Project Playground, a non-profit organisation formed to make a positive change in society by increasing the self-esteem and optimism of children will host Children’s Arts Festival next Saturday.
In Gugulethu and Langa the organisation provides structured after-school activities for 750 children and youth from these townships.
Their programmes include early childhood development classes, music, dance, drama, visual art, netball, swimming, soccer and a care centre for individuals living with physical and mental disabilities.
The project believes in a holistic approach in child and youth development.
The psychological and emotional health of the child is key to their growth and so we work on a deep level and on an individual basis.
They involve parents, family, schools and the community in the development of each participant who walks through our gates.
The Children’s Arts Festival is an annual event hosted by Project Playground, aimed at inspiring the community by adding colour to their walls and showcasing different art forms performed by the youth of Gugulethu.
This event is also a platform for the project’s participants to perform on the same level as established artists.
“We want to educate Gugulethu, plus other surrounding communities about the importance of creative arts. The more colour we have around our community, the less crime we aspire to follow, because colour gives you hope, love, dreams and ambition to be anything you desire,” explains visual art facilitator Mpume Rakabe.
The Children’s Arts Festival will take place in Gugulethu on Saturday October 12, from 11am until 6pm. It will kick off with a parade down NY1 (Steve Biko Drive), starting at the police station at 8:45am, via Gugulethu Mall joining NY6 (Gasela Street), NY5 (St Gabriel Street) and culminating in NY43. Entry is free and all are welcome. Parking will be provided and NY43 will be closed and safe for pedestrians. For more info email Kay-Lee on esterhuizenkaylee04@gmail com or call 021 633 0263.