The healing power of creativity
Students at Emmett Johns School recently contributed to a poignant collection of poetry entitled États d’encre. The project was the brainchild of their teacher, Amélie Campagna, and made possible through the generous collaboration of writer Élodie Dugat. The students explored their literary creativity through poetry, short compositions and song lyrics, drawing inspiration from their lives, their deepest thoughts and their dreams.
“After all, I was born in a storm.
Hospitalized for an unknown amount of time.
Lost in a dark hallway and left searching for a spark of light.
After all, sadness is the only thing I’ve ever known.
Despite it all, the only thing I want is to be happy.”
Translation of a text written by Mike (click above on FR to see his original text)
Students and teachers were also involved in creating the accompanying visuals in the collection. The Dans la rue school program and communications teams were particularly helpful in bringing this project to life.
Art as a Way Forward
Through this project, students were able to lean into their creativity to process the experience of losing one of their classmates.
“Death has never been an easy thing to experience, and it’s an even more difficult thing to talk about. In times like these, it’s important to be able to count on the people around you, to pour your heart out to someone by talking, writing or creating art. Everybody finds their own way to grieve. But what’s most important is to think about the joy that the people who have left us brought during their lifetime and to remember that they’re still with us, watching over us, no matter where they are now.”
Translation of a text written by Pénélope (click above on FR to see her original text)
“Alone in the park that is art, I’ve reclaimed my freedom. A place where I can be myself. The gardens are my canvas. The flowers are my brushes. And my heart starts to beat again, where the beauty of nature is the only truth that matters. »
Translation of a text written by Moïse (click above on FR to see his original text)
Congratulations to Mike, Jessica, Alicia, Raphaël, Xavier, Skyler, Pénélope, Moïse, Victor, Samir, Cameron and Wesnika for their creative contributions to this touching compilation.
Emmett Johns School
Established in 1997, Emmett Johns School is an alternative school focusing on transversal competencies, with an academic and social integration component, where youth can resume their high school studies in a welcoming and inclusive environment. It is located in the Dans la rue Day Centre to help make the return to school, the learning environment and the personal effort involved easier for youth, and to provide them with support adapted to suit their needs.
Dans la rue also offers a scholarship program, which is currently providing financial aid to 14 students. Every student at Emmett Johns School progresses at their own pace, with the help of a team of teachers and counsellors, all of whom are dedicated to providing a secure and encouraging environment. A school counsellor meets with students monthly to ensure the process is running smoothly and to help keep them from dropping out. With each passing day, students find a better balance, regain their confidence and become more self-sufficient, so they can look to the future with assurance.
