In a bid to groom growing poets in the Spoken word industry, Penboy had organized a 4-week intensive free online workshop on Poetry and Spoken word (Spoken word Poetry)
This workshop had as intention to equip participants in spoken word and written poetry.
Penboy, whose birth name is Taleabong Boris Alemnge has a deep passion that compels him to be dedicated to poetry. He uses it mainly for advocacy and to convey different messages. This was what gave him that drive to initiate this workshop, as he explains that he had noticed in recent times, a lot of youths engaging in writing and performing this art without any professional training or background in it. This is understandable because “poetry, just as any other art comes from the heart.” He explains.
This workshop lasted the duration of 5days, with assignments too that further exposed the depths of poetry. At the end of the day, the organizer (Penboy) expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and outcome, considering the challenges of holding online classes.
“I was quite impressed by the participation and engagement of some students. Hosting online classes are quite challenging. Especially with the difference in time zones, schedules and technical difficulties. But I’m quite glad a handful of students showed interest, participated fully, and were equally fully engaged.” Penboy said.
With over 41 active members who came with huge expectations and varied reasons for joining the training, some of them confessed their satisfaction with the session.
Ethel Muring recounts that…
“PenBoy is a “maître” in what he does. He is just so excellent in spoken word poetry. He inspired me to attend his own poetry and spoken word class.
I’ve learnt quite a lot during this session like proper writing skills, good applications of rhyme schemes, amongst others.”
Blessing Fonyuy on her part, explains with a satisfactory tone that she has been greatly empowered. “Going in for this session, I had never written a poem or done spoken word before. But after attending those classes, I have learnt a lot and I am looking forward to when I start writing my own poems.”
Though impressed with the turnout, Penboy is not entirely satisfied as he is making plans on investing more time in doing onsite trainings where participants will learn through practicals and demonstrations which he believes will produce better results.
“…as for my students of this particular online training, I’m going to keep my watch just as I’ve always been doing; not just by showing up when they need me, but equally helping them out with materials until they’re fit to stand on their own.” Penboy added.
Organizers hope that participants do not end there, but use the lessons to do greater works in future.
Elat Larissa,
Participant.
