BARIGA (LAGOS)
NIGERIA

Most teenagers and young adults in communities across Nigeria have little or no access to affordable extracurricular or summer activities. Cultural hubs or centers are almost non-existent, hence there is little or no opportunities for youths to interact with visual or performing arts. The BornTroWay Academy, a community arts development programme, aims to address this shortcoming with a tried and tested format specifically dedicated to a professional arts educational experience.

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Initiated in 2011 by Planet Heart Foundation, the BornTroWay Academy offers a comprehensive free of charge training course in music, dance, drama and poetry/story telling. Guided by professional instructors, participants between the ages of 14 and 24 years are given the necessary artistic tools to express themselves and encouraged to share personal stories, observations and their visions for the future through songs, dances and sketches. All creative ideas are collated and worked into a 30-40minutes performance piece that is then presented in a public performance to the host community on the final day of the workshop and – where applicable – local festivals. The programme’s focus is to nurture curious and confident young people while tackling social and environmental issues. Participants are provided with free meals, snacks and refreshment throughout the duration of the programme.

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The 2021 Borntroway Summer Academy was produced in partnership with the Bariga-based Crown Troup of Africa as part of the programme of activities for the 25th Anniversary from its creation.