By Jessica Lawson | Co-Founder
Dear Friends,
We're very excited to tell you about an exciting new program that began this fall at The Mariposa Center for Girls. For the past four months, volunteer Johannil has been teaching theraputic art classes to all 120 girls. Art therapy is very different from traditional art instruction. Art therapy is making art to enhance one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Art therapy uses the art making process to explore elements such as feelings, managing emotions and behaviors, increasing self-esteem and self-awareness, gaining self-empowerment, and reducing anxiety, with the goal of improving and restoring personal well being.
Under Johannil's leadership, the girls explored a variety of mediums: fabric, clay, paint, pencil, and recycled materials. Some projects included: creating personal journals, jewelry, paper flowers, dream sticks, wrap dolls, self-care boxes and self-affirming cards. Through these art projects the girls explored the following themes: self-care, self-empowerment, self-esteem, taking care of one’s body and consent, family and culture, and their role in their community.
By the end of this semester, many of the girls reported having a positive learning experience. When students were asked what they learned and appreciated about the class they responded, “How to take care of my body because I have to maintain my body healthy,” “ I liked sharing my work with my classmates,” “ The importance of doing things for others with love,” and “I learned how to make jewelry and other art activities, thought about my future, and ways to better care for myself.” Johannil also worked closely with our staff psychologist to integrate her curriculum into our overall health and wellness program, and convene a group of mothers to help them understand the value of what their daughters are learning and inviting them to participate as well!
In addition to independent projects, the girls worked together to create two pieces of community art, one of which is in the process of being permanently installed at the Dominican-Haitian border! Johannil's incredible work has helped the girls to recognize the power of art - how it brings people together, encourages learning from each other, and how it can create a space of healing. They used their leadership skills and vast creativity to make the murals a success, give importance and meaning to their personal art pieces, and learn how to use art as a tool to heal.
Amazing transformations are happening every day at The Mariposa Center for Girls and it is only possible because of thoughtful, generous people like you and we thank you for your support from the bottom of our hearts.
Wishing you a warm and happy holiday season!
With gratitude,
The girls, volunteers, families and staff at The Mariposa DR Foundation
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