CHATTANOOGA PARKS AND RECREATION.

IGITARAMO: A GRAND CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN FAMILY TRADITIONS!

The Glenwood Recreation Center of Chattanooga, Tennessee presented a grand celebration, "Igitaramo", to conclude a four month program. The program began with an "Itolero" which means only the selected few or best of the class attend an elite `Rites of Passage' school in the East African society of Rwanda.

"Itolero" was introduced to children, parents, and community leaders at an opening ceremony event. African directors, teachers, and musicians were on hand to answer questions and present short lectures based on their respective programs, and each instructor gave a brief performance to the community. People who were most interested in the program registered for classes offered after school on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays of each week. Overall, 900 citizens participated in this program.

The "Itolero" program included a curriculum of lessons in African history, geography, current affairs, African Culture, and the Swahili language. Swahili is the most spoken and most popular African language. At Glenwood Recreation Center, more than 400 children attended the language arts program, now they are fluent in basic Swahili.

Prior to learning music, dancing, and drumming, the children were introduced to the cultures, customs, and traditions of the people from whom the music and dances originated. It was a mandatory requirement for each child to attend the African Family Traditions classes before he or she could participate in any dance classes. This gave the child a sense of heritage, improving confidence and community- awareness.

Drumming and dance classes were conducted immediately following the lectures on African culture. Instructors concentrated mainly on music from Ghana and Togo, their native countries. The goal was to give all participants some appreciable skills in African drumming and to eventually develop a core group of drummers who would join a performing troupe envisioned by the Glenwood community leaders.

An African Dance Troupe was formulated as a result of the Itolero program at Glenwood Recreation Center. Participants were taught the fundamentals and origin of African dance, the music, and costumes. Traditional costumes were handmade by each participant. They learned techniques ranging from wrapping kangas to weaving raffia skirts, which increased their creative thinking abilities. The dances and the instructors were from Ghana and Rwanda. This dance program focused on the importance of maintaining fit and healthy bodies.

A visiting artist native to Nigeria conducted mask-making workshops. Storytelling was used as a method to teach children about villages and how masks influenced the artists' childhood life. The children were then able to exhibit their masks during the Igitaramo program.

At the end of the program, youth and adults were presented to the community at a Grand Celebration of the Rites of Passage-"Igitaramo". The graduation ceremony was a full day of activities ranging from dances, speeches, drumming, singing, puppetry, storytelling, exhibits, foods, and an elaborate naming ceremony. A former King of Ghana awarded the children with traditional African names and Certificates of Participation.

Local city officials, visiting African Dignitaries, parents, and relatives attended the "Igitaramo." The all day event culminated with a feast of authentic African cuisine.

The program targeted disadvantaged youth ages 4-18 and all adults from economically deprived neighborhoods in the Chattanooga area. The recreation centers supported the project by providing the event location and the transportation for children who live in adjacent neighborhoods, and who would not have been a part of the program without assistance. Children were bused from Tyner, Shepherd, and Avondale recreation centers to Glenwood. The staff included eight artists and three recreation center staff members.

This project was funded in part by an Arts Build Chattanooga Neighborhood grant of the Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga and a Community Development Block Grant from the City of Chattanooga. It was produced and developed by the Family Roots Institute, Inc. of Chattanooga. The total grant award amounted to $27,940.00. This rewarding project was selected by a panel of 10 community leaders to be part of the Arts Build Chattanooga Neighborhoods grant program.

A NEW VOICE FOR YOUTH

By Trinette Harrison-Ballard

Teenagers have a lot of pressures to deal with on their own without having to worry about pressure from their communities. That is why many people, both young and old, feel there is a need for a youth council. This group would serve as a voice for young people on controversial issues involving teenagers. It would also serve as a liaison between the young people and city/county government. Just last year, the Chattanooga Police Department began to enforce the city's teen curfew policy, following complaints from businesses that the teens were hanging out in their parking lots after hours and causing problems along Brainerd Road. City officials never heard from the teenagers about why this was going on and what can be done to stop it. Deputy Administrator for Recreation, Janice Miller-Hester says she would like to see that change. She stated, "As adults, we consider ourselves as the best source of what is best for our youth. More often than not, we make decisions without consideration of the mindset of the youth. We must stop and take the time to know what our youth are thinking, what their concerns are and assist them, rather than deciding what is best for them without input from them. It is our obligation as leaders of this community to be involved in acknowledging the value youth bring to our community."

A group of teens from the Kidz Recreation Summer Camp agree there is a need for a youth council. They say there are just as many adults out there doing wrong as teens. The group feels a youth council will help keep the adults from "picking on them." Chattanooga City Councilman John Franklin Jr. says he is excited about the idea of having a youth council, "It will provide an overview of how the political process works. These young people will actually get to see that process in action."

The Department of Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture is spearheading an effort to start a youth council. Participation in this group will give the young people a chance to develop their leadership skills and network with community and political leaders. The purpose of the youth council is to encourage the positive growth and development of youth, and it will give city leaders a better opportunity to hear from the young people. "If this generation of youth fails, it is because adults who are in positions to nurture them have not stepped up to assist in the development of their well-being. It truly takes a village," according to Janice Miller-Hester.

