Young Artists Showcase Stained-Glass Skills
Young aspiring creatives from Belize City were awarded certificates today to mark the completion of the Department of Youth Services’ Stained-glass Workshop. Across the country this summer, young people are getting the chance to learn something new without having to pay a dollar. One of those opportunities was a three-day skills training camp led by an industry expert and longtime supporter of youth development in Belize. The camp is part of more than forty programs being offered by the Department of Youth Services this summer, all designed to give young people from different backgrounds hands-on experience and practical skills they can use beyond the classroom.
Devin Sabal, Reporting
A group of young Belize City students spent the last three days turning pieces of glass into works of art. The Department of Youth Services has wrapped up its stained-glass workshop, where more than fifteen young people learned how to create colorful pieces inspired by Belize’s national symbols. With help from skilled instructors, the participants got hands-on training in the full process, from design to cutting and assembling, using both traditional and modern techniques.
Jokeeta Savariau
Jokeeta Savariau, Instructor
“This isn’t our first stained glass camp, we did one two years ago in Punta Gorda which was very successful. We focused on history. How our histories in Belize and the United States do have a lot of similarities. So we made cool patterns from the underground railroad. So they were able to incorporate the learning of the history of slavery, moving towards freedom and also geometry, mathematics as well as using scientific principles to solder the glass.”
For eleven years, Jokeeta Savariau has been using her engineering background to inspire young Belizeans. The former U.S.-based architectural and aviation engineer works alongside the Department of Youth Services to bring fresh, hands-on learning experiences to youth across the country. Her camps change every year, from robotics in Punta Gorda to other creative and technical fields, giving students a chance to explore, build, and learn by doing.
Kyle Miller
Kyle Miller, Youth Officer, Department of Youth Services
“We brought it to Belize City because we thought it would be a good opportunity for young persons in Belize City to learn a new skill. It’s not something you see regularly, something there’s a market for in Belize. In terms of you see a lot of people doing it, what I mean by that. But you can come and create your own market.”
The inclusion of the stained-glass workshop is a shift in youth projects, toward more niche competencies. By establishing avenues for our youth to develop these skills domestically, we nurture both their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Not to mention bolstering the overall proficiency of our workforce down the line.
Trent Clarke
Trent Clarke, Attendee
“My thoughts on this, like the event itself. I think it’s a very engaging for the youths and will be a very nice spot to say okay i want to learn this, i want to do that. And with the guidance of Miss Jokeeta i believe that u can even pursue something like this on your own.”
As we looked around the workshop, we got to see the attendees fully immersed in their projects. Many students were applying the same techniques used in the making of cathedral windows to portray the vibrance and majesty of our national symbols in all their glory. The level of focus and tireless dedication put into these works was on full display as these marvelous pieces came to life in the hands of our very own.
Kyle Miller
“Come out and take the opportunity to come and learn something new. Our camps are always focused on skills, learning and building leadership. And so we hope that every year the camp grows and that young person will come out and take advantage of these camps. All of our camps are free at the department, you don’t have to pay a cent, we cover everything.”
These camps are more than summer activities. They give young people a safe place to learn, create, and discover what they are good at. As the job market changes, hands-on skills like these can give Belizean youth a real advantage. Investing in them today helps build the Belize of tomorrow. Devin Sabal for News Five.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.