ITLP is a non-profit organization that brings theatre artists from the United States to developing countries to conduct community-based playwriting and theatre workshops for secondary school students and teachers.
Deeply moved by the strong appreciation for education in Tanzania, Marianna Houston and Stephen DiMenna created a pilot initiative to use theatre to develop new ways of teaching and learning for children in rural communities in Africa. In July 2005 they conducted their first week-long theatre workshop with twenty-one sixteen-year-old students at the Akeri Secondary School in Tengeru Village, Tanzania.
The students wrote and performed an original play in English for their parents and community. They spoke about their lives, their hopes, dreams and challenges and the changing role of women in Tanzania's modern society. The program had a profound impact on the students - it opened up their imaginations, increased their proficiency in English and changed their perception of themselves as young artists and citizens of the world. It was clear that theatre was an effective tool to develop literacy and independent thinking.
Through the generous support of dedicated volunteers and caring donors, the International Theatre and Literacy Project has since grown to bring American theatre artists to both Tanzania and Ethiopia, proving that simple drama activities combined with the process of writing and performing a play give students the tools to further their mastery of English and become creative and self-empowered learners.
For students, ITLP strives to:
For teachers, ITLP strives to:
To find out what's happening at ITLP right now, have a look at at our latest News.
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"This kind of arts programming has the potential to revolutionize education in Tanzania."
Augustine Mahiga
Tanzanian Ambassador to the United Nations
"After my parents saw me in the play they were impressed with my English and we discussed things and even changed some of our work roles at home. We began to ask, 'May I help you with your burden?' - just the way we did in the play."
Elirehema, student in 2005 workshop
"Tanzania is in dire need of educated young people who will be future leaders, doctors and teachers. English is the language of commerce in so much of the world - especially Africa - and mastering it will allow this generation to work their way out of poverty and into productive careers and lives."
Deborah Kelly
Community Service Advocate in Tanzania