Ashe gears up for new semester

After the success of their Summer Swag camp in July and August, renowned edutainment group Ashé is currently preparing for their new semester, which begins on Monday, September 12 at their Youth Centre Jamaica complex. The semester is supposed to offer the public a more vibrant and youth-friendly environment.

The classes are divided into two groups, the Ashe Junior Department for children ages 3-12 years old, and the Ashé Academy, which will cater to persons from 13 to young adults. Both sections will be offered classes in voice, drama and dance.

According to Conroy Wilson, Ashé's managing director, the new semester will continue on from the success of the summer camps.

"What we intend on doing is to make our centre the place where upliftment, empowerment, learning and entertainment take place on a daily basis. We had a successful summer with our Summer Swag camps; therefore, the intention is to continue along that vein."

On Friday, August 26 there was a final concert held in recognition of the students who attended the Summer Swag camp. The camp, which had more than 50 students in attendance, focused on developing students in the areas of drama, art, music and dance. The camp also sought to awaken a sense of self in the youngsters.

The concert gave the students the chance to show off what they had learnt during eight weeks of intense yet fun training to their friends and families, who gave great support. The event was definitely not one to miss as some very enthused children left the audience in disbelief. The youngsters showed remarkable confidence in

unleashing the strength, power and talent they had recently learnt they had.

Ashe has been organising workshops which have transformed vulnerable youths through edutainment, for years.

"For us, it's good to know that the type of work that we do is impactful in such a way that it attracts, influences and empowers youths from a wider society. The Summer Swag camp provided just that for these children, and you could see by the way they carry out their different roles onstage," noted Jumoke Patrick, Ashe's projects coordinator/administrator.