In 2013 David Cornelson founded Project 021, a non-profit organisation that seeks to uplift communities through performing arts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cornelson, who grew up in Lotus River in a family of six siblings, reckons performing arts has always been part of his life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy parents enjoyed dance and would teach us line dancing on Saturdays. As children, we would dress up in our parents\u2019 clothes and tell stories about them through acting,\u201d Cornelson says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Project 021 presents regular classes to develop performing arts disciplines and creates showcase events where children can measure their growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wanted to create a space for young people to be exposed to the fun, enjoyment, and the disciplines of the arts, without finance being a reason for them to be excluded,\u201d Cornelson explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the years he has witnessed the benefits and participants\u2019 personal development across various disciplines such as dance and drama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMost children have the potential to achieve success. In my observation, what holds them back is not their ability, but their lack of confidence to attempt something new. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLow self-esteem also makes them feel that excelling in a particular task is only for others. Through exposure to the arts, they can overcome those limiting mindsets and consider themselves worthy of success.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cornelson remembers a child who had a severe speech impediment and struggled with confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThrough exposure to the arts, the child grew in confidence, eventually started acting, and performed in several productions at the Baxter Theatre.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Initiatives like Project 021 also have a broader social impact \u2013 especially in communities that may lack access to opportunities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe fundamental impact is that it keeps children constructively occupied in a safe space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe deeper impact is the development of each individual through regular intervention and positive influence. It can literally change the trajectory of a child\u2019s life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe arts cross social, religious and racial barriers and is a powerful method of community and nation building,\u201d Cornelson says.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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