Project Overview

Passionate about becoming ambassadors of the arts, seven Juilliard students have initiated a community service project and arts education program in Botswana, Africa, called Project Maru-a-Pula. While in Botswana, the Juilliard students will work with children at the Maru-A-Pula (Setswanan for Promises of Blessings) School and the Mmanoko Village. Maru-A-Pula is an independent day & boarding secondary school in Gaborone, the capitol of Botswana. Mmanoko, situated between Gabarone and Molepolole, is a small village that maintains of a population of roughly 1,000 people; two hundred and eighty five of which are children currently in the only primary school.


The Project Maru-A-PulaTeam will teach dance and drama to children from both the Maru-a-Pula School and Mmanoko Village, more specifically the primary school. This program will culminate in a full-length performance, combining the talents of the Project Maru-A-PulaTeam and the children from both the Maru-A-Pula School and Mmanoko Village. Most importantly, the Project Maru-A-PulaTeam strives to demonstrate that there is opportunity for life, progress and success through creativity. We believe that by reaching out through love, humanity, respect and art, we can make an everlasting change.

The Project Maru-a-Pula Team

The Project Maru-a-Pula Team
L-R: Sekou, Carolyn, Hassan, Candace, LeBaron, Jehbreal, Julia and Kerry

Donations!

Donations!

Our team is asking for your help. We need your aid in making sure this project, designed to instill hope for a better tomorrow, comes to flourish. We believe that there is a tremendous opportunity for life, progress and success through creativity. Your gift, regardless of size, would be greatly appreciated. Your support will help us to encourage the next generation of leaders, inspire lives and rejuvenate souls. We thank you for your consideration and hope that you will join our family of supporters.


Checks may be made payable to:

Candace Feldman (memo Project MAP)

Please mail checks to:

The Juilliard School

c/o Candace Feldman

Concert Office

60 Lincoln Center Plaza

New York, NY 10023


Questions may be directed to LeBaron McClary (Project Coordinator) at lim@juilliard.edu

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Depart for Gaborone Botswana

OUR INSPIRATION

There is no secret that in these economic times the first cut being made globally is arts education. The focus seems to be more on war, money and power rather than education, culture and peace. The arts have transformed into smoke, gradually disappearing in thin air. Losing its true purpose and value, the arts are beginning to fade away, robbing men, women and children of a very important outlet for self-expression. Without the arts, culture, history, creativity and most importantly, self-identity vanishes. We believe in order for the spirit and vitality of art to continue and reinvent itself within today’s youth, one must plant the seed for the mind to become curious of all the possibilities. Having a love for the arts and having the opportunity to experience the power of the arts, we trust that the arts can and does touch the spirit and heart in ways that positively affect the mind, body and soul of a person.


Without proper guidance, it is safe to say that a young and influential mind can drift anywhere the world takes it. The mind must be taught to focus and through the discipline of creative and fine arts, the mind is taught to focus in order to achieve a more productive and fulfilling life. We, the students of the Black Student Union, plan to do just that: plant the seed of inspiration and cultivate the minds of youth to become active leaders in their communities and, hopefully, in the arts.

THE NEED

Arts education is essential for instilling curiosity, creativity and spirited vitality within the minds of young people. It cleanses the soul, conveys truth, redefines success and eliminates the fear of failure. The arts provide balance and an expansive outlet for the mind, soul, and emotions. Our educational commitment brings these essential skills to the forefront of the student curriculum though creative lesson plans, active engagement, and community involvement. Working with faculty members and community leaders, we will introduce students to new forms of creative expression while ultimately incorporating their own unique culture into innovative performance projects. The students’ success will culminate in public performances celebrating their achievements.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Showtime!

Finished our work with the Mmonoko Village...it was so great working with them. The kids are extraordinary. We completed the garden and they sent us off with a choir song that was soul stirring. We are about 1hr. away from call time and 3hrs. from Showtime! Tapestry! We have rehearsed, worked out our costumes and are ready to go. Big props to the production and technical crews for coming through with outstanding work in no time. Wow!...go Ms. Feldman your work does not go unnoticed. The Juilliard dancers are bad dan a mug...such a treat watchin them in rehearsal. The young folk of Maru-a-pula are gonna come with their A game tonight. They really stepped it up last night. Proud of yall! And my colleagues Carolyn and Kerry are the bomb diggity...U bring out the best. Thanks to Andy Taylor, Celine Matthe, and the whole MAP community...it's kinda bittasweet...Almost the end of a phenomenal journey, but also hopefully the beginning of a relationship that will last a lifetime...Thank U Lord for seeing us through! See ya next year...
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1 comment:

  1. Monsieur PolkJune 18, 2010 at 11:57 PM

    Tapestry was on some other level last night. "You got that Honey" - Erykah Badu

    I believe that a fire has been lit and the arts community here in Botswana needs to fan these new flames. I commented to Kerry that it was something else to see young Botswana talent performing 'advanced stuff' (that I had the pleasure to see on other stages elsewhere) right here at home.

    I wanted to express my appreciation for the achievements of all the talent from Juilliard in touching so many young lives and making it exciting again to imagine future possibilities.

    Keitumetse, kealeboga.

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