As a volunteer, I taught the Poster Design program during Fall 2011 and now the program has been partnered up with Comic Life. The children were designing posters digitally, using Adobe Illustrator and images from the internet. Some of the topics they covered were about healthy habits, safety, and people who inspired them.
When I first started, I didn’t really know how to start introducing them to a program they had probably not encountered before so I let them choose what they wanted to make their posters of and then gave them themes to work with. In working with new media, the children that participate are learning a new program that can help them with future projects.
Nicole Connors
Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre Blog and News
Monday, February 27, 2012
Divas Blog
Hey it’s Paige here again,
In case you missed my last blog, I am a George Brown Student, studying Community Work. I am doing my placement here at Regent Park Focus.
This Friday at Diva Girls there was a pretty good turn out considering some of the girls were unable to make it. Due to the fact that it was a P.A day for the girls in middle school, we started the program at 2 and ended at 4; the downside being, the high school girls didn’t make it!
Friday the 24th, we are holding Last Friday and the Diva girls are going to be participating in it, by doing a poem or a skit. So to get the girls brains going, when they came in we got them to reflect in their journals about Black History Month and how it affects them, positively or negatively. They could also reflect on somebody who they feel should be recognized as a good role model or an important person within Black History Month. Once everybody arrived and wrote for a few minutes, we did a fun icebreaker activity to get to know each other even better. As we went around the circle, everybody says their names and two things about themselves that people might otherwise not know about.
After this we got the girls to sit back down with their journals and see if they were interested in producing a poem. After we figured out who would be participating, we split the girls up in two groups. Hani and Mel took about 6 of the girls and they practiced what they are going to perform.
I look the other girls and taught them different techniques with string, so that they could make friendship bracelets. Some of the girls blew me away with their skills that they had with making bracelets already. We had a really good day. Many of the girls ended up staying and hanging out as well as playing on the computers, and continuing their bracelets that they were making.
In case you missed my last blog, I am a George Brown Student, studying Community Work. I am doing my placement here at Regent Park Focus.
This Friday at Diva Girls there was a pretty good turn out considering some of the girls were unable to make it. Due to the fact that it was a P.A day for the girls in middle school, we started the program at 2 and ended at 4; the downside being, the high school girls didn’t make it!
Friday the 24th, we are holding Last Friday and the Diva girls are going to be participating in it, by doing a poem or a skit. So to get the girls brains going, when they came in we got them to reflect in their journals about Black History Month and how it affects them, positively or negatively. They could also reflect on somebody who they feel should be recognized as a good role model or an important person within Black History Month. Once everybody arrived and wrote for a few minutes, we did a fun icebreaker activity to get to know each other even better. As we went around the circle, everybody says their names and two things about themselves that people might otherwise not know about.
After this we got the girls to sit back down with their journals and see if they were interested in producing a poem. After we figured out who would be participating, we split the girls up in two groups. Hani and Mel took about 6 of the girls and they practiced what they are going to perform.
I look the other girls and taught them different techniques with string, so that they could make friendship bracelets. Some of the girls blew me away with their skills that they had with making bracelets already. We had a really good day. Many of the girls ended up staying and hanging out as well as playing on the computers, and continuing their bracelets that they were making.
Divas Girls Group
My name is Hani; I am a student from George Brown College in the Community Worker Program. I am a coordinator in training, with in the Divas Program at Regent Park focus. The program is for girls between the ages of 11 to 16 years of age and it happens every Friday. We had a couple of new girls who were interested in the Divas program. This Friday February 3, the girls came together and did educational workshops about healthy decision making with Public health Nurse (Tina). Before Tina began, the girls enjoyed a healthy snack.
Furthermore, they discussed how to make healthy decisions. The girls were very involved with activities that Tina created for them. They discussed the six steps to decision making/problem solving. For example, the first step they discussed was “ Identify and define the problem. Consider what an optimal outcome or goal might be.” Second step was to “list possible options/alternatives or choices. Third step was to “evaluate the options and gather information if needed.” Fourth step was to “Choose one option and consider its outcome”.” Fifth step, “ make a plane and do it.” Last step was to “ evaluate the problem and solution.” They were empowered and wanted to share their experiences of how hard it is to make good decisions. Lastly, the girls did their journals at the end of the workshop.
