These last two weeks were for review. Having discussed the three topics with regard to racial disparities, that is, housing, food, and education, we had a review of those topics. I also got a chance to present on these three disparities in relation to where I am from and discuss parallels and the need for mindful social engagement in the pursuit of positive social change.
Next was brainstorming the final projects for the summer in which they broke into groups and discussed what they wanted to focus on for their final projects and incorporate whichever method they wanted to implement their projects. Some chose written public presentations, others chose to make a collage, with another group making something called a social change butterfly. One student, who I was working with chose to create a game as a way to present her work and pass out her intended message to others.
The following week, which was this week, they presented their projects to two different groups: one was a group made up of young youth in which the purpose was to get good practice on conveying their projects in a well-structured manner and identifying areas of strength and weakness to be worked on. This was done in the morning. In the afternoon, we did a reflection on those areas that needed improvement, with the youth critiquing each others presentations and giving feedback to each other, apart from the feedback they received from us.
Finally, for the last day, we went to the Erie County Fair which was to be where they would do their last presentation. Everything went well, with them being able to articulate what we have been discussing over the summer well, and answering any questions the crowd had for them. The game that that one student developed was particularly fun and informative and proved to be a fan favorite.
I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to work with these youth in addressing matters racism and the wonderful colleagues that I got to work with, being supportive and answering any questions that I had. It was truly a good learning experience.