When you think “What do refugees need?”, the first answer to pop into your head is always “animation!” O.K….maybe not.
After teaching English to these remarkable kids for a few months, I could see that they did need experience with computers, confidence, and some fun. As an animator, I knew that animation would be a great platform to offer all of that.
These kids need skills that will help them towards a successful profession. Although animation skills are not necessarily essential in today’s job market, computer skills are! Animation is a fun way to introduce those skills.
My primary focus for the workshop was not inspiring professional animators, but it was important that the students produce quality animation. After all, the main goal of the workshop was to foster confidence and a sense of accomplishment. The better the results of their efforts, the greater the pride.
Animation Workshop it is then! One problem, we didn’t have any computers in our classroom. Besides a few pencils and pens, there wasn’t much that we did have in the classroom. So it was time to reach out for help. I’m so thrilled to say we got tons of it! It was incedibly heartwarming to find out how generous and caring people can be! We raised enough money to buy five computers and received donations from companies including software and animation kits from Zulogic LTD, cameras from Hue Animation, and a LapCabby 20V locking and charging cabinet to protect our new computers!
Now, we were all set! Time for the fun to begin.