First TRJE Visit

I went to observe TRJE last night. What an interesting community! I found my way easily upstairs to the Fort Wayne Dance Collective and walked across the wooden dance floor to join the circle of TRJE members. A young girl pointed out that I needed to remove my shoes and I shuffled back out to leave them in the hall. After settling in on the floor, a young girl proposed the question of the evening: What could be done in your school to make learning more interesting? Each member rose, stated their name and who their parents were, and gave their opinion of improvements that could be made to keep their attention in the classroom. I tried to be observant of the ritual but when I’d finished my turn the next person in line remained silent. Everyone pointed out that I needed to touch her before she could speak. After everyone had had a turn, Ketu (the leader) acknowledged their opinions but also pointed out the teacher’s perspective and that learning is largely the students’ responsibility. He made them think about what they could do to improve their own learning, given the set of circumstances they found themselves in at school.
After various announcements regarding upcoming events, Ketu left the apprentices (people who had been members of TRJE for a long period of time) to guide everyone in rehearsing for the next performance. Everyone pitched in carrying numerous folding chairs that would be used to support the drums. A circle was set up and everyone took their places. Some played jenbe drums and established the beat while all the others in the surrounding circle joined in. One of the apprentices hovered on the outside of the circle to help any of the newer drummers with their technique. I met Akin who took me to another room where the drums were stored and he explained the different types of drums and how they are played. All of them were beautifully made, hand carved from various African trees.
I then went in search of Dr. Cain who said she would be with some of the mothers who helped run TRJE. I met Agatha, who Mary Ann described as the nerve center of the organization. Agatha seemed to be the one who took care of all the clerical details but she had a laptop in front of her and offered to show us some of the over 2,000 pictures she had taken during their recent trip to Africa. After several years of raising money, a group of about twenty took the long anticipated trip. Not only were the pictures fascinating, but Agatha was a natural story teller and wove a tale around each picture. We laughed at the antics of the young people and the hardships that were encountered and oohed and ahhed at the stunningly beautiful faces of the local children. I could’ve listened to Agatha’s stories all night but all the parents began arriving and it was time for everyone to go home.
For these past several days after that visit I’ve thought about my final project. What could I do that was creative and could be of some service to the group? I know I had mentioned recording the history of the group in past blogs but I think I’d rather do something more personal with the young students. Perhaps I could help any students who are interested in creating a written and visual account of their African trip? They could write about their experiences and how their lives were affected by what they learned in Africa. It all could be illustrated with some of the photos they had taken and could be supplemented with some of Agatha’s photos. The journals could be used to garner support for future trips so other students would have the same opportunities. I know there’s nothing like personal accounts to inspire others to get involved.