Paula Lindo – Our histories, stories, present, future.

“In order to return focus to our Carnival and traditional artforms, it is important to vest the knowledge of these traditions in our young people and lay the foundation for preservation of the cultural artforms that are intrinsically T&T.” Vacation camp Zante! founder, Dara Healy made the statement as she explained why the camp focuses on teaching art forms such as wire-bending, mas making, dance, painting, drumming and stilt-walking. This year, the end of year production will feature an original Anansi story by Healy called Anansi and the Spelling Competition.

Healy said, “in many ways, the identity of a nation is located within its artistic and cultural forms. Junkanoo, tango, flamenco, Kadooment, samba, jazz, reggae, etc., say any of these words and immediately the country of origin comes to mind, along with a visual image or understanding of the artform typically identified with that space. Soca, chutney, rapso, Papa Bois, Pitchakaree, Bele, pan, Carnival, it is the same with the traditions of T&T. In many respects our shared cultures speak to who we are as a nation, and help define us for the rest of the world. To ensure that the Carnival and folk traditions of T&T are passed down through the generations, it is important to pass the knowledge to young people, starting as early as possible. Children respond to the arts in a natural, uninhibited way that allows them to make the most of the artistic experience. They are appreciative of the opportunity to play and express themselves, thus making learning a much easier and enjoyable process. Additionally, children do not necessarily judge what they are learning but simply respond to how the creative activity makes them feel.”

The camp will be facilitated by multi-media artist Karina Ramnath and mas-making will be taught by camp coordinator Donna Gittens-Charles. Healy will teach movement & dance, Eintou Springer will teach storytelling, Iremide Charles will be the drumming instructor and Shanya Springer will teach theatre/voice/dance. The camp is a product of Indigenous Creative Arts Network (ICAN), a cultural NGO dedicated to empowering youth and communities through the arts, culture & heritage. Healy said the three-week camp experience will feature trained artists, responsible coordinators, games, field-trips and refreshments for $1,125 per child, with discounts being offered for registration of more than one child.

ICAN is also asking for persons to sponsor children from vulnerable communities to attend the camp. Healy said, “according to the World Health Organisation, vulnerability initially referred to the ability of communities to recover from natural or man-made disasters. However the definition of vulnerable has been expanded to include socio-economic, human rights, health, gender, sexual and other factors. The concept of vulnerability is applicable to all the people who are more exposed to risks than their peers, according to the UN. Zanté’s core motivation is to ensure that children from vulnerable populations are provided an opportunity to experience the joy and power of the arts through the provision of fully paid scholarships to attend our camp. Children are vulnerable only because of circumstances outside of their control. They should thus be afforded every chance to enjoy new activities, broaden their knowledge and fully engage as citizens of T&T. At Zanté they are completely integrated into the group for every activity of the camp.”

Healy said Zante’s main point of contact is their Facebook page. “As we grow, we would like to attract more volunteers to help us develop the administrative and promotional aspect of the camp. This will include developing our database to allow us to better stay in touch with parents/guardians after the camp, enhancing our social media outreach and being able to host activities with the Zanté campers at different times in the year. The response to the camp from previous participants has been very good.

“Parents and guardians have been amazed that the children could learn the lines, memorise the dances and put on an entire show under the guidance of the camp staff. The children gained skills such as mas making, costume design and creating, theatrical performance and dance. They developed confidence, discipline, teamwork and personal expression. It is our vision that Zanté will add value to our children even beyond the three weeks of the camp.”

Sponsors may contribute via any combination of the following: full scholarship for a deserving child; materials for the final performance and exhibition; healthy drinks, snacks and/or fruits; refreshments for the final showcase; and/or volunteer time to support activities and/or field-trips. Payment options include: wire transfer/direct deposit to First Citizens Bank, Indigenous Creative Arts Network, account number 233 9584; cheque payable to Indigenous Creative Arts Network; money transfer (e.g. Western Union); or cash paid directly to one of the directors.

Zante! 2019 will be held at a new location, the Bois Academy, corner of 7th Avenue & 8th Street in Barataria, from July 8 to 27. For more information, email icancreativearts@gmail.com, go to https://www.facebook.com/ZanteKidsCarnivalCamp and call 780-2479.