Students at WISE (Work Initiative for Support in Education) have just completed a three- week course in pottery, both slab and wheel work, that was very much enjoyed by the students. Adam Azaire from St Lucia, who recently ran a course at the prison, was the instructor for the course that was sponsored by the Small Enterprise Development Unit of the Anguilla Development Board and initiated by Wilma Vanterpool. In addition, Azaire waived his tuition fee, making it possible for the three-week course.

Gabriele Klaren presenting certificate of appreciation to Adam Azaire

Gabriele Klaren, the coordinator of the WISE project, expressed her thanks to Adam who she said had inspired the students and produced such good work. The slab roller and potters wheel were donated by a local businessman and Klaren said that they are very grateful for this type of assistance and hope that other businesses will assist as well since much more is needed at the Centre. She gave special thanks to Wilma Vanterpool who she said “makes things happen”. More than 100 students benefitted from the course and are keen to continue when Azaire returns next term.

Adam Azaire said that the students did very well in the short time available and produced some good work although some of them had difficulty with the wheel. He has promised to return next term to continue working with the WISE students. In the meantime Gabriele will be continuing with the pottery and supervising the glazing of the completed work.

Students and teachers with pottery work

The WISE programme provides an opportunity for students who find it difficult to access the regular curriculum in some subject areas and gives them other means of achieving success. The project focuses on small groups of students who attend four mornings or less each week and work on individual projects that interest them. Other subjects open to the students include carpentry, metal work, gardening, visual arts, making jewelry and sewing.

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