JENNIFER BETSON WATSON (Dajeel Taan #7)
Belizean writer and teacher Jennifer Betson Williams was the guest speaker at our latest Dajeel Taan (encounter/talk) at the History Club this past Wednesday. She is visiting Belize from California where she lives and works.
In the 1980s Mrs Williams was a journalist at Belize’s leading newspaper the Amandala. Her presentation to our Club members was about her life’s work as a teacher and now writer of the book Dumb Things Parents Say To Their Children.
She made the powerful point that words are seeds and they could grow inside people and alow for flourishing if we say and use them right. However, she also reflected on the cruel and painful words we tell each other especially parents and teachers to young people that have a lasting and negative impact on them.
And in usual form the History Club members asked many questions of Mrs Williams before the Dajeel Taan concluded. Newly elected Club President Daniel Turton gave words of thanks and a gift to Mrs Williams at the end of the encounter.
In the 1980s Mrs Williams was a journalist at Belize’s leading newspaper the Amandala. Her presentation to our Club members was about her life’s work as a teacher and now writer of the book Dumb Things Parents Say To Their Children.
She made the powerful point that words are seeds and they could grow inside people and alow for flourishing if we say and use them right. However, she also reflected on the cruel and painful words we tell each other especially parents and teachers to young people that have a lasting and negative impact on them.
And in usual form the History Club members asked many questions of Mrs Williams before the Dajeel Taan concluded. Newly elected Club President Daniel Turton gave words of thanks and a gift to Mrs Williams at the end of the encounter.
FR. TOM GREENE, SJ (Dajeel Taan # 6)
A glimpse into Being Jesuit
by Delmer Tzib
(for SJC History Club)
In The Jesuit Manual of Education (2004) Michael McMahon argued that Jesuit High school education should focus on the humanities. He suggested that the humanities allow students to explore universal values and analyze cases of noble deeds and great acts. His inquiry pointed out that the Jesuit educational focus fosters student’s ability to think worthwhile thoughts, and act upon injustices. McMahon’s statements centered on social justice. He intertwined Jesuit spirituality and discernment with the need to act in order to change our social realities. The bifocal nature of Jesuit education was also explicitly discussed in Father Tom Green’s presentation and mini-press conference at the art center yesterday. With a calm tone, Father Tom relayed the same principles by arguing that Jesuit education is as much about social justice as it is about spirituality. The discussion entered into a debate about what it means to be Jesuit.
Through relaying his life experiences and transformations, Father Tom suggested that Jesuit education encourages and requires a deeper analysis of things. He presented Jesuit philosophy not only as an abstract idea of spiritual connection but as a process of thought and action. As a mild critique of our current realities, Tom argued that much is done about religiosity but there is a need to shift towards social justice. His relative ease, usage of personal experiences, and a simple graphic, allowed Tom to make a special connection with the students, who were eager to ask many questions. Particularly, when the discussion shifted to breaking down Pedro Arrupe’s words of Men and Women for others, the high school’s motto. Father Tom, discussed his previous experiences and encouraged students to continually inform themselves and act upon injustices.
His final thoughts addressed a balanced view of the self and a connection to God that is centered on social justice. After all, he discussed how to FIND GOD IN ALL THINGS.
A glimpse into Being Jesuit
by Delmer Tzib
(for SJC History Club)
In The Jesuit Manual of Education (2004) Michael McMahon argued that Jesuit High school education should focus on the humanities. He suggested that the humanities allow students to explore universal values and analyze cases of noble deeds and great acts. His inquiry pointed out that the Jesuit educational focus fosters student’s ability to think worthwhile thoughts, and act upon injustices. McMahon’s statements centered on social justice. He intertwined Jesuit spirituality and discernment with the need to act in order to change our social realities. The bifocal nature of Jesuit education was also explicitly discussed in Father Tom Green’s presentation and mini-press conference at the art center yesterday. With a calm tone, Father Tom relayed the same principles by arguing that Jesuit education is as much about social justice as it is about spirituality. The discussion entered into a debate about what it means to be Jesuit.
