Community Spotlight: Stability, Confidence and Connection

According to his teachers, Ezekiel was initially a shy student. He was uncomfortable embracing writing because he lacked the proper vocabulary in English—his second language.  Yet, once Troubadour, Inc.’s method of poetry writing was introduced to him, he was suddenly learning new rhyming words and writing more coherent verses than most of his classmates. Using sequential and descriptive language, Ezekiel was finally able to comfortably engage with the English language and freely express himself to his peers and teachers.

Child after child, like Ezekiel, is transformed and liberated through these writing programs, according to Tom Garfield, Troubadour Program Manager.  Troubadour’s teaching artists engage students in writing and literacy as they turn all children into poets through fun and innovative media, like song, games.  Through poetry, children freely engage in self-expression and enjoy writing and language arts.

The Lenny Zakim Fund enthusiastically supports Troubadour’s good work for Ezekiel and all of the children that they reach and teach, and Tom is thankful for the support, education and community that The LZF offers. Though he is grateful for the funding, he is particularly impressed with the networking opportunities and technical support that are offered. “I met very interesting, passionate people” and he’s happy that both he and Troubadour are “part of the LZF family.”