded us to complete assignments weather it was challenging or easy. So even if I liked it or not, I had to get the job done. My opinion is when you teach you have to make it amusing so they will be learning and having fun at the same time. Then they will go around saying “That teacher the best teacher ever!”.

Student Journal: How would you teach students if you were a teacher?

If I were a teacher, I will tell my students to come to school.

1. Be focused on the class work and homework assignments.

2. Go to sleep at 8:30 and wake up and eat breakfast before you come to school.

3. Stay after school to study materials for the TAKS test.

Student Journal: How would you teach students if you were a teacher?

If I was a teacher, I would disguise teaching with fun. The kids would be enjoying themselves, but they would also be learning. The secret of teaching is to combine the two. I would think about how I keep my lesson interesting while still learning what you need to know. Then I would find out how well my students learn or what limits my teachings to their style of learning. I would be very hands on with my students and make sure that they understand and offer tutoring when needed. I would set a free environment so that my students would fill free to speak their minds and express any problems they have.

Student Journal: Favorite TV Show

My favorite TV show is Law and Order because it is like they are on a mission to find a person who did something bad. I also like that show because it is teaching you a lesson of what not to do. It also tells you that doing bad things is not going to get you any were in life.

Student Journal: June 19th

I really don’t celebrate the June 19^th; usually we just go out and eat. Lincoln put his best effort forward to introduce the Emancipation Proclamation. Finally when he passed away Ulysses S. grant went to the south and told all the slaves they were finally free to do what ever they want to. That’s why people still celebrate that day; it was a really great idea for Lincoln to free the slaves. The people that were enslaved were really thankful for Lincoln.

Student Journal: June 19th

June 19th is a historic day. One special thing about that day is that it is two days after my birthday. Last but not least, it is the day Texas was free from slavery. That’s why I think June 19th is historic. June 19th is a historic day for the state of Texas.

Student Journal: June 19th

What is June 19^th ? And why is so important? Well that was the day when the slaves were free. Every year we celebrate this day with food, fun, and family. I think we should all come together and celebrate this special holiday.

Student Journal: June 19th

In three days it will be June 19^th. I think that on June 19^th the great Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous I have a dream speech. On that day was a very famous day, which was the day that blacks and whites came together. That’s what I think happened on June 19^th.

Student Journal: June 19th

I think June 19th is important because it is when Texas slaves were freed. The union wanted freedom and the confederate didn’t want freedom or it was probably the other way around, I’m unsure but I do know we were freed.

Student Journal: June 19th

I won’t be brought down by anyone. Every body can be good people with great ideas that can turn into reality.

Student journal: June 19th

Some people call June19 (Juneteenth). It was the day that all Texas slaves were freed. Two years ago in 1863, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation which made them happy to be freed.

Student Journal: June 19th

June 19th is the day that slave were officially free from slave owners. Every year, some people celebrate this day with the three F’s: food, family, and fun. It is also the day President Lincoln went to the southern states and made the slave owners release their slaves.