We provide a creative way for children to express their fears, questions and ideas through art.
Creative support is offered to schools celebrating the various “Special Days” on the school calendar e.g. Arbor Day, Youth Day. The facilitator presents an interesting creative lesson to support the existing lessons around the topic, which the educator is able to replicate in future years. Having an abundance of good quality art materials at their disposal encourages learners to try new things and has a big impact on creative self esteem.
An important component is training educators in simple art techniques and assisting them to integrate art and art therapy into the curriculum. Creative Workshops are held over weekends and educators are encouraged to participate during the class lessons.
The Art Therapy programme is aimed at enhancing resilience in vulnerable children at under-resourced schools in the KZN Midlands. Although Art is a requirement of the DOE Revised National Curriculum Statement, many educators do not have the resources or skills to adequately deal with this. There is much evidence to suggest that well constructed projects like this help to develop ‘resilience’ in vulnerable children. One indicator of improved resilience would be a child who is better able to reach the normal developmental milestones and a child who is more interested in and capable of learning.
This programme is well thought out and carefully constructed and delivered by experienced facilitators who have the well being of the learners and community at heart.
The programme increases awareness of the opportunities which living in the Midlands Meander area provide. Learners gain experience in creating artwork and this stimulation may lead to personal growth and the possibility of sponsorship as an emerging artist on the Midlands Meander.