Through relaying his life experiences and transformations, Father Tom suggested that Jesuit education encourages and requires a deeper analysis of things. He presented Jesuit philosophy not only as an abstract idea of spiritual connection but as a process of thought and action. As a mild critique of our current realities, Tom argued that much is done about religiosity but there is a need to shift towards social justice. His relative ease, usage of personal experiences, and a simple graphic, allowed Tom to make a special connection with the students, who were eager to ask many questions. Particularly, when the discussion shifted to breaking down Pedro Arrupe’s words of Men and Women for others, the high school’s motto. Father Tom, discussed his previous experiences and encouraged students to continually inform themselves and act upon injustices.
His final thoughts addressed a balanced view of the self and a connection to God that is centered on social justice. After all, he discussed how to FIND GOD IN ALL THINGS.
eConscious
The book is a documentation of a critical thinking project developed by Tzib with his SJC students that looks at the concepts of development, environment, the earth, Jesuit Education and the ideas of Paulo Freire, and Joel Wainwright.
Using the graphic works of Cuban artist Falco and Belizean artist Lito, students examined the symbolism of art and its connections to analytical thinking by forming groups to collaborate on a 3-dimensional scale model with written analysis of the ideas embedded in the designs.
The project is a student centered approach to teaching and learning and the eBOOK is a record of the practical, pedagogical, and planning approach to formal education.
The book is a model where students were provided a platform to explore and experiment with real and pressing issues that face our societies. In 1970 Paulo Freire the great Brazilian educator and philosopher wrote that “Social reality exists not by chance, but as the product of action, so it is not transformed by chance. If men/women produce social reality, then transforming that reality is a historical task, a task for men/women.”
This eConscious book is a published record of consciousness building action in the classroom.
The book is a documentation of a critical thinking project developed by Tzib with his SJC students that looks at the concepts of development, environment, the earth, Jesuit Education and the ideas of Paulo Freire, and Joel Wainwright.
Using the graphic works of Cuban artist Falco and Belizean artist Lito, students examined the symbolism of art and its connections to analytical thinking by forming groups to collaborate on a 3-dimensional scale model with written analysis of the ideas embedded in the designs.
The project is a student centered approach to teaching and learning and the eBOOK is a record of the practical, pedagogical, and planning approach to formal education.
The book is a model where students were provided a platform to explore and experiment with real and pressing issues that face our societies. In 1970 Paulo Freire the great Brazilian educator and philosopher wrote that “Social reality exists not by chance, but as the product of action, so it is not transformed by chance. If men/women produce social reality, then transforming that reality is a historical task, a task for men/women.”
This eConscious book is a published record of consciousness building action in the classroom.
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In 2013 he led the team effort to develop and write a teacher driven curriculum for SJC’s African and Maya history program. From 2014-2018 he has collaborated on a number of eBOOKs and eResources that formed part of the ePortal or online classroom developed by the History Department of SJC.
In May 2019 he collaborated with 2nd form students to research and write the educational book Black Cross Nurses in Belize. This past June he was the lead researcher and writer for the book RIGHTS about the 1919 Black uprising and rebellion in Belize Town, what we call the 1919 Revolution. |
SAHAR VASQUEZ (Dajeel Taan 5)
The Journey Within
By Yasser Musa
Sahar started with these words, “this is my first time ever addressing a group of only boys, so I have to say I am a bit intimidated, nervous...”
The poet Rainer Maria Rilke says, “the only journey is the journey within.” I’ve been teaching long enough to recognize when a speaker inspires young people to think, to feel and to believe. This afternoon after I introduced Sahar Vasquez to our Dajeel Taan (encounter/talk) I could sense her words lift the youths in the room.
She was there to speak about her personal journey within, the battle, the struggle, the living with mental illness. Her words were full of candor, she was unashamed of speaking the truth of what goes on in her mind and life. That she is articulate and charming in her rhythm of speaking helps, but I think this afternoon on the Landivar Campus this young advocate and fighter came with credibility that made instant connections with the students.
She encouraged them to reach out for help and to support others by speaking up, and speaking out about what is going on inside. Her words were heard loudly because so many questions came from the floor.
