What do students of Graphic Design at the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and Communication Studies, Costaatt have to do with social outreach? The answer is a tale unfolding of initiatives by youth which is a spark of hope for the future.
Several years ago it was proposed to make art studies relevant to the greater community and each term the students themselves propose projects which must have two basic features; they must be visual and have a social impact.
The first proposal involved repainting an old gingerbread house on the Eastern Main Road. In one day the exterior was completely transformed by 60 students who learned more about tradition and community than what could have been achieved in many hours of classroom sittings.
Other notable initiatives have been the repainting of the crucifix of St Joseph's RC Church and more recently of the appropriately named Spirit of Hope sculpture by Patrick Chu Foon on Tragarete Road, Port-of-Spain.
This term the activity was held in conjunction with the Autism Society of T&T in Mausica, on December 6, and the students had a short introduction to autism. For the Society and art students it was interesting to see the capacity of the students to interact and take initiative with the children, all part of the broader learning experience.
Students enjoyed the events which formed excellent class bonding and lasting memories.
Said one Costaatt student: "We feel it forms part of our role in forging a culture of citizen participation and responsibility, especially with regard to the visual dimension of our national patrimony."