What's next for Creative Borders?
Creative Borders is thrilled to announce its return to Gaborone, Botswana, for our fifth program in June 2024. Partnering with another NY-based arts organization, Arts Ignite, we will organize a team of three highly skilled Teaching Artists. Our focus will be on conducting daily workshops at the Maru-a-Pula School and the Ambrose Academy. Additionally, we are excited to inaugurate a groundbreaking program dedicated to training local Teaching Artists, further fostering artistic growth and collaboration within the community.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
(35 total hours)
The unwavering support from the Maru-a-Pula School has been instrumental in making our programs not only possible but also facilitating their remarkable growth. In the upcoming year, 2024, we are thrilled to expand our impact by introducing daily workshops. These sessions will serve as a nurturing ground for students' artistic expression while simultaneously fostering the development of essential life skills, including leadership, collaboration, and resilience.
Founded on the principles of service and equality, Maru-a-Pula has steadfastly dedicated itself to the betterment of the nation of Botswana. In response to the pressing challenges posed by HIV/AIDS and poverty, the school took a proactive stance by initiating the Maru-a-Pula OVC Scholarship Program in 2005. This program serves as a beacon of hope, offering opportunities to local children profoundly affected by these societal issues.
At Maru-a-Pula, the student community, comprising individuals aged 13-18 years, is a testament to the school's inclusive mission and commitment to addressing the broader issues facing Botswana. Through its OVC Scholarship Program, Maru-a-Pula strives to create a positive impact by empowering the younger generation and fostering a future marked by resilience, equality, and shared prosperity.
(9 total hours)
Since our inaugural journey in 2016, Creative Borders has forged a transformative partnership with the pioneering Ambrose Academy. The academy is dedicated to providing children with disabilities access to quality education and therapeutic services, empowering them to envision a better future and become self-reliant contributors to the nation's economy.
Our collaborative efforts have resulted in the creation of lessons that leverage movement, music, and storytelling to enhance mind-body connections, coordination, and communication for the students at Ambrose Academy. Over the years, our tailored approach has proven instrumental in fostering positive expressions of emotions and frustrations among the students. This positive outlet, in turn, translates into improvements not only in social behavior and life skills training but also in academic achievements.
Remarkably, Ambrose Academy has experienced substantial growth since our initial partnership, culminating in the establishment of a brand-new facility equipped with new technologies. This advancement has enabled us to seamlessly continue our lessons remotely, maintaining our commitment to the students’ development. In late 2023, we took a significant step forward by launching our first pre-recorded lesson for Ambrose students, building on the foundation laid during the previous summer. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing partnership, setting the stage for continued collaboration and impactful contributions to the students' educational journey.
(40 total hours)
We are proudly introducing Arts Ignite’s groundbreaking Teaching Artist training program designed to empower local artists aspiring to become educators and leaders within their community. This revolutionary initiative offers a tailor-made 40-hour training program, meticulously crafted and guided by Arts Ignite in collaboration with the Teaching Artist team. This comprehensive program unfolds seamlessly alongside the other components of the Creative Borders program, ensuring a holistic and immersive learning experience.
The inaugural program is poised to select four to five exceptional participants through a competitive application process. Aimed at nurturing the future leaders of Gaborone's artistic community, this training will equip candidates with the skills and knowledge essential for educational excellence and community leadership.
To recognize the dedication and commitment of the selected candidates, compensation will be provided for their active participation in this transformative program. We remain committed to fostering a dynamic and supportive environment that propels local artists toward success in both their artistic endeavors and educational leadership roles.
The unwavering support from the Maru-a-Pula School has been instrumental in making our programs not only possible but also facilitating their remarkable growth. In the upcoming year, 2024, we are thrilled to expand our impact by introducing daily workshops. These sessions will serve as a nurturing ground for students' artistic expression while simultaneously fostering the development of essential life skills, including leadership, collaboration, and resilience.
Founded on the principles of service and equality, Maru-a-Pula has steadfastly dedicated itself to the betterment of the nation of Botswana. In response to the pressing challenges posed by HIV/AIDS and poverty, the school took a proactive stance by initiating the Maru-a-Pula OVC Scholarship Program in 2005. This program serves as a beacon of hope, offering opportunities to local children profoundly affected by these societal issues.
At Maru-a-Pula, the student community, comprising individuals aged 13-18 years, is a testament to the school's inclusive mission and commitment to addressing the broader issues facing Botswana. Through its OVC Scholarship Program, Maru-a-Pula strives to create a positive impact by empowering the younger generation and fostering a future marked by resilience, equality, and shared prosperity.
Real-Life Impact
Our commitment to arts education has yielded transformative results in Gaborone, Botswana. Through our programs, we have empowered individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to unleash their creative potential, fostering personal growth and community enrichment.
Since 2016, we have witnessed the following impactful outcomes:
Individual Empowerment
Individuals have participated in our arts education programs, gaining newfound confidence, self-expression skills, and a sense of empowerment.
Community Partnerships
We have established 14 partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses, amplifying the reach and impact of our arts education initiatives. Our initiatives promote inclusivity, understanding, and collaboration among diverse groups.
Access to Arts Education
Life Skills Development
97% of participants reported significant improvements in critical life skills, including leadership, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.
Cultural Enrichment
Our events and projects have contributed to a vibrant cultural landscape, celebrating local artistic talent and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Gaborone.
Positive Social Change
Through strategic partnerships and accessibility initiatives, we have increased access to arts education, reducing barriers and reaching underserved populations.
Community-led projects and initiatives have emerged from our programs, creating a ripple effect of positive social change and community betterment.
As we reflect on our impact, we remain dedicated to fostering a community where the arts serve as a powerful force for personal development, cultural enrichment, and positive societal change. Together, we continue to build a legacy of creativity, empowerment, and inclusivity in Gaborone, transforming lives one artistic expression at a time.