Art escape for rural youth

IN a small impoverished rural community nestled between Empangeni and eShowe, great young talent is being nurtured by a not for profit organisation that is carefully moulding the futures of five young wire artists.

The boys are all aged between 12 and 16, and their talent was first identified when they attended a rural holiday education club facilitated by I Learn to Live – Ngifundela Ukuphila, which focuses on rural education development.

‘While learning to use a computer for the very first time, one of the youngsters produced an outstanding 3D drawing of a car, using the Paint programme,’ says I Learn to Live Director, Ashling McCarthy.

‘The next day, he brought with him a beautiful wire replica of that car – and instantly the Wire Art Club was born.’

McCarthy took some samples of the work produced in the Club to Durban and presented them to Robin Opperman of Umcebo Design.

‘He was so impressed by the natural raw talent the boys exhibited, that he immediately agreed to run three workshops with I Learn to Live. This included training by master wire artists Jackie Sewpersad and Samuel Gwezva, as well as how to use the correct materials and equipment. The boys were provided with their own equipment sets, and sufficient wire to get them started, and a product was designed for the boys to create and sell,’ says McCarthy.

This year, Umcebo invited the boys to participate in the Intellectual Property Exhibition being held in Durban in October. Further training is required and this will enable the boys to create an outstanding piece for the exhibition – giving them an opportunity to exhibit with some of Durban’s top artists, and meet some important players in the world of arts and culture.

‘So far, each of the boys has bought his own school uniform with the money made from the sale of their products – which means they’re getting a head start on learning the value of money and hard work.’

‘In addition, they attend the I Learn to Live centre in the afternoon to do their homework, and improve their English. Staying in school and improving their marks is a non-negotiable aspect of their participation in the project.

I Learn to Live currently works side by side with Izulu Orphan Projects (IOP) at the IOP rural support centre outside of Empangeni, in the Mevamhlophe area.

To learn more about I Learn to Live, visit: www.ilearntolive.co.za or contact Director Ashling McCarthy on 072 4320316.