The inaugural visual arts holiday programme at the Astra Primary Literacy Centre is allowing northern areas children to escape societal ills through the magic of colour and creativity.
The week-long programme caters for grade 3 to 5 pupils and has seen a steady attendance of about 30 pupils each day.
Astra Primary Literacy Centre grade R teacher Donna Noland said despite limited resources, the programme had been well received by participants.
The programme started on Tuesday and ends on Friday.
Noland said the children could choose from paint, pastel, charcoal, graphite pencils, colour paper and A3 sheets to bring their drawings to life.
“The programme was meant to provide a safe haven for children during the school holidays while also introducing them to different art styles and mediums.
It ensured they were in a safe space to express their creativity.
“We received donations of cash and supplies from Clarendon Park Primary which has allowed us to feed the children for the full four days.
“And thanks to their funding, we were able to extend the programme to more than two days.
“The kids are excited, they are there before me in the mornings and what was going to be an hour programme, turned into two hours due to them wanting to continue, so I am excited to see their interest in art,” Noland said.
She said they hoped to teach life lessons that would inspire the children to play an active role in keeping their environment clean.
Each day falls under a new theme, with Thursday’s being ‘Heroes in nature’ which taught the importance of keeping their environment clean.
Using recycled newspapers, old milk bottles, cold drink and juice bottles, the children were introduced to a world of recycling through art.
“We did not want the children to play in unsafe spaces, because there are a lot of areas that have sewage problems,” Noland said.
“Extension 32 has severe sewage problems that make puddles that look like pools.
“In our area, kids think any water is clean water, not realising it is unsafe.
“Sometimes the parents are working and the kids are left in the care of grannies or neighbours, so eyes are not always on them and kids naturally have a wandering spirit.
“That is why we wanted to create a safe space where we could have eyes on them at all times.
“I hope this programme can be an annual event during the June holidays and eventually create a northern areas’ art competition.”
The Herald
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