The workshop is over....I woke up Wednesday morning, went for my morning run, though my throat was feeling a bit weird! As the day wore on, and I prepared for the last day of the workshop, I began to feel ill. By the time I got there I was very snuffly but kept on going.
So, everyone showed up more or less on time....chatted, greeted then, we tidied up, then sat down and reviewed what had been accomplished over the last couple weeks. Later, we unpacked the kiln and carried all the pieces up to the room where the closing ceremony would be held. Everyone was very chatty but I had all chip in to do something. Ms. Christopher had organised two talk sessions for them at The Ministry of Gender Affairs, which was located nearby so they left to attend those sessions. I created a display with everyone's artwork and the pottery pieces. Once I was finished, I headed over there to join them. The talks were very interesting....one on HIV and the other on behavior. Very interactive and informative sessions.
After lunch we went back to the Crafthouse for the closing session. The girls and guys were very excited. They sat in front of their pieces in the small conference room...a couple parents and friends showed up....actually Erica came with her friends from since early in the day. Ms Christopher gave a moving speech, followed by me, with a an off the top overview of the past couple weeks...I can talk alot when I am passionate. Then we had the distribution of certificates. The representative for the sponsors didn't show up but that didn't matter...it was just as impressive a closing as if it were held at an hotel.
As the session wrapped up and they wrapped up their pieces, I realized that I forgot to take photos. I quickly took some photos of the pieces I made.
I am going to miss teaching this group of young people....Kelvina, Erica, Delton, Eleisa and Earletta! Tylah, Kian, Crystal, Justina, Christiana! Zulieka(Sue-Sue), Tekelia and of course the not to be forgotten Tatianna! Yes...I know all the names now, after two weeks! My daughters Stara and Kande attended the last few days....Stara loves Tatianna, and Kande, whose girlfriend Crystal, was in attendance at the workshop, always loves adding to her long list of friends. It was fun and I am thankful for this great oppportunity I had this summer.
