Art for the people!

This week I have been painting the mural in Woodstock every day a bit. Magic forest is starting to seem like from a fairytale indeed! I'm pleased to see how the faces of the locals passing by has slowly changed from doubtful head shakes towards approving nodding during the week.

Also I have worked with the kids every day: on Monday in an assembly in Ottery as well as in the afternoon visiting again Lotus River and the children there. Mainly I have worked (three days) with the kids in Khayelitsha. I have now altogether 18 interviews already done form the children between 8-15 age!

What is interesting that from the 18 interview, almost none of the kids fully trust to their friends, since they "turn against you", "bully you" or "spread your secrets to the others". I think that this is a fundamental problem in the communities that struggle with insecurity and crime, since besides the family, friends are the base of social interaction of societies and has a strong value in the construction of a safe community. Furthermore, it seems that there is a lack of places for children to spend time where are trustworthy adults taking care of the security. Safest places are indeed churches, shops, after school program spaces because of the present of trustworthy adults. Parks, streets, sometimes even schools, are not often safe spaces for these kids.

I'm happy to hear that my colleagues are using my two week workshop and interviews as advantage to continue with the same topics in the after school programs after I have changed my neighbourhood to the next. One my colleague continues with the safe places- topic by asking why these places are safe and why to avoid other ones. Also, she talks about the value of trust towards each other with the children. I'm pleased to see how the organisation can use the information I provide to develop their work further. 

Here is something beautiful for you to listen from the kids I work with. I recorded it on this week in the after school program from Khayelitsha, enjoy!