Lalela

 

As children are still developing into the stage of adulthood, they are easily impressionable and as for disadvantaged kids who are victims of abuse and neglect, they find themselves looking for guidance to have a sense of purpose and identity and to express themselves, often fall in the hands of negative influences that surrounds them in their communities.

In Cape Town South Africa, Lalela a non-profit Organisation after school art program provides a safe space for disadvantaged youth, surrounded by the negative influences in their communities and homes. The space allows kids to speak out about the challenges they face that surrounds them within their communities, understanding these social issues the kids face Lalela is able to provide creative solutions and a way forward.

 

Through Lalela’s art curriculum, kids have the freedom to express themselves. Tapping into their imagination and creativeness, the art curriculum and critical messaging component teaches kids how to manifest their goals and dreams, opening them up to a world of positivity that could lead them down a path for success giving them a chance to create a better future within their communities.

 Lalela chooses the path of Art Education because schools are struggling to find the funding for art resources, schooling curriculums has since removed the subject, but it is crucial for creativity to be part of a developing child’s life. Many of the children who started at Lalela 10 years ago have gone on not only to complete high school and tertiary education, but to manifest their dreams into noteworthy careers and successful and meaningful life paths, in so many ways due to the transformative power of the arts.

By Reece Adams

 

Listen to the interview with Firdous Hendricks representing Lalela below

Presenter: Mkhuseli "Khusi" Veto

Producer: Reece Adams