Blog Entry from Sarina Condello founder of the Big Little Caravan of Joy that just brought the performing arts to 4 Noah Arks.

Dear Family, Friends and Darlings,

I am writing you today with a heart that is over flowing with joy, loving kindness and celebration.

The work at large is physically demanding and requires much courage to make things happen. Entering Africa as a white, single woman and finding new communities to work with is a challenge. Transport, overall safety, the moving of 600 kilos of my camp’s supplies, accommodations, cultural comprehension, and creating trustworthy friends to guide you is just part of the overwhelming task in collaborating with local artists so that we can connect to thousands of children. After each day I come to my small room from the dusty fields where I played with the children and my t-shirt that reads: “birds fly, fish swim children play” is covered in tiny handprints and is smeared with African red soil. My hair stands up on its ends with sweat and dirt. Grit is everywhere. Despite the challenges abound, the successes of my programme are paramount and remain in alignment with the divine. I now know that I also have a group of angels following me throughout this part of the world. There have been too many prevailing circumstances, coincidences, deep connections and profound moments that erupt in goodwill, generosity and grace. I can only conclude that the power of angelic intervention does indeed exist!

Many here call me a prophet, an angel sent from God, a preacher of love and a gift to their community. Some have asked me if my mother is African and one man stated “you have no colour; you are advanced colour.” I remain humbled by their gratitude and appreciation. My reply is simple. What they see in me is a true reflection of who they are in this moment of time. We are all but a mere reflection of one another and I reiterate that there are no accidents in our meeting. This is all meant to be!

At times this journey is a lonely one, and not just here in Africa. For almost 5 years I have remained devoted to this vision and have sat in Toronto, night after night, by my computer brainstorming, and nurturing my Big Little Caravan of Joy. If I am not sitting in the dark by the light of my computer screen I am orchestrating my fundraising Adult Theatre Troupes, The Bedford Park Player and The Summerhill Players. It is through their creative spirits that I am uplifting so many creative spirits here! During the day, as you know, I dance with children, adults, seniors and direct them so that I can keep my house and family afloat and remain connected to the power of community by creating together. I forget what it is like to have a normal life and wonder if I could even fit into a routine of conventional living. Did I create the Big Little Caravan of Joy or did it create me?

And now once again, at the end of a busy, dusty, joyful day, I sit alone in my room in Durban, listening to the outside rumble of traffic, cheering fans of the World Cup and the somewhat annoying sound of the plastic horns called vuvuzelas. People are crazed about the soccer here; absolutely crazed! I watched the first game in Swaziland when South Africa scored their first goal and was standing on the beach in Durban in the Fan Park when South Africa beat France in their last game. The enthusiasm here for the sport of football is out of this world!

I am entering week four of my tour in Swaziland and South Africa and so far The Big Little Caravan of Joy has trained 60 individuals from many backgrounds. NGO’s, performing artists and childcare workers have been all part of the journey.

My Team Joy (9 staff in Swaziland and 7 staff in South Africa) have touched the lives of 850 children in total. Team Joy and the Caravan’s message have also inspired CEO’s from Save the Children, Red Cross, UNICEF, government officials, university professors and the media to observe and become informed on my methodology in connecting to the African child with the arts. They all see how this healing and educational approach reflects the child’s light, sense of wonder and creative, playful nature. In the end of our stay the spirit of community is left with a sense of hope, joy and empowerment. I give heart felt thanks to my African brothers and sisters who have been part of Team Joy: Nicholas, Sandile, Musa, Wandile, Menzi, Phumzile, Sabee, Sussie, Sipho, Sthembiso, Sbonile, Andrew and Busi. Damarise, my assistant from Quebec City has also been a huge asset to my programme! She is my right hand woman in all ways, shape and form.

My connection with The People’s Educational Theatre in Swaziland has been one of the highlights of my last 25 years of Arts Programming for the child. My Swazi team was highly driven, intellectually gifted, articulate and as passionate as could be! Their vision and mission of investing in communities through the arts reflected my very own. Nicholas Mamba, the director of the organisation, is a force of nature and our dialogue as collaborating artists was always on fire. Together we hit the national airwaves with radio, television and newspapers with our message of empowering the child with the arts! Next year I will orchestrate a national conference specifically for the Arts and the African Child. Performing artists, NGO’s, educators and childcare workers will be invited as delegates. Monumental and so much to do when I get back!

Here are some comments of the participants of my workshops:

Sibuyile (Buyi) Khumalo

Clown

I’ve learned so much that I am speechless! I learned that a child is a child and needs to be treated like a child.

Busisiwe Buthelezi

Noah Child Care Worker

I have learned how to give respect, love the child and ways to play with them too.

Lindam Cebichulu

Noah Child Care Worker

I have learned how important childhood is in a life. I also learned how to deal with bullying.

Head Mistress Phindile from Esigangeni Primary School in Swaziland

This gathering today was all about theatre and celebrating the day of the African Child. We give our gratitude to our friend Sarina and her team of the Big Little Caravan of Joy and Nicholas Mamba from the People’s Educational Theatre. This theatre has helped the children freely express themselves. This is a sure sign that children who are exposed to theatre are confident and always willing to share with others what they know. Sarina has helped our children through the theatre arts to freely express themselves. She performed for them, with them and taught them the tricks of the game. She has rekindled the spark in our children.

Philisiwe

Noah Child Care Worker

Sarina is a kind and sympathetic woman. I realised that I was bullying my children at home and now I understand how to handle the children in a better way. I realised that I need to connect to laughter so that I can connect to the child spirit more.

Sandile Ndzimandze

Social Worker

We can’t limit this experience to meetings and training. This is something that must be sustainable. We should be engaging other players, educators, NGOS and orphanages. Sarina’s work provides psycho/social support to our children. The topic here should be how do we as artists reach the children? There must be a forum so that the village up North where there are many vulnerable children, get this program! Meeting the needs of the child is not just about feeding the children, they need to be reached in this exact way.

So there you have it my dear ones! I miss you so much and feel so blessed to live in Canada and have you all as my family and friends. I love my Summerhill Community so very much too! I am feeling sentimental this evening.

My work here in Africa has opened my heart even more to our human potential of healing, connecting to others and investing in the greatest natural resource but yet most vulnerable beings on our planet- the African child. In bringing my Big Little Caravan of Joy to Swaziland and South Africa my work has taken on deeper meaning.

I am reminded once again that in order for me to continue to experience the true essence of joy I must do the following: continue to offer happiness to children and community, help remove suffering that I see, and ultimately create compassionate connections with others. I sometimes wonder if this is the true meaning of love.

For the next month I will continue spreading my message, dancing and playing with the most darling children in Africa and training yet another team so that more orphans and vulnerable children can find ways to express their truest nature.

Thank you for believing in me and my message! Without your love, I could not give to so many little ones in the way that I do!

Peace and Blessings,

Sarina Belle Condello

Founder and Director of
The Big Little Caravan of Joy