RURAL PROJECT

Rural Art Enrichment

Impact:

  • 2 Schools
  • 55 Learners

Art is often regarded as a luxury and a privilege afforded to a fortunate few. The Rural Arts Project, in collaboration with the Peter Clarke Art Centre, offers a structured visual arts programme to children and young people, with talent and an interest in the visual arts, who would otherwise not have access to art classes. It promotes creativity in art making as a healthy activity that will cultivate and enhance an appreciation of the arts and culture in general.

The Light from Africa Foundation in collaboration with various stakeholders continually seek to widen the scope of our outreach work. We plan to initiate a rural EMPOWERMENT Arts Project (REAP).

WHERE?

In Suurbraak, Barrydale, Buffeljags River and  Mullersrus. These are rural settlements in the Overberg District at the foot of the beautiful Tradouw Pass in the Langeberg Mountains of the Western Cape, South Africa. While the isolation of these villages is one of the charms, the absence of any industry has forced young people to leave and seek employment elsewhere, which depletes and limits capital inflow into the communities. This results in high rates of unemployment, poverty and teenage pregnancy.

The purpose of the project: The programmes have been designed to teach the following Life Skills:

Building and developing creativity which is essential to learning of any sort.

The creative process encourages problem solving that can be carried over to any subject. Developing learners’ confidence in their own ability to work creatively is an important part of art teaching.

The classes keep the young people constructively occupied while providing an opportunity for participants to explore their creativity.

Creativity has proven to restore a sense of pride and develop self-esteem.

The classes provide a platform for young people to engage with their peers in a constructive manner and the content enhances the importance of showing kindness and community awareness.

Perceived outcomes:

Creating awareness of conservation of natural resources has become more important than ever. Both the visual arts as well as needlecraft help participants to discover and learn to appreciate of their own and other cultures

We believe that providing the opportunities for young people to explore their creativity is a huge investment in the development of their personalities.

The more creatively learners can think and the more they can think for themselves and come up with solutions, the easier it will be for them to grasp concepts and ideas in ALL areas of their lives.

We present training workshops for our facilitators on an ongoing basis.

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LIGHTING FLAMES OF CREATIVITY AND HOPE IN YOUNG LIVES