Reflection+7

=**__WHYY: Interview with Henry__**=

Last week was their Spring break which made the mass absence of students strange for this week. Only one student came to the program but he came right in sat in his usual chair and got right to work on his current project. He worked quietly and diligently. I was curious to see what Henry would do about the lack of attendance and I was impressed to see that he did not just brush off the absence of the kids. One-by-one he called each student and asked them where they were and why they were missing class. I can imagine that actions like that really show the kids that someone realizes that they are not there, and makes them feel important.

In speaking with Henry I learned a bit about their program. This is a free after school audio production program consisting of 10th-12th graders. Students are provided snacks and drinks, making it apparent that this program is truly for the students. After a long hard day at school, and with little pocket money, the idea of doing an after school program to many students in Philadelphia is not practical. Snacks provided allows the students to limit physical distractions and really learn and explore what the program has to offer.

The purpose of the program is for students to learn how to practice audio storytelling through production. The content of the course is guided by the students’ interests, and the access skills are introduced and taught by Henry. The mission of this program is to empower youth through digital media production, by giving teens a voice and a healthy outlet.

The classes is usually run by teaching skills and through practice, teach and refine techniques and additional tools. By the end of the program each student will end with 2 or 3 pieces each.

The class consists of a lot of individual work. Henry, Matt, and Talatu work with the students and help them generate ideas and work one-on-one to help them execute their ideas through their work and ask them questions that help to provoke additional ideas and research resources.

Henry emphasized the key to the class is to balance fun with instruction, especially after a long day of school. He commented that with a program like this you never know how the energy of the class will be that day, "sometimes they're in a good mood and sometimes not, sometimes they're excited, sometimes they're not".