Students learn how to use drama to raise awareness

National

A TOTAL of 600 students from 13 schools in Port Moresby recently completed a two-week Youth Arts Programme on important social issues and how to make their communities aware of them.
Moresby Arts Theatre president Maya Peipul said the theme “Your Voice” emphasised the importance of being able to discuss and debate issues, how to express opinions and communicate with others.
Maya said non-government organisations (NGO) taught students about important social issues such as corruption, caring for the environment, sexual and family violence, and inclusiveness for people with disabilities.
University of Goroka Centre for Melanesian Studies and Research director Dr Jane Awi said the NGO information sessions were followed by lessons in theatre skills.
She said drama teachers taught students skills and how to convert the NGO messages into street theatre.
“The Youth Arts Programme empowers students to discover their own potential and express their own voice,” Awi said.
“They use drama and theatre and creativity to explore ideas, issues, people, places and happenings in the world.
“The theme promotes individuals to speak up for themselves and others.
“Young people are brought together through Youth Arts Programme to understand, construct and communicate social and cultural values through arts.
“This empowers them to have a voice in their schools, communities and society at large,”