Art and Social Justice School workshop held at Bashokuhle Primary School

Learners with AFH Facilitator, Lethuxolo Langa analysing
the banner

On the 14 May, Art for Humanity headed to Umlazi’s BB Section to host the second Art and Social Justice School Workshop for 2012 at Bashokuhle Higher Primary School. 

The workshop started at 10:30 am and consisted of an exuberant 40 learners from grades 5, 6 and 7.  The workshop was facilitated by AFH Director Jan Jordaan, Manager, Lungile Gumede, Art administrator Lethuxolo Langa, Media Administrator Thireshni Sanasy and Poet Brian Gumede.  The workshop began with an introduction by Jan Jordaan, thereafter the learners were taken to the banner installed on their school building by AFH. The banner showcased the artwork “The Sound of an African Drum” by Nigerian artist Joseph Madisia, together with a poem also entitled “The Sound of an African Drum” by Luness Mpunwa-Mhlope.  The gathering of learners led to much excitement and most of the students were not afraid to voice their opinions concerning their interpretation of the artwork and poetry. 

A learner during the workshop

Once the learners were back in the classroom, they got down to documenting their ideas and thoughts in the form of art and poetry.  Creating artwork on various social topics such as aids, violence and abuse, the young learners proved to show great knowledge and observation to the problems around them.  Grade 6 learner, Nosipho Decarlos said, “My artwork is about blooded hands and people fighting with each other and killing each other as Africans.”  She added that she would really like for AFH to host another workshop because through the workshop she has a chance of showing her talent. 

The response from the learners during the workshop were all positive and most of the students showed much excitement towards the workshop.  12 year old Thuli said, “I think the workshops are good because they make our dreams come true.”

Vuyisile Mqedlano (12) reciting her poem

 The poet, Brian Gumede took the spotlight as he performed poetry.  The crowd which consisted off the learners and various subject educators were impressed with his performance.    Brian set the tone for the learners performances as they showed no shyness when having to recite their original poetry.  A grade 7 seven learner, Thuli recited her poetry which was based on “people selling their bodies and their lives”  she made mention of how young girls today dress in short skirts and do not realise that their morality is being lost by their choice of fashion.   

Tiny Vuyisile Mqedlano (12) also of grade 7 showed off her drawing of the South African Flag and wrote a poem based on the significance of the flag.  Adding that she thoroughly enjoyed the workshop.

The workshop ended with AFH facilitator Lethuxolo Langa being flanked by the learners who wanted a hug and to know of the return date of AFH.