Sechaba Advancement Enterprise in partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture introduced a programme for special needs children to show their artistic capabilities through pottery, drawing, painting and bead work.
Vusi Yende, founder of the organisation, explains the purpose of the project was to empower special- needs children with skills that they may use in the future to generate an income and also be active members in the community.
“These children may not be intellectually capable but they also have different talents which they may offer to the community. It’s a common myth that they are not capable and should depend on grants after they have finished their schooling careers.
“We wanted to transform their lives and show the community that these children have a lot to offer in society,” says Yende.
Parents and community members came in their numbers to come support the learners, who sold their artworks to the community.
Yende also mentioned their plans to expand the project to introduce performing arts and music.
“The project will also be available in other special-needs school around Kwatsaduza and Daveyton in future.
“Our vision is to have an art centre in such schools so learners can express their creativity and talents in arts,” adds Yende.