It is no secret that mental health matters in our education life remains stigmatized, hidden and even erased. I’ve looked at our failing education system through the specific lens of technology and creativity, without understanding or recognizing the mental health of our students.
Sahar Vasquez is putting some important ideas at the forefront and we must listen so that we can fashion new platforms of wellness in our lives.
Tomorrow she and Martine King will launch a very important NGO called Mind Health Connect BELIZE. It is our responsibility to get involved in our own ways to deepen our understanding in this area.
The Journey Within
By Yasser Musa
Sahar started with these words, “this is my first time ever addressing a group of only boys, so I have to say I am a bit intimidated, nervous...”
The poet Rainer Maria Rilke says, “the only journey is the journey within.” I’ve been teaching long enough to recognize when a speaker inspires young people to think, to feel and to believe. This afternoon after I introduced Sahar Vasquez to our Dajeel Taan (encounter/talk) I could sense her words lift the youths in the room.
She was there to speak about her personal journey within, the battle, the struggle, the living with mental illness. Her words were full of candor, she was unashamed of speaking the truth of what goes on in her mind and life. That she is articulate and charming in her rhythm of speaking helps, but I think this afternoon on the Landivar Campus this young advocate and fighter came with credibility that made instant connections with the students.
She encouraged them to reach out for help and to support others by speaking up, and speaking out about what is going on inside. Her words were heard loudly because so many questions came from the floor.
It is no secret that mental health matters in our education life remains stigmatized, hidden and even erased. I’ve looked at our failing education system through the specific lens of technology and creativity, without understanding or recognizing the mental health of our students.
Sahar Vasquez is putting some important ideas at the forefront and we must listen so that we can fashion new platforms of wellness in our lives.
Tomorrow she and Martine King will launch a very important NGO called Mind Health Connect BELIZE. It is our responsibility to get involved in our own ways to deepen our understanding in this area.
Lee McGloughlin and David Daniel Smith (Dajeel Taan 4)
Forces of the Imagination
Yesterday the SJC History Club hosted its 4th Dajeel Taan (encounter/talk) welcoming two outstanding creative thinkers Lee McGloughlin and David Daniel Smith. The SJC AV room quickly filled with over 100 students eager too see the special screening of the new annimated film Tecuani and Duende: The Voice of the Jaguar.
After viewing a short promo and incredible music video by David Vansen, with the sublime voices of the Craig sisters, the students were treated to a visual, intellectual, conceptual and imaginative delight.
In just 20 minutes the film presents an idea of development that does not surrender to the neo-liberal model of historical and contemporary exploitation or popular buzz phrases like "sustainable development." It captures the essence of our relationship to nature and history. It asks the hard questions about our consciousness and our responsibility toward each other and our environment.
After the screening students asked their usual barage of questions. The tools of annimation to spark ideas and questions embedded in this film marks the essential DNA of new methods and processes for popular education, cultural enrichment and consciousness builiding.
Respect to Lee and David for leading such a project that incorporates so many elements of creative skill and people power.
Forces of the Imagination
Yesterday the SJC History Club hosted its 4th Dajeel Taan (encounter/talk) welcoming two outstanding creative thinkers Lee McGloughlin and David Daniel Smith. The SJC AV room quickly filled with over 100 students eager too see the special screening of the new annimated film Tecuani and Duende: The Voice of the Jaguar.
After viewing a short promo and incredible music video by David Vansen, with the sublime voices of the Craig sisters, the students were treated to a visual, intellectual, conceptual and imaginative delight.
In just 20 minutes the film presents an idea of development that does not surrender to the neo-liberal model of historical and contemporary exploitation or popular buzz phrases like "sustainable development." It captures the essence of our relationship to nature and history. It asks the hard questions about our consciousness and our responsibility toward each other and our environment.
After the screening students asked their usual barage of questions. The tools of annimation to spark ideas and questions embedded in this film marks the essential DNA of new methods and processes for popular education, cultural enrichment and consciousness builiding.
Respect to Lee and David for leading such a project that incorporates so many elements of creative skill and people power.