Furthermore, they discussed how to make healthy decisions. The girls were very involved with activities that Tina created for them. They discussed the six steps to decision making/problem solving. For example, the first step they discussed was “ Identify and define the problem. Consider what an optimal outcome or goal might be.” Second step was to “list possible options/alternatives or choices. Third step was to “evaluate the options and gather information if needed.” Fourth step was to “Choose one option and consider its outcome”.” Fifth step, “ make a plane and do it.” Last step was to “ evaluate the problem and solution.” They were empowered and wanted to share their experiences of how hard it is to make good decisions. Lastly, the girls did their journals at the end of the workshop.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Wednesdays Catch da Flava Radio
I really enjoy volunteering for Catch da Flava Radio show. It’s a great way to discuss current events and to educate listeners on issues that matter. I think the group on Wednesday is a good group they offer a lot of variety and different perspectives. Finding ways to explore the issues ways in which I had never thought. Even though I research the topics a head of time I feel like I learn more through our discussion. I am always impressed how remarkably creative and insightful are the youth that participate in the show always offering new and fresh perspective. Best of all, however, is when we have guest to interview. I always find our guest interesting and filled with knowledge and the issue we discuss are important to the community and youth the same. It’s always great to get a first hand perspective from those interviewed.
David Cormier
David Cormier
Catch da Flava Magazine
My name is Xavier Luxenburg and I’ve been working with Regent Park Focus on the Catch Da Flava Magazine. I’m a Bachelor of Education student at York University Regent Park site. My job at Focus is to facilitate students in the program by helping them write articles and improve writing skills. Our current goal is to publish an issue on the topic of multiculturalism once we get enough articles from youths in the area.
When I started in late September of 2011, I did not know what to expect. As part of my programs requirement, I needed to volunteer 40 hours in a community-run organization. I chose Focus because I liked the idea of making youths more knowledgeable on media arts. Regardless, I needed the hours to graduate but I found myself in a welcoming environment. The staff is pretty chill and the youth I’ve worked with are really great.
However, the last few months have been a bit of a challenge. Overall, attendance has not been great mainly because people have other priorities in their lives. Although we have received a few articles, we have not received enough to publish a full issue. I have tried to outreach to my York program coordinator and also to some of the staff at Focus but nothing was really working. That is until around December when things started to look up.
The Photography program had ended and instead of teaming it up with Radio, they decided to integrate it with the Newspaper. In turn, I am now working with my fellow York teacher candidate, Sean along with several other volunteers. As the Photography program was integrated with Pathways, we now have more constant attendance. Although things are not really picking up until February, I am optimistic about the future. We have planned how we want the program to go forward and now it will be structured. Things are definitely looking up and if you know any one interested in writing an article on multiculturalism, send me an e-mail at Xavierluxenburg@gmail.com
Media Lab and Comic Life
Hi there,
My name is Laura and through York University’s Regent Park teaching program, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer in Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre computer lab. Here, I’ve had the chance to meet youth from the community in a more relaxed after-school setting and introduce them to interactive programs including Comic Life.
In the computer lab, kids have the chance to build their own storyboards with both images and words using MAC software. Not only do they have the opportunity to learn skills using the latest technology and become more media literate, but they have the chance to share their personal stories and own ideas with their peers and community.
Since September, we’ve grown the program and taught different aspects of technology to kids aged 7-18. In December, we launched a contest to reward kids for their efforts. The resulting entries were amazingly creative and all those who participated received movie tickets to the neighborhood cinema. The contest was quite a hit!
It is incredible to watch kids progress in their technology skills, become more media literate and hopefully continue to successfully build these skills in their future.
We also recognized that many participants were coming to the program hungry after school and we are currently working to develop an after-school snack program with community partners.
2011 has been a great year at Focus. We have a lot of exciting new plans for the new year and look forward to what lies ahead in 2012!
Laura Creedon
Bachelor of Education student
York University, Regent Park Urban Diversity Program
Catch da Flava Radio Perspectives from Zeebe
Regent Park Radio,2011 in perspective!
Starting October 2011, I signed up at Radio Regent as Volunteer coordinator. It was all new to me. I was excited to be volunteering at an organization that used media to engage youth. A half an hour show on internet radio every Tuesday. Our core participants are Jerry, Fatima, Tresvonne, Emmanuel and Michele. I had much to learn from the pros. The first few sessions we went with the flow. The participants addressed a variety of issues they were interested in and spoke naturally and freely about these topics. There is a great deal of energy in the sound booth, the jokes, the bloopers just add to the fun we have. Like they say it’s the journey that counts!
