Primary school art training program opens

Dianne Haylock

Tuesday, July 1, 2014. AARON HUMES Reporting: 23 primary schools and approximately 50 students and teachers will benefit from a six-month pilot project aimed at teaching educators the benefits of daily art education.

The Primary School Art Skills Training Pilot Project (PSAST) is sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in conjunction with the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH); Department of Youth Services and others.

David Wu

Taiwanese class instructor Fiona Huang, who has volunteered as an art teacher at St. Joseph and Holy Redeemer Primary Schools, says the objectives of the program are not only to teach students art skills, but to create more art teachers in schools and provide adequate material to continue daily art education in primary schools.

Taiwanese Ambassador to Belize His Excellency David Wu says the project builds on the standing art club at St. Joseph’s and the excellence of past award winners of the Taiwanese-hosted International Children’s Art Festival.

He says Taiwan hopes to continue with similar projects in music and sport, as they believe these to be important in the development of young children.

NICH President Diane Haylock says Belize eventually hopes to expand the program beyond Belize City but for now she encouraged the kids to work hard and assimilate what they have learned.

There was a demonstration of painting techniques during the ceremony held at the Department of Youth Services’ office on Regent Street.

The painting of a hibiscus bush surrounded by blue morpho butterflies was presented by four art students to Ambassador Wu as a gift.

The classes are held there on the lower flat from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays during the summer and after-school when school reopens in September.

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