1. What is ColourIkamva?
ColourIkamva is an idea inspired by the the amazing work of
IkamvaYouth, an after school mentoring and tutoring program for learners in
disadvantages communities. They work by a ‘culture of responsibility’
that has empowered students to lift themselves and each other out of poverty
and into tertiary and employment opportunities. These kids are smart,
charismatic and beautifully talented and our goal is to work with the
students in co-creating an environment that reflects the beauty they all hold
within. Our vision is to evolve the current discourse surrounding public
schools in our country. The challenges facing our educational set-up are vast
and layered. We are trying to slowly deconstruct these issues with a module
that focuses on quality education in an inspiring, positive environment and
collective empowerment though creativity.
2. How did this project come about?
In preparation for this project, we spent almost six months
gathering ideas and solutions from creative thinkers all around the world,
documenting their thoughts into a body of evidence supporting our goal of
transforming South African schools. We learnt that there is a clear
relationship between physical space and the emotional and social development of
people. After speaking to accomplished artists, community leaders, city
arts planners and even a monk from Nepal, we became even more convinced of the
need to address the environments where young people go to learn. As young South
Africans we felt compelled to use whatever skill set we have been given or
learnt to try and be a apart of the solution. Given that we all have
different individual talents and the need for attention so vast, collaboration
is key.
3. What is the biggest challenge for ColourIkamva
The biggest challenge is just the amount of work that needs to
be done! Neglecting our schools is ultimately an oppression of our potential,
when the system fails us at an individual level it tragically hinders the
growth of our entire nation. The challenge is creating
something sustainable, and this is a long process that involves navigating
through the project in a way that is conscious of all the social, economic
and historical sensitivities that exist in South Africa. This takes a lot
of communication, understanding and time. We are trying to pass on tools for
empowerment, as opposed to a 'giving' people a new environment where that they
have no connection of personal ownership or investment in.
4. How are the children reacting to the newly painted and colourful spaces?
Everybody seems so happy! I think the main thing was us actually
spending a lot of time working with educators and students and building
relationships with them. Watch the video for some of the reactions! We're doing
academic research through NW University on the impact... official results in
waiting :)
5. What's the next project?
We're in the process of securing our next school in Cape Town.
We're going to try and capitalise on our status as an official WDC project,
and continue to get the word out to potential supporters and
collaborators.
6. How did you feel when you were chosen to exhibit at Design Indaba and how do you see it helping with your project?
I think it's a great opportunity to connect with like minded people as well as showcasing how design can be used for social upliftment. I'm
excited!
Please check out their video
and check out there website on www.colourikamva.co.za
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