Bro. Karl Swift (Dajeel Taan 3)
I am Swift Hall
by Yasser Musa
He started his conversation with the youths in a very low tone, almost a whisper, but as the boys in white and blue leaned in to hear him speak, their attention remained fixed on the man who finished high school at age 33.
This was a special Dajeel Taan (encounter/talks). He told them that he started off as a bartender before Hurricane Hattie (1961), a category 5,flattened his bar. His spiritual journey seemed to come full circle this afternoon on the campus of Landivar, as Bro. Karl Swift, Jesuit, described his inspiring life of service to others.
He spent 38 years as a high school teacher in many parts of Belize. For decades he organized medical trips to Merida, Yucatan. At age 86, the energy of Bro. Swift spread across the room. All eyes were locked on the man who spoke with integrity and humor. He told the boys that people no longer call him Bro. Swift, “they call me Swift Hall. I am Swift Hall.”
Many questions came for him after his presentation. The students were fully engaged with his messages, “it does not take a copper to be kind to others.” He ended his presentation with a call to action, “it is now your turn to build Belize.”
I am Swift Hall
by Yasser Musa
He started his conversation with the youths in a very low tone, almost a whisper, but as the boys in white and blue leaned in to hear him speak, their attention remained fixed on the man who finished high school at age 33.
This was a special Dajeel Taan (encounter/talks). He told them that he started off as a bartender before Hurricane Hattie (1961), a category 5,flattened his bar. His spiritual journey seemed to come full circle this afternoon on the campus of Landivar, as Bro. Karl Swift, Jesuit, described his inspiring life of service to others.
He spent 38 years as a high school teacher in many parts of Belize. For decades he organized medical trips to Merida, Yucatan. At age 86, the energy of Bro. Swift spread across the room. All eyes were locked on the man who spoke with integrity and humor. He told the boys that people no longer call him Bro. Swift, “they call me Swift Hall. I am Swift Hall.”
Many questions came for him after his presentation. The students were fully engaged with his messages, “it does not take a copper to be kind to others.” He ended his presentation with a call to action, “it is now your turn to build Belize.”
Dwyane Murillo (Dajeel Taan 2)
by Delmer Tzib
As the feet of Mr. Murillo hit the art center’s cold and humid floor, the bells that were carefully wrapped around his ankle jingled signaling the start of a deep social and cultural connection and experience. It was him, yes Dwayne Murillo, the East Indian prince and dancer of Belize that came to SJC to intrigue provoke and introduce East Indian culture, world views, and dances to our curious students.
With the end of a day filled with drizzles, the students made their way on the road side towards the art center. While proceeding unto the presentation area, students perceived the fuchsia attire tinted with gold, it caused curiosity and provoked a concentration I never saw before. Minutes after the ambient was infused with Hindu music, the sounds of the thavi, and the thambura circumvented the room inspiring the students to follow the dancing steps. A respectful and concentrated, Dwayen stood before them moving from side to side, and performing several bodily gestures. It was like no other. A re-enactment and also a spiritual connection. The curiosity spurred as our students got more and more intrigued by such a strange yet so familiar way of dancing and moving.
Mr. Murillo topped off his presentation with a series of passionate discourse on Hindu and East Indian traditions in the Caribbean and in Belize. Everyone got enchanted by the story a Belizean East Indian fighting against stereotypes and general preconceptions to celebrate his ancestry. All of us concluded that his work is amazing, and amazing was his presentation. Thank you Dwayne! Continue promoting a love for our ancestors my brother!
by Delmer Tzib
As the feet of Mr. Murillo hit the art center’s cold and humid floor, the bells that were carefully wrapped around his ankle jingled signaling the start of a deep social and cultural connection and experience. It was him, yes Dwayne Murillo, the East Indian prince and dancer of Belize that came to SJC to intrigue provoke and introduce East Indian culture, world views, and dances to our curious students.
With the end of a day filled with drizzles, the students made their way on the road side towards the art center. While proceeding unto the presentation area, students perceived the fuchsia attire tinted with gold, it caused curiosity and provoked a concentration I never saw before. Minutes after the ambient was infused with Hindu music, the sounds of the thavi, and the thambura circumvented the room inspiring the students to follow the dancing steps. A respectful and concentrated, Dwayen stood before them moving from side to side, and performing several bodily gestures. It was like no other. A re-enactment and also a spiritual connection. The curiosity spurred as our students got more and more intrigued by such a strange yet so familiar way of dancing and moving.
