Levi Tafari visited Malta from 10-12 March 2009 to conduct workshops in two schools that are participating in the INDIE project – St Clare’s College in Pembroke (Girls Secondary School) and St Clare’s College in Gzira (Boys Secondary School).

In each school, Levi first conducted a workshop for teachers, followed by a workshop for the pupils. He then performed and read his poetry to the school, and discussed issues related to diversity and tolerance.

In preparation for his visit, the students put up display boards featuring extracts from Levi’s poetry, and collages and paintings inspired by the INDIE themes.

In the evening Levi also gave a poetry reading to the general public at St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity in Valletta.

Comments from the students:

“We did well by working as a team”

“You should get more people to talk about their life in different cultures”

“I really enjoyed the session”

Comments from the teachers:

“It confirmed that learning should be fun”

“I learned how the issue of cultural diversity can be introduced in classes in a practical way”

“We need more interactive and creative people like Levi to work with our students”

Levi Tafari was born in Liverpool and is the author of four poetry collections: Duboetry (1987), Liverpool Experience (1989), Rhyme Don't Pay (1998) and From the Page to the Stage (2006). His plays have been performed at the Unity Theatre and the Playhouse in Liverpool, as well as at the Blackheath Theatre in Stafford. He has also worked on educational projects running creative writing workshops in schools, colleges, universities, youth centres, prisons and libraries. Levi Tafari has made a well-received film on Rastafarianism for BBC television’s Everyman programme entitled The Road to Zion. His musical projects include work with Ghanian drum and dance ensemble Delado, the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and his own reggae fusion band Ministry of Love. He has also played with Urban Strawberry Lunch and Griot Workshop and has recently worked with jazz musician Dennis Rollins.

Levi Tafari has also worked on educational projects running creative writing workshops in schools, colleges, universities, youth centres, prisons and libraries.