‘Draw It Out’ programme empowers students with literacy barriers

In a touching finale to its 2024 ‘Draw It Out’ series, the Desnoes & Geddes (D&G) Foundation and the Art of Motivation Inc brought its transformative initiative to the Enid Bennett High School in Bog Walk, St Catherine. The interactive session, designed to harness the healing power of art and led by fine artist Shawn Ashman of Art of Motivation Inc., connected approximately 30 students from grade 9B with teachers and facilitators in an emotionally charged experience.

The day began with a reasoning session led by Red Stripe extension lead Devarn Breakenridge, who engaged the students in a candid discussion about their emotions and triggers. “Your happiness shouldn’t depend on material things,” Breakenridge explained, guiding the students to examine how emotions like anger, sadness, and joy influence their actions. “I want you to look beyond that. Think about when your teacher says ‘congratulations’ or when mommy or daddy says ‘I love you’.” He also addressed the influence of music, reminding the teenagers that while it is an art form, it should not dictate their behaviour.

“The [D&G] Foundation’s ‘No Mind Left Behind’ mandate is an invaluable contribution to society.

Helping these students address the challenges they face is critical,” Winsome Johnson, principal of the institution shared.

The painting segment with Ashman encouraged students to represent their future aspirations through art. Each colour served as a conversation starter, with participants associating yellow with sunshine, brightness, and even bananas. “It was a new experience, and it helped me de-stress,” shared Nastascia Edwards, a student who dreams of becoming a detective. The session held particular significance for Nastascia, who lost her mother at a young age but cherishes her late mother’s artwork at home. “My mom used to paint and I think she still would if she were alive. I’m going to put my painting from today in my room at home like hers,” she added.

Similarly, her classmate Minton Morris said he felt comforted and he was anticipating showing his painting to his family. “I’m going home to put it on my wall,” said Minton.

The session’s activities also impacted teachers positively. Integrated Science and Physical Education teacher Chevelle Taylor immersed herself in the activity, finding it unexpectedly relieving. “I’m not an artistic person, but painting today helped me relax and express myself,” she admitted.

Taylor highlighted the importance of such initiatives, especially for students facing combined challenges, including illiteracy, behavioural disorders, and parent absenteeism. “More than half of these students can’t read and they don’t often get opportunities like this, so I know they’re grateful. By tomorrow, I’m sure they’ll tell me how much it meant to them.”

Ashman’s partnership with the D&G Foundation has impacted over 150 students, teachers and parents to date. As part of the Programme’s transformative nature, she guides participants through a reasoning session and painting activity. Her experience in the judicial system for two decades inspired the Programme concept. “I’ve seen too many young people in court – a place they should never be, many of them because they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. This initiative is about showing them that their future can look different. It is a way of sketching new beginnings.”

With each session, ‘Draw It Out’ has bridged generations and fostered emotional well-being in the communities it serves. Its legacy of healing and empowerment continues to resonate with other corporate entities seeking similar therapeutic experiences for their employees, release notes.

“One of our main goals through the D&G Foundation is to give disenfranchised individuals, especially our youth, a safe space to express themselves, heal, and envision a brighter future. In these sessions, it’s an opportunity to paint pictures while creating the safe space for transformation and ensuring no mind is indeed left behind,” said D&G Foundation’s accountant Dennis Beckford.