FIRST STAGE

Artistic expression helping adult learners communicate

A demonstration of the impact of using artistic expression in literacy and community development has been created and showcased in a number of areas of the province.

Learner Garl Applin says he learned "how to stand
on my own two feet and build up my self-confidence.
I learned how to be assertive without being aggressive."

"It gave me coping skills to deal with everyday
problems and frustrations," she says. "it helped
me open up to others. I'm not as reserved as I was.
It also improved my public speaking skills."

First Stage is a concept that helps individuals less familiar with print to discover other ways of expressing themselves.It is a structured process of self-discovery guided by an experienced artisan using techniques that are appropriate for adults and young people. That process of self-discovery was evident in the response of those who took part in the program on the Great Northern Peninsula.

The program also helped Lisa House express her feelings in different ways. "The program gave me courage and increased my self motivation," she says. "Now I believe in my own ability to do things."

All three learners agreed that the best thing about the process was the support they received from one another. They expressed themselves through conversation, drawings, poems, skits, song and painting.

"Artistic expression is a creative way of expressing yourself," says Ed Oldford, Literacy Field Worker with the Central Eastern Literacy Outreach Office. Mr. Oldford developed the program with Roberta Yetman and Jerry Doyle after they attended a Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Adult Education Conference in 1995.

"We wanted to use artistic expression because Newfoundlanders are rich in artistic ability and that helps break the barriers in literacy," he says. "We discussed how we could work with adult learners at the earliest stage," he says. "The three of us got together and looked at the things that had been done to date. We also wanted to work with the people in their communities. One of the things we wanted to ensure was that the program was done with people, not to people."

The program can also be used as a tool to educate others in the community by creating public awareness of the challenges of literacy. It can show how these challenges can be met and overcome.

"For those who have limited abilities to express themselves using the written word, it can be a dynamic tool for self-discovery and empowerment," says Mr. Oldford. "When individuals learn how to show others their thoughts, they feel like equal members of the community in which they live.

The project is funded by the National Literacy Secretariat and sponsored by the Newfoundland and Labrador Rural Development Council. In addition to the program on the Northern Peninsula, First Stage is also running in Port Hope Simpson and Twillingate.

A tape is available for any group interested in holding the program in their area.