“Mom! Dad! Come see what I made!” Our Kids Club friends were all smiles during their recent Talent Show and Art Expo. This year, their talent show was a culmination of all the works of art they had created throughout the year. Our community center’s classrooms were turned into a lively art gallery displaying each student’s writing work, sculptures and paintings. As parents and mentors filtered in to watch the performances and presentations, kids excitedly grabbed their hands to take them through the art gallery before the show began.

One mother commented, “This was our first year in Kids Club and we are so grateful. It has been so good for my daughter’s socialization. She loves the program and has made new friends. She likes the art activities and is excited to show her work to me. Kids Club has also helped me build friendships in the community. Life used to simply be work, home and church but now I see people who I know in the neighborhood and feel like I am part of a community.”

Students who were once  shy and quiet now proudly showed off their paintings then spoke confidently into the microphone as they read their writing projects in front of everyone. Leading up to the dance show some were nervous about remembering their dance moves – but in the end they stole the show! After the writing workshop students participated in a survey about their experiences. Many responses reflected a high level of growth in their confidence to present in front of others and it was very evident at this event.  Thanks to the efforts of their writing instructors, art teachers and Kids Club leaders this year’s talent show was a huge success!

We live streamed the dance performances and writing workshop presentations, so if you missed out and want to check out some of the performances click here to watch the recording!