Facilitated by the Valued Citizens Initiative through a programme called the Sondela Open Dialogues, the artworks created by secondary school learners reflect an expression of their concerns, hopes, and dreams in the context of an ever-changing world. Grade 10 learners participated in the year-long programme exploring crucial conversations, giving them the confidence to freely express their opinions and aspirations, forming their ideas into artworks assisted by two local artists: Daniel Stompie Selibe and Charles Mamorobela.

These pieces are now being creatively exhibited at the Kaross Studio in Letsitele. Judy Müller, Manager of the Kaross Foundation, is responsible for initiating fundraising opportunities to support programmes that bring about positive change by empowering children through education. They believe that ‘By impacting the education sector in a real and sustainable way, we will positively affect employees and the surrounding communities.’ The opening evening on March 27 was well-attended by stakeholders in the community, including educators and learners from the participating schools.

Jan-Louis Pretorius, chairperson of the Kaross Foundation board gave an overview of the foundation and the importance of working in the community. Carole Ngono-Podetti, managing director of the Valued Citizen Initiative highlighted the way in which the Sondela Open Dialogues artworks invite you to come closer– to listen to what the learners are saying and are not saying about how global issues are affecting their everyday lives. She asserted that ‘the future belongs to a youth that is engaged and valued as an accountable citizen’. The high point of the evening, however, was the learners who gave short but inspiring speeches.

Priority Havaxela Maluleke from Gwambeni Secondary has learnt the importance of self-worth, mutual love, respect, and the value of treating others equally no matter their race or status. Princess Mathipa of Mapheto Secondary expressed how learners now know their value, and their rights and have a voice. When the young people spoke, it was clear to see that a little fire had been lit in each of them. Representing Mahwahwa Secondary, Bruto, and Juno Sabela shared their insights while Lerato Mogale and Jasmine Mahlane from Solani Samson N’wamitwa Secondary urged the audience to ‘bring books’!

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These young people inspired such a sense of hope and joy as they took the first step in playing an active role in our collective future. Moses Gala, representing the Mopani West Education District, ended the formal part of the evening with a word of appreciation to the Kaross Foundation for ‘extending a hand to the future leaders of our country’. He predicted that when these learners appear on television or represent South Africa on international platforms, the Foundation would ‘be able to see their handwriting in them’.

Visit the Kaross Studio in Letsitele and engage with the visual stories but also take the time to wander through the Portrait Gallery for a unique display of some of Limpopo’s most renowned sculptors of the Limpopo Heritage Collection. You can also invest in the creative arts industry by purchasing works from these celebrated artists. As Müller says, ‘For Kaross Foundation to have a real impact, we need to work together and engage in real discussions leading to real actions.’ Come closer and be inspired! The exhibition is running until the end of April from 08:00-16:30 daily at the Kaross Studio & Café near Letsitele. Entry is free of charge. For more information contact Judy at info@ karossfoundation.org or visit their website, www.karossfoundation.org