Educational Programs


After School Program in the Arts (ASPA)


Mission

Using art and culture as a medium to promote academic excellence and to improve self-esteem among our youth.

Our Purpose

The program currently serves the children of North Side Elementary School from grades 2-5. Through the use of education specifically the visual and dance arts, we provide after-school support for these children.

Research has shown that young children have great potential for change and growth and that the arts positively impact on all aspects of personal development. Studies have also proved that exposure to and participation in the creative art process improves reading, math and writing skills. “The earlier you expose children to the arts and the more responsive they become in later years to being able to comprehend and solve life’s daily challenges.” (Blokhuis-Mulder).



ASPA: An extension of the learning environment which stresses character and attitudes conducive to academic success.

Program Objectives

ASPA provides a positive alternative to these at-risk students being latchkey children. Specifically it provides the children, in a safe environment, with:
• Exposure to the arts as culture and as a supplement to their academic program,
• Training in the visual and dance arts,
• An extension of the learning environment which stresses character and attitudes conducive to academic success.
• Successful artistic and personal experiences in a safe, non-threatening climate,
• Opportunities to develop appropriate social skills.


The workshops are animated by well-known Haitian artists:

Henri Pelissier (visual arts : until 2003), Nicole Moreta (dance).

Guest artists (visual arts) : Turgo Bastien, Ludovic Booze, Iris, Jean-Claude Legagneur, Jean Sebon, Tiga.

The ASPA children are provided with training in the visual arts and dance, in a safe and caring environment.


The program has been produced since 2000 at North Side Elementary School, Fort Lauderdale


ACHIEVEMENTS


2000-2001

• Two students who participated in our program were recognized through awards by the Broward School District for the fine art work they produced during these workshops.


2001 – 2002

• Art exhibition at the Broward County School Board Building by the children attending ASPA
• A dance recital by the children of ASPA at the opening and closing ceremonies for the May 18, 2002 festivities.
• Members of the School Board officially recognized A.C.T.I.O.N. Foundation for the quality and uniqueness of the ASPA program.


2002 - 2003

• February: Dance Show at Fort Lauderdale airport
• February: Dance Show at North Side Elementary School (for Flash program)
• May 15: Dance Show at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (6 dances performed by 30 kids: Yanvalou, Nati Congo, Congo Kouzen, Congo Simple, Ibo, Juba).
• May 18: Dance Show at North Side Elementary School (Flag day presentation)
• May 15–May 22: art exhibit at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center: 17 paintings on canvas + 11 drawings representing the Fathers of the Haitian Nation (Toussaint Louverture, Dessalines, Henri Christophe, Alexandre Petion) and 4 mixed media collages (group project “Battle of Vertieres”).

The paintings of the children of ASPA have been chosen for the cover of Sun-Sentinel’s News in Education Edition of 2003.


2003-04

Dance performances & Art exhibits

Jan 9-23          
Art exhibit by ASPA children “History through the Eyes of our Children”
Broward Governmental Center


Jan. 27
Dance performance by ASPA children
Event organized by: Multi-Ethnic Advisory Board
Venue: Broward Health Department, SR 84, Ft Lauderdale

Time: 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Program: 2 choreographies under the direction of choreographer Nicole Moreta

Feb. 13           
“Opening Gala of North Side Elementary School ”

Event organized by: North Side Elementary School

Venue: North Side Elementary School Auditorium

Program: 5 choreographies by 31 ASPA children under the direction of
choreographer Nicole Moreta

Feb. 27           
“Black History Month”

Event organized by the Teachers of North Side Elementary School

Venue: North Side Elementary School

Program: choreography by 5 ASPA children

Time: 9:00 a.m.

 March 28        
St- Helen Catholic School “International Day”

Venue: St-Helen Catholic School , Ft Lauderdale

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m

 May 11           
Dress Rehearsal in preparation of May 18 Dance Show

Organized by: A.C.T.I.O.N. Foundation

Venue: African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

2650 Sistrunk Blvd , Ft Lauderdale

Time: 11:00 a.m.- 12h00 p.m.

May 14           
Event in honor of dedicated nurses at the Broward County Health Department –
Nursing Administration & Education

Venue: Diamante's Banquet – Time: 10:00 a.m.

Address: 6501 West Commercial Blvd. , Tamarac , FL.


May 18           
Dance Show “Traditions & Evolutions” (2004 Commemorations)

Event organized by: A.C.T.I.O.N. Foundation to commemorate the Bicentennial
of Haiti’s independence

Venue: African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

2650 Sistrunk Blvd , Ft Lauderdale

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12h00 p.m.



ASPA is sponsored by:

- A.C.T.I.O.N. Foundation, Inc.
- Community Foundation of Broward
- First Data Western Union
- The School Board of Broward
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