Art Murals colour Khayelitsha school with message of hope

On Thursday 9th February, Supernews joined a group of volunteers including international artist Valentina Argirò to help paint art murals at the Nokhanyisa Educare Centre, in Khayelitsha.

Write on Africa is an initiative that collaborates with local art studios like Jullard Creations to mobilize creativity using visual art in impoverished communities to educate, inspire, affect social change and give hope.

This small community nursery school is run by Ntombizakhe Sisilana, who according to Juma Mkwela of Jullard Creations, “is such an inspiration.” Sisilana’s art project includes drama, music and dance. “She is trying to change children that [sic] are using drugs [through art].”

Founder of Write on Africa, Ricky Lee Gordon (aka ‘Freddy Sam’ from A Word Of Art*), and winner of the Arts and Healing Network Award was featured on CNN recently for the social impact this project is having. He believes that using colour invokes emotion and makes “people smile and feel good [about themselves].”

Write on Africa has completed numerous murals and graffiti artworks with powerful messages like “inspire ourselves, to inspire each other” in areas like Woodstock, the Bo-Kaap and Khayelitsha. They plan to do work in Gambia later this year.

* Write on Africais managed A WORD OF ART, art space and International art residency.

Image 1: Juma Mkwela of Jullard Creations
Image 2: Ntombizakhe Sisilana shows off the trophies won by school children on June 16th.
Image 3: Children from Nokhanyisa Educare Centre
Image 4: Before and after painting session