TVET INTRODUCED PAPIER MACHE TO TEACHERS

TVET INTRODUCED PAPIER MACHE TO TEACHERS

Tvet Gives New Life To Paper And New Options To Art Teachers And Students

Research shows that 300 million tons of paper are consumed each year. Additionally, paper is said to form a large part of the waste in landfills and its decomposition produces methane, which is responsible for the destruction of the ozone. With the abundance of various types of paper being discarded at schools on a regular basis and in the society in general, art students and teachers have been exploring creative use for this abundant discarded material. The George Charles Secondary School was early in the commitment to utilizing discarded paper by introducing the Caribbean Vocational Qualification in Papier Maché. This craft which literally means ‘chewed paper’ uses discarded papers such as newspaper, printing paper, cardboard, packaging card and toilet paper to create decorative and functional items. They have made everything from sculptures to jewelry to home décor items and even won the award for best company under the Junior Achievement initiative. Their company Gem Papier, produced papier maché jewelry, which they proudly took to Jamaica for the regional competition.

The TVET Unit of the Ministry of Education in the thrust to engage Visual Arts teachers in professional development offered a three day training program in Papier Maché during the June – July, 2015. The training was aligned to the units found in the CVQ Papier Maché Craft standard. Almost twenty teachers from the secondary schools island wide and three infant school teachers from District IV enjoyed developing the skills and exploring the techniques and materials associated with papier maché crafting. Teachers received certificates marking their achievements at the workshops which was facilitated for one day at the Marigot Secondary School and the remaining two days at the District IV Office in Goodlands. The finished products remained on display for duration of one term at the host district office.

Visual Arts teachers at the secondary level have been introducing the technique to their students and by so doing have been able to enhance the sculpture and fibre arts expressive forms found in the CXC syllabus. The teacher’s at the Anse-la-Raye RC Infant were in the forefront to introduce the material and technique to their students. One of the benefits of using papier maché is its low cost of production and that is welcomed by teachers who struggle continuously to find materials and resources. The students of the Choiseul Secondary School and their art teacher had a productive fun-filled day at their district office last term as they too explored the technique. The exquisite art and craft products that can be fashioned from simple household materials such as toilet paper and a little flour fascinated the students.
Piaye Secondary also shared photographs of their students exploring papier maché this term. The CVQ students at the George Charles Secondary School continue to produce beautiful papier maché pieces as they prepare for their upcoming assessments. Some of those students have already been involved in producing costumes for last year’s Calypso finals to ensure a victory for their school principal while developing their proficiency and building their portfolio.

TVET has expanded the skills of its teachers and their students and has given new life to paper!