Schools
Teens Help Teach Sensitivity to Stereotyping, Abuse and Other Social Issues
West Bloomfield High School students train as actors and peer educators to help other students – and themselves.
Reaching kids on sensitive topics can be tough going. But kids connecting with other kids – peer education – makes the job a bit easier.
That’s the idea behind Project TRUST, the acronym for Teaching, Reaching, Using Students and Theater.
Since 2003, area high school students have volunteered to be part of the project which for them means committing to a training, practice and performance schedule — and to each other. students have presented the program for the past two years, and previously from 2003-2006. Other years, students from and Bloomfield Hills Lahser High Schools have done so.
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Over the years the program has involved more than 125 peer educators who have performed plays in 47 area schools before more than 25,000 elementary, middle school and high school students.
“Project TRUST has been a great and rewarding experience, and we’ve got a great group of kids again this year,” said Patty Ceresnie of West Bloomfield. Ceresnie is the co-founder and producing artistic director of IlluminArt Productions, a nonprofit organization that works with the students on programs addressing subjects from bullying to childhood obesity.
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"As a lifelong entertainer, singer, dancer and actor it is very rewarding to share my experience with teens and watch them grow as actors and peer educators,” Ceresnie said. “I’ve seen how it has helped them to go on in their lives and make good choices. And every time we can help a child reach out for help with a problem, or change a child who is harassing someone, we’ve made a difference.”
Students attend an intensive two-day training with Ceresnie and a trainer from Illusion Theater of Minneapolis, MN, who originates the scripts and licenses the plays. The first day consists of exercises, discussion and teamwork to help the students understand the social problems they will be helping to explain.
Together they explore and share their values and personal experiences, discuss stereotyping and gain a general understanding of Project TRUST. On the second day they work on acting and begin to learn the scripts, adapting them for local audiences and issues.
The teens present two plays dealing with the timely topics of bullying and violence prevention: Peace Up! for grades 2-5; and What Goes Around for grades 6 and up.
Peace Up! focuses on ways to channel anger constructively and prevent violence, harassment and abuse. Thought-provoking scenes and songs are woven together by a moderator who interacts with audience members about what is happening onstage.
What Goes Around addresses social attitudes about violence, gender and sexual orientation, sexual and racial harassment, diversity, verbal abuse, family violence, stereotypes and substance abuse. It also stresses respect as a core value for individuals, schools and communities.
Following the plays, students have an opportunity to ask the cast questions and discuss solutions. Because of the sensitivity of the topics, there is close coordination with school principals and social workers, and materials are provided for advance preperation and follow-up.
'It makes you find yourself'
This year’s actors/educators are seniors Allie Danto and Fatin Dubaybo of West Bloomfield, Andrew Mason of Waterford and juniors Shareen Abunada, Samra Ansari, Fatin’s younger sister Hala Dubaybo, and Daniel Feenstra, all of West Bloomfield.
The even speak convincingly about how the program has helped them to learn about themselves and bond with each other, and how they enjoy helping others.
“It’s really fulfilling,” says Fatin Dubabyo, 17, of the nonprofit which is now working on delivering programs addressing childhood health and breast cancer awareness. “You get a chance to teach children how to deal with situations you have already thought through or gone through. You can help them deal with their life.”
Shareen Abunada, 16, feels the same way.
“I’ve asked, 'How many of you have fighting at home?’ and many raise their hands,” she says. “They learn that they can speak up, and they are not alone.”
“After the show kids sometimes have a chance to come up to you and ask questions,” says Allie Danto, 18. “You can empathize with them and really help them.”
Besides helping others, they talk freely – something the program has helped them to do – about how they have benefited.
“It makes you find yourself,” says Andrew Mason, 17. “You are more open to situations, and aware that you can do something about them. We’ve learned how to act and other new skills, as well as how to reach out to your community and spread the message of keeping safe.”
“We’ve learned to expand our friendships, and the program gives you more confidence,” says Hala Dubabyo, 16. “There is a level of acceptance and everyone is upbeat. We’re all working on this together.”
“To be able to perform on these topics you’ve got to understand them,” adds Daniel Feenstra, 16. “It really helped me deal with more topics in my life. It has made me more open.”
While the tough issues don't go away, its' good to know that the committed students and staff behind Project TRUST are working to illuminate a healthy path with both art and heart.
Contributor's Full Disclosure: I became involved with IlluminArt Productions while director of the Great Lakes Region of B’nai B’rith, which provides some administrative and financial support as part of its national "Enlighten America" project. While no longer a regular employee of B’nai B’rith, I now serve on its board of directors.