Mr. Murillo topped off his presentation with a series of passionate discourse on Hindu and East Indian traditions in the Caribbean and in Belize. Everyone got enchanted by the story a Belizean East Indian fighting against stereotypes and general preconceptions to celebrate his ancestry. All of us concluded that his work is amazing, and amazing was his presentation. Thank you Dwayne! Continue promoting a love for our ancestors my brother!
DAJEEL TAAN + #George Price100
18 September 2019
In the context of this first session of the dajeel taan, I must introduce its origins and central characteristic. Four Years ago, pressured by the students, Mr. Musa, Mr. Carlos Quiroz and Mr. Tzib embarked in creating the history club. It rapidly became a series of high powered and high energy student driven conversations in which invited guests presented life experiences, concepts, and themes; and the students questioned. The press-conference type events quickly gained traction both within our school, inciting students to learn and talk freely, and in the community encouraging community members to want to visit our club’s functions, as a guests or presenters. After four years of engaging learning sessions, guided by the students, we decided to create dajeel taan. Dajeel is a wolof (African) word for encounter and taan is a Yucatec Maya word for talking. Therefore, dajeel Taan literally translates to talking encounters. It is our meeting in a redefined way that incorporates the live recording of our get-togethers, and guest presentations in a tv-series-like manner. Dajeel Taan will maintain a youtube channel to continue engaging both our school community and the wider Belizean community. This new step aims to promote learning, questioning, and share information on various topics on Belize.
The second reason why we are here is, the apostle of our independence, George Price. This year 2019, George Price would have been 100 years. The charismatic leader, politician, activist, and most importantly SJC alumni, took the Jesuit words of “go set the world on fire,” to enhance a transformation in our country. We are not here to remember him; we are here to declare that George Price lives on because he lives in each of us. Today we will unveil an SJC-student-driven-and-student-made mural dedicated to our hero. These expressions are not in remembrance but in expressions that Price is alive. Price lives in all of us, his ideas live in all of us and we should continue practicing his ideas of social justice, equity, and service to our country. He is a spirit among us, I am George Price, join me in shouting, I am George Price!
In the context of this first session of the dajeel taan, I must introduce its origins and central characteristic. Four Years ago, pressured by the students, Mr. Musa, Mr. Carlos Quiroz and Mr. Tzib embarked in creating the history club. It rapidly became a series of high powered and high energy student driven conversations in which invited guests presented life experiences, concepts, and themes; and the students questioned. The press-conference type events quickly gained traction both within our school, inciting students to learn and talk freely, and in the community encouraging community members to want to visit our club’s functions, as a guests or presenters. After four years of engaging learning sessions, guided by the students, we decided to create dajeel taan. Dajeel is a wolof (African) word for encounter and taan is a Yucatec Maya word for talking. Therefore, dajeel Taan literally translates to talking encounters. It is our meeting in a redefined way that incorporates the live recording of our get-togethers, and guest presentations in a tv-series-like manner. Dajeel Taan will maintain a youtube channel to continue engaging both our school community and the wider Belizean community. This new step aims to promote learning, questioning, and share information on various topics on Belize.
The second reason why we are here is, the apostle of our independence, George Price. This year 2019, George Price would have been 100 years. The charismatic leader, politician, activist, and most importantly SJC alumni, took the Jesuit words of “go set the world on fire,” to enhance a transformation in our country. We are not here to remember him; we are here to declare that George Price lives on because he lives in each of us. Today we will unveil an SJC-student-driven-and-student-made mural dedicated to our hero. These expressions are not in remembrance but in expressions that Price is alive. Price lives in all of us, his ideas live in all of us and we should continue practicing his ideas of social justice, equity, and service to our country. He is a spirit among us, I am George Price, join me in shouting, I am George Price!
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1919REVOLUTION
click on image below for link to web
