"School is Out"

School may be out, but many children have been spending time with the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company at its Vacation Outreach Programme. This program typically runs during the school year only; however the TTFC opted to target summer camps and homes for underprivileged children to keep the initiative rolling until the end of August. The Outreach Programme sensitizes students and communities about the film industry and uses the medium of film to entertain and teach about important social issues.

To-date, the Vacation Outreach Programme has been targeted to a total of ten (10) camps and four (4) homes for underprivileged children. The camps included the St. James Church of the Nazarene, Kirton Marshall Arts Academy (KMAA), the Reading Development Centre and Camp Essentials. The underprivileged homes included Sophia House, Holy Name Girls Training Centre, Rainbow Rescue and Credo Drop in Centre.

The issues and themes covered in the films shown by the TTFC include teenage pregnancy, HIV and discrimination. For the older teenage groups accompanied by social workers and/or guidance counselors, there is a group discussion about the film post the screening. The feedback received encourages the TTFC to continue this project and extend its reach to more schools and communities nationwide. Every session is evaluated by the participants with a view to obtaining their feedback and suggested improvements. So far the TTFC has had a very positive response as supported by the following comments:

“What I learned most about the programme was to stay away from negative things.” [KMAA]

“The programme is good for young people.” [Holy Name Training Centre]

“The information was imparted on a level I can understand.” [Sophia House]

“I appreciate the efforts of the Outreach Programme. It should be extended to more schools and community groups, especially the opportunities for training.” [Sophia House]

The programme runs for approximately two (2) hours during which the children are exposed to a film industry overview presented by Outreach coordinator, Mrs. Marissa Burke, look at a film and are treated to light refreshments. Some participants had the benefit of industry professionals like Producer Nadella Riley and Animator Roger Allan Jackson sharing their insights and enthusiasm about the world of film production. The students learned about various tricks of the trade as alternatives to using costly special effects. They also had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in acting. Roger Allan Jackson literally could not keep the children off of his back as he amused them with the making of stop motion animation.

In the coming weeks, the TTFC will be hosting Rhonda’s Vacation Camp, Crystal’s Vacation Camp, Holy Name Convent Film Club, Rainbow Rescue and Credo Drop In Centre. Other communities, schools or interest groups desirous of attending the TTFC’s Outreach programme are encouraged to contact Mrs. Burke at the TTFC at 625-3456