On Wednesday, September 18th 2013, I went to KCCL for the first time. I wasn't expecting much of a surprise, as I've visited there in the past with ARTSCO, and I got onto the bus knowing exactly what would follow. I was unaware of the entirely new experience I was about to undergo!
There were a lot of people on the bus for KCCL, mostly consisting of 9th-11th graders. It was a big difference from KSPCA, as there were no middle schoolers present. The bus ride was also quite long, and we drove through a very poor area as we approached KCCL. Despite the location of this school the facilities are actually very good, and our murals are making the place even more lovely!
When we got off of the bus we were greeted by crowds of smiling children, all shaking hands and hugging us. I was amazed at how well they remembered all of our names! We were then led into the courtyard area, passing a room full of kids making bracelets and necklaces. It was explained that we were going to be making collages, self portraits, and jewellery with the kids, which wasn't what I was expecting at all. It was a pleasant surprise, to be honest, because merely painting murals on the walls gets a little monotonous if repeated every single trip. We had mirrors (for the self portraits), paints, oil pastels, pencils, etc.
Everyone went to find their partners, which had been chosen the previous visit, and since I didn't have one I joined in with my friend Hannah. Her partner was Ranika, a mentally disabled 22 year old woman. She was very different from people I am used to being around, reminding me of a very young child, but she was really sweet and friendly. She wanted to do painting, and drew us numerous colourful flowers. Afterwards, she did a collage, and we cut out words like 'beautiful', 'funny', and 'smart' for her to stick on her piece of paper, and her reactions to these compliments were very cute (she would squeal and cover her face with her hands in happiness).
The other kids were very focused, sitting and drawing very abstract pictures on their papers. It was very nice to see how they viewed and expressed themselves through art. The kids making jewellery exhibited the same amount of determination and creativity, and I really hope that their work sells at the PTO picnic this weekend.
Eventually we started to clean up the materials and the KCCL kids waved us goodbye and climbed onto their own buses.
I was really touched at how welcoming the KCCL children were - Ranika was hugging us and telling us that we were her best friends by the end of the trip, and the other children clasped our hands in their own and asked us not to leave. It's really eye opening seeing these kids and how they make their way through everyday life, I find it inspiring and also a reminder of just how fortunate we are in life. Their determination and individuality is amazing, and I definitely look up to them in this respect.
I think that I will really enjoy visiting KCCL, especially as friendships are so easily made at this school. Furthermore, it involves art, which I am very passionate about. I hope that next time we will be able to interact just as much with the children, while still getting to explore the creative aspect of the trip.
[PHOTOS COMING SOON]
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