The Mosaicing Programme's first project is to create a 20 metre mural for the boundary wall of our local school. The boundary wall faces our one and only main street, so all who will come through the village will see the mural. The project has brought together 40 of our local community members and children who come to mosaic 3 times a week. We are extremely excited about this project, the skills that it is teaching, the conversation it will create and the limitless possibilities of creative work
Riebeeck East is a rural village and its isolation makes it very difficult to access skills training opportunities elsewhere due to travel cost and lack of sufficient income. There are 500 community members living in our local township. A grant is the only income for most families. Children leave school pre-maturely and find it very difficult to find work. Math literacy only is taught at school and there is no opportunity for art education. Boredom, lack of skills and poverty immobilize people.
The mosaic program is teaching community members how to mosaic and to use the relevant tools and materials. The process engages people's creativity; introduces the principles of art and design, as well as concepts of math that are used in the process. Children acquire language skills in learning new terminologies and through engaging with visitors volunteering their assistance. The public mosaic will enhance village and public spaces and encourage entrepreneurial skills.
The mosaic project will beautify our town , encourage conversation and attract voluntary tourism and offer enormous entrepreneurial possibilities. A ceramic kiln has been donated to the organisation. The opportunity to make tiles and inserts for decorative use is limitless. It is our mission as well, to enhance public spaces in our village, introducing mosaic benches which will require skills training in 3D sculptures. Mosaic sessions are taking place 3 times a week and 40 community members
