At just five years old, Andrew discovered that art was more than a pastime. While watching cartoons as a child, he began to draw and recreate what he saw on screen. That early fascination sparked something lasting. “That’s when I realised art was more than just a hobby,” he says. “It felt like something I was meant to do.”
Andrew was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and grew up in Cape Town in the Mulenda household. His upbringing was shaped by difficult circumstances, which taught him resilience and discipline from a young age. “I went through rough times,” he reflects. “It taught me to work hard and stay practical.” Despite the challenges, art remained a constant in his life. It became both an outlet and a source of hope.
Building Confidence Through Arts Education
As he grew older, Andrew pursued his passion at the Peter Clarke Art Centre, one of South Africa’s most respected institutions for arts education. Studying at the centre strengthened his technical skills and transformed how he saw himself. “This opportunity changed my self-image,” he says. “Now I view myself as a real artist.”
However, the journey was not without obstacles. Transport costs and tuition fees placed significant strain on Andrew and his family. There were moments when the financial pressure and emotional stress made him consider giving up his studies altogether. “I considered giving up art due to stress and insecurity,” he admits. “My passion for art and the belief that it was my destiny carried me through.”
Removing Financial Barriers Through Partnership
Everything changed when Andrew received a bursary through the partnership between the Light from Africa Foundation (LFAF) and the Peter Clarke Art Centre. He describes the moment as joyful and unexpected. “I was happy and surprised,” he says. “I shared the news with my parents first because I wanted to thank them for their support and make them proud.”
The impact of the bursary has been both practical and emotional. Financial relief has allowed Andrew to focus fully on his studies and creative development. “The bursary brought positive change into my life. I worry less about money, which allows me to give greater attention to my education. I feel more at ease and able to pursue my goals with greater effort.”
Principal Cindie Ah Ling explains why this kind of support is critical. “Children should not be burdened with financial barriers when it comes to education,” she says. “When those barriers are removed, learners immerse themselves in a creative environment that increases their self-worth, sense of belonging and personal growth.”
The partnership between LFAF and the Peter Clarke Art Centre began in 2019 and has expanded access to quality arts education for learners from under-resourced schools across Cape Town and surrounding communities. In 2025, the partnership reached a historic milestone when learners from partner schools wrote their Grade 12 FET Design and FET Visual Art final examinations for the first time. The collaboration continues to strengthen the centre’s outreach footprint and reinforce its commitment to providing quality arts education to all.
Equalising the Playing Field Through Art
LFAF CEO Godfrey Hendrickse believes that investing in arts education strengthens both academic performance and social development. “Art education helps children improve their ability to focus and perform academically,” he says. “More importantly, art supports social and emotional development. Many children from at-risk communities lack confidence and resilience. Art gives them a voice and a means of expression.”
Through its Schools Art Enrichment Programme and its partnership with the Peter Clarke Art Centre, the Light from Africa Foundation works to level the playing field. The organisation believes that all children, regardless of background or circumstance, deserve equal access to creative opportunities that allow them to realise their full potential.
Looking Ahead With Hope
For Andrew, the future now feels possible. He wants his art to tell his story and inspire others. “I want to encourage people and inspire my family with honour,” he says. “I want to bring hope into my community.”
Andrew’s story highlights the power of art sponsorship in South Africa. When individuals invest in a young artist’s education, they do more than fund tuition. They help shape confidence, unlock potential and strengthen communities through creative expression.
For more information on how you can sponsor an art student, email info@lightfromafrica.com.