A few weeks into the show it was decided to change the format and give it a little more structure, yet keeping the openness and energy. The format consisted of a Main Topic, something usually in International/National news that participants wanted to talk about. We spoke about the Liberal win in Ontario, the Occupy Toronto movement and as most of the participants are residents of Toronto, you are welcome to attempt a guess on our position on these issues. Entertainment News comprised the next segment. Obviously a popular segment with our young participants, we spoke about movies, pop culture, celebrity talk. Mayor Ford provided many opportunities for discussion and I think this trend will continue into 2012. We also added the most fun part of our show called “Rant Time”. We spoke of big and little things that got on our nerves. We just let loose, be it about people who could not live without their cell phones or couples being overtly affectionate in public. We aired our thoughts! Literally! We look forward to an exciting 2012.
January 24th, 2012.
Most of our participants had the good fortune of being invited for the premiere of the movie Red Tails. They were also lucky to meet Cuba Gooding jr the major star of the movie who attended the premiere with youth from FOCUS. The radio show on the 24th consisted of a discussion of the movie. It’s a movie that told a story of a group of black pilots whose bravery led to the integration of the armed forces, in the background of the civil rights movement. The consensus was that it was an inspiring movie with amazing aeronautical action scenes. Wish I had gone for the preview ! We introduced a new segment on this show in keeping with what are youth are interested in. We have decided to talk about a You Tube video or FB posting that catches the eye of our participants. The first clip we spoke about was with regards to a bunch of youth beating up an Asian guy. We talked about the psycology and consequences of posting a clip like that. Apparently, the youth who took part in the crime were all caught by the police!! Obviously!
Our rant consisted of dissing “cheap people”. Obviously, who wants to get a used bottle of nail polish on their birthday? Cheap eh!! What about all those people who buy stuff and return it in thirty days!!Cheap, Cheap, Cheap!! Looking forward to the next show!!
Zeebe Khaleeli
Catch da Flava Youth Radio
Hello everyone,
First of all, I would like to start by saying how much I enjoy and feel proud to be a part of the Regent Park Focus programs. Ever since I set my foot on the Focus door back when it was at the Dundas street location 6 years ago, and I was a placement student, I knew then that this is the place I want to work in and grow with the organization as well. I had pictured a great environment to help the kids at risk with great mentoring and assisting them with their creative talents and teamwork skills. I was put in charge with the Media Lab supervision, Comic Arts instruction, and my most favorite of all, the Radio program in which I was the Radio Coordinator of the 'Catchdaflava radio'. Catchdaflava radio has been delivering as always the topics of global, social, political, and entertaining issues . In this program I had the privilege to work with the youth and the volunteers to coordinate with the radio show as well. Working with Zeebe and David is quite an experience in which they both bring different perspective and different force of energy to the radio program. Zeebe with her iron fist and intense style, while David the laid back, but smooth talking style. Overall, our radio format has changed and much better structured now than ever. The youth are always fun and ecstatic as usual and bring in more energy week after week. We have worked on crazy music bumps and currently working on commercials and PSAs. Overall, I am thankful and glad I am part of the change that is happening with the Radio Regent.
love Jerry Z.
First of all, I would like to start by saying how much I enjoy and feel proud to be a part of the Regent Park Focus programs. Ever since I set my foot on the Focus door back when it was at the Dundas street location 6 years ago, and I was a placement student, I knew then that this is the place I want to work in and grow with the organization as well. I had pictured a great environment to help the kids at risk with great mentoring and assisting them with their creative talents and teamwork skills. I was put in charge with the Media Lab supervision, Comic Arts instruction, and my most favorite of all, the Radio program in which I was the Radio Coordinator of the 'Catchdaflava radio'. Catchdaflava radio has been delivering as always the topics of global, social, political, and entertaining issues . In this program I had the privilege to work with the youth and the volunteers to coordinate with the radio show as well. Working with Zeebe and David is quite an experience in which they both bring different perspective and different force of energy to the radio program. Zeebe with her iron fist and intense style, while David the laid back, but smooth talking style. Overall, our radio format has changed and much better structured now than ever. The youth are always fun and ecstatic as usual and bring in more energy week after week. We have worked on crazy music bumps and currently working on commercials and PSAs. Overall, I am thankful and glad I am part of the change that is happening with the Radio Regent.
love Jerry Z.