The Youth Council is comprised of approximately 40 students, all of whom shall be residents of Chattanooga. Youth Council members will be selected by either their principal or guidance counselors according to the following criteria:

* Students in grades 9-11

* Leadership qualities

* Must have at least a 2.5 gpa

* Independent thinkers

* Role models for peers

* Good awareness of social issues

* Wanting to know more about the decision-making process of this City and its leaders.

Youth Council members are asked to recite an oath of office during an induction ceremony held in their honor. The delegates are presented with certificates, city seal pins, ID badges, and ID cards.

Chattanooga's Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Department is working with the Hamilton County School system on the new council. According to Janice Miller-Hester, "We must encourage, empower, educate, and introduce our young people on a daily basis for the assurance of a better tomorrow. There is no other way for them to have a full understanding of developing a cooperative spirit within their communities."

TEEN CAMP

By Trinette Harrison-Ballard

Doris Brown, a single mother from Chattanooga's inner city, works 40 hours a week. Her 8 to 4 job is perfect for Doris and her 13-year-old daughter during the school year, but the summer time presents a problem. Doris cannot afford the $65.00 a week to provide daycare for her two younger children ages 7 and 4, in addition to another $65.00 a week to send her 13-year-old daughter to a Day Camp. That is why Chattanooga Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture recently began an affordable summer camp just for teenagers. Many teens do not want to spend their summer babysitting little brother or sister; yet they are not old enough to get a paying job.

Teen Recreation Summer Camp is a 13-week program for teens. The camp costs parents $100.00 per child for the entire summer. That is about $8.00 per week for the camp, which includes recreation, field trips, snacks, and a t-shirt.

This camp is a little different than the usual summer camps. The teens are taught character education while experiencing college campus life. Recreation Specialist Kevin McGowan, along with his supervisor Armelia Williams, worked together on a curriculum that would make this summer both fun and educational for the teenagers.

The teen camp began last summer with 12 young people. Kevin wanted to start small since this was the first year for the program. The camp began at a local community college with a character education course titled, "The Value of Me." During this lesson, the teens pasted pictures from a magazine onto a paper bag that best describe their character. On the outside of the bag were pictures showing how people would describe them. On the inside of the paper bag were pictures showing how the teens perceived themselves and why. This exercise was fun and, of course, the teens learned a lot about one another.

The teens also participated in a reading program during which they discussed daily topics, learned about life skills, and enhanced their computer knowledge.

One of the most important lessons came during the "Money Management" classes. They learned about the importance of having a savings and checking account. In addition, the teens toured Chattanooga City Hall where they saw a draft of the city's two new recreation centers. They also talked with a city engineer about traffic lights and what goes into constructing a new street. The teens even got to experience a question and answer session with a Chattanooga City Councilman. The Councilman talked to the teens about the roles and responsibilities of the City Council as it relates to the Mayor.

The teens completed a photography course learning about taking black and white photos, mixing chemicals, working in a darkroom, setting camera speeds, and developing their own photographs.

The teens continued to keep a busy curriculum learning about how to dress for and conduct themselves during a job interview. They learned about fire safety from the Chattanooga firefighters. The teens studied "Conflict Resolution" and they spent time with a local music producer learning about production, songwriting, and the financial aspects of the business, such as how the artists are paid.

Perhaps, the most eye-opening experience came during their field trip to the Hayes Institute in Summerville, Georgia. They received a bird's-eye view of what prison is all about and why they do not want to end up there.

The summer teen camp was a well-rounded program. Amidst all the education, the teens did get to go skating, to the movies, play basketball, and visit a local amusement park.

The teens say they had a great time and plan to attend again next summer. Their parents and grandparents sent the department letters thanking us for starting such a program. They say the program was affordable and they knew their children were safe and in good hands.

Chattanooga Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Honored

Chattanooga Parks, Recreation, Arts and Culture Department won six awards at the 2000 Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association Conference (TRPA) this past November.

"Igitaramo", the African culture program, took top honors in four categories. Igitaramo won the Arts and Humanities Awards for special event, the Four-Star Best Program Award, and the Robert H. Horsley Award for the year's most outstanding recreation program. Recreation Specialist Jackie Simpson won the Donald H. Stanton Award for the most outstanding community center program for the Igitaramo African program.

"Dance Alive 2000", the summer partnership with Ballet Tennessee, was presented the Arts and Humanities Award in the dance category.

The sixth award was presented to Recreation Specialist Kevin McGowan, who received a certification of appreciation for his summer camp for teens.

Linda Rugina is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and an avid collector of African artifacts. She is the Arts Build Chattanooga Neighborhoods/Community Development Block Grant coordinator with the City of Chattanooga.

Trinette Hardison-Ballard attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where she received a degree in Broadcast Journalism. While working for a local NBC Affiliate, she produced a number of news programs, including a onehour morning show, and the 6:00 and 11:00 news. Trinette now works as a public information specialist for Chattanooga's Parks, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Department. Together, the two present new ideas for teens in "Chattanooga Parks and Recreation: Igitaramo, A New Voice for Youth, and Teen Camp" on page 74.