After only one day of training in animation, the Youth Training Centre inmates were able to produce an animation segment which will be the main feature on the opening day of the November 24�27 Festival. The initiative at YTC began last month when festival founder Camille Selvon-Abrahams visited the facility to conduct a workshop.
The boys' quick take on the subject was surprising, as well as their overall willingness to learn the basics. So much so that the day's practical session has blossomed into a full-fledged animation feature exploring the themes of Journey, Hope, Love, Creativity and Peace. The boys came up with the themes which no doubt reflect their own aspirations for a life outside YTC's walls. The YTC animation workshop closed with consensus that it be placed on the curriculum as it offered another outlet of expression to the inmates.
YTC Nalis librarian Denise Gonzales and workshop assistant Shirley Selvon believe a breakthrough was made as the boys affirmed that animation can positively impact the future of many in circumstances similar to theirs.
Selvon-Abrahams says, "The boys evidently illustrated in their intelligence, enthusiasm and creativity to me. This illustrates that the other programmes being run by the prison or YTC administration will help these young men to make the journey that hopefully will lead to greater hope, creativity and peace. The YTC inmates' animation feature will be shown as the main feature at the Animae Caribe Animation and New Media Festival."