A Friday night – with the Regent Park Diva’s
My name is Paige, and I am a student at George Brown College. I am studying to become a community worker, and right now I am doing my placement here, at Regent Park Focus. Today is my first day on the job, and tonight is my first night being apart of the Diva’s girls group. Many girls showed up for the group, and even though all the girls faces were new to me; there were a few girls that were new to Regent Park Focus, Diva Girls Group. The girls enjoyed snacks and drinks while out volunteer Heidi taught them how to knit scarfs, one at a time. Heidi put together a bag for each girl to take home; it included knitting needles and different types of yarn. A few of the girls blew me away and knew exactly what they were doing, and many of the girls (un like myself), caught on to knitting and the technique right away. Everybody enjoyed knitting and the time they spent with Heidi so much that Heidi was asked to come back next week for the first hour and continue to help the girls with their projects. Like I said before it was my first night, and it was also my colleague’s first night on the job too. Hani and Melanie are also students at George Brown doing their placement here as well. For the next three months, they will be helping out with the drop in center and the Diva Group as well as March Break Kids Camp. Before the girls went home, they reflected in their journals. It was hard to pack up because everybody was so busy chatting and having fun!
January Last Friday
Hello, my name is Melanie and I am currently a student from George Brown College, doing my field placement here at Regent Park Focus Media Arts. The last Friday event that was held on January 27th 2012 was my very first last Friday event that I went to. The event was good I enjoyed every minute of it. The food was great, they had Chinese food with noodles and vegetables, stir fry chicken and chicken cutlets. The performances biography is listed below:
Sonny Pathirana- I have been in the entertainment industry for over 25 years. A multi-talented entertainer, sings, plays piano, guitar, drums and Indian flute. I have performed in a number of countries including, Singapore, Dubai, Maldive Isalnds, Sri Lanka and Canada showcasing both my one man show and my band, "Think Red". My other interests include music, poetry and writing. I am also a budding street magic performer and an illusionist. Owner of Black-Art Entertainment, Sonny's one stop shopping center for all your entertainment needs in event management includes: organizing events, weddings, parties and fundraisers plus DJ'ing and MC'ing. Sonny is the sole authorized agent and distributor for Divine Audio pro-speakers and sound equipment.
The Focus House Band- said there New Years Resolution is to make an album.
The Modern Twist- features Xavier who is the coordinator for Regent Park Focus Catch da Flava Magazine. Xavier’s wife is also in the band and the band members are very diverse. The band is based out of Mississauga, Ontario. Listen to their songs by joining their facebook page, The Modern Twist.
Ryan Mcallister is a 19-year-old Canadian Singer/Songwriter. Born in Kitchener, now living in Toronto, Ontario. Despite only two years of experience playing guitar, singing, and song writing, Ryan has begun to solidify himself as an incredibly hard working and talented performer. Ryan McAllister's unique voice is incredibly compelling, especially because he's a 19-year-old who's only been writing songs and making music for only 2 years. Ranging from a whispery croon to a richer, fuller tone as it grows in volume, to a flawless falsetto, McAllister's singing is as captivating as it gets, often drawing comparison's to Coldplay's Chris Martin or Radiohead's Thom Yorke (in that band's early days). Accompanying himself on guitar, and having chosen music as his career path early on, this hard-working, talented youngster has been performing on a weekly basis at venues ranging in size from small coffee shops to 300-seat theatres. Drawing on influences such as John Mayer, Coldplay, The Fray, Maroon 5, Jeff Buckley, David Ryan Harris, Justin Nozuka, Peter Katz, and Robyn Dell'Unto, Ryan has been hard at work compiling material for his first solo record set to be released in 2012.
All the performances were great; I liked every single one of them. They all did such a great job. I can’t wait till the next last Friday event.
Thank you,
Melanie Roy
Friday, February 3, 2012
Divas Girls Group
Furthermore, they discussed how to make healthy decisions. The girls were very involved with activities that Tina created for them. They discussed the six steps to decision making/problem solving. For example, the first step they discussed was “ Identify and define the problem. Consider what an optimal outcome or goal might be.” Second step was to “list possible options/alternatives or choices. Third step was to “evaluate the options and gather information if needed.” Fourth step was to “Choose one option and consider its outcome”.” Fifth step, “ make a plane and do it.” Last step was to “ evaluate the problem and solution.” They were empowered and wanted to share their experiences of how hard it is to make good decisions. Lastly, the girls did their journals at the end of the workshop